It will take some luck here as well. I have yellow fever but near zero D2 mechanic knowledge or skills. I am a good listener so thanks for the comments. I ordered a D2 track gauge from Chapter 19 The tale that tells is grousers are at the repair stage, sprocket as well. Surprisingly the track chain height shows 100%. Now,on to how to soak the turn clutches? Thanks again.

B wrote:

It will take some luck here as well. I have yellow fever but near zero D2 mechanic knowledge or skills. I am a good listener so thanks for the comments. I ordered a D2 track gauge from Chapter 19 The tale that tells is grousers are at the repair stage, sprocket as well. Surprisingly the track chain height shows 100%. Now,on to how to soak the turn clutches? Thanks again.

***BDA: My "first" project I knew less than nothing, and a few years later have picked up some good pointers from folks here, so do not be "down" on yourself; over 35 crawlers later, I still find each one very interesting and think about what had to be done to revive some of them. Many of us enjoy a good challenge! My best friend was a re-print manual to help guide me along, as I only had basic skills and was more versed on working on semi trailers here. 
As far as your track measurements, are you sure you have the correct gauge? Your rail height and sprockets look excellent from the photos; the grousers have a lot of meat on them still; myself, I see no reason to rebuild the bottom end of your new toy. I have seen many that were well worn past destruction; the rear rollers on a D2 seem to wear faster, you may want to jack the machine up to see if there is any slop in the bearing caps/shaft, as they will get sloppy and eat into the track frame.
Steering? Open up the cover and see what is left of the adjustment;you might be able to adjust to the maximum and then work the levers back and forth; when you get the unit running again, mash on the brakes while holding levers back, working it forward and backwards; get everything nice and hot. You may get lucky and have them pop free. My personal experiences have taught me to try for the fastest and least expensive methods rather than getting deep into the wallet. JM
 

yes if you want them perfect you need a rather fat wallet. they dont call em yellow money boxes for nothing. dont be scared to ask your local dealer about parts many are available and common bits are reasonably cheap particulary if used on later models so handle grips, bungs and grease fittings are cheap the more uncommon things are pricier.

get yourself a owners book, servicemans book, and importantly the parts book look for one that covers your serial number. ebay and flea markets are a good source. also try the cat publications website they have a huge range of reprints never know what you'll find.

if you join acmoc as a financial member you get access to the tech library which has lots of info on many machines, service bulletins and other stuff and is always growing thanks to the dedicated volunteers who maintain it.

stupid questions are the ones not asked. the forum also has a search function. by using it you might not have to ask as other have asked before you.

yould be surprised how long track gear can last if your not working the machine and its only for display you dont need top notch trackgear just to move it under its own power.

Good advice, thanks. I did get both books and other great advice from ACMOC members here. The goal is to get the machine working whatever it takes,. The previous owner was going to replace the steering clutch. He got the track off and a few other bolts then let it sit for 20 years. I bought the D2 and the trailer it's sitting on so will haul the machine to a qualified shop for the heavy work. The local CAT dealer wants $145/hr just to talk to me, "Yellow Money Box", not so funny now.

OK.. stupid question... If a new D2 costs 200K+ why aren't these older D2's with 70 years of proving it being rebuilt? Don't tell me no cup holder. THX again, Doug

Mr Juiceman,
May I send you a few pics for your comment?
Thanks, Doug

With valve cover off and watching for stuck valve- Gently -Gently try the decompress lever -no hydro lock

Hah! The plot thickens! ONLY $145.00 per hour??? That is a bargain actually. Our local (two guesses here) CAT house was close to $200 an hour in-shop almost 3 years ago, and proudly said they had not increased their hourly rates to adjust for "things". I couldn't afford them then and a hard pill to swallow if I need any engine work done if now. Granted they do really good work, but they are also a union shop, so when I am there by coincidence to say hello to other CAT owners in the parking lot, they gleefully come out and say hello to me while they are on their break I hope, and not on someones dime...I suppose you get what you pay for.
I thought your mo'chine was fully intact still. Nothing more exciting than finishing where someone left off. You are most welcome to share photos here or text to me, however you are comfy. PM me your email or phone number, I will share mine.
Do not let me discourage you on the repair(s). If someone built it, it can be put back together!!! JM

the only work where you really need qualified mechanic is the track itself. working on the track chains can be dangerous as thing are under high pressure in a track press.
that doesnt mean you use the dealer mechanic many companies do track service. shop around. aftermarket stuff is also available. and the parts book is a must have even if you get a professional to work on it for you as the first any supplier will ask for is a part number.

Thanks a lot JM. I'll get a pix with the valve cover off to you. Someone mentioned that the starter may be an issue? The pony on this pulls over easily. The levers on the pony all work easily as well. I'm thinking "starter" is the electric motor for the pony. Where would a rusted gear be an issue with the D311 engine turning over? I don't see a way to add pix here so will go back to "Discussions" and drop pix there.

Yes, for sure I'll get the machine to a qualified shop for the heavy repairs. I have the books and a track gauge now. With you guys help I'm getting educated pretty fast. This machine will be repaired, whatever it takes. Regards, Doug