Direct Electric Start d2

Interesting configuration. As for priming, can you see where the output side of the priming pump goes? One type of start assist sprays fuel into the intake manifold and ignites it. Perhaps that's what this tractor has. It could also be to prime the main diesel injection system but usually that priming only happens once after air is introduced into the system (e.g. after a filter change) and not on an everyday first start scenario. I'm also curious as to why that control is on the other side of the engine - perhaps it's a remote governor control since the rod seems to go down towards the governor. In any case, that's a nice looking unit that would be great to see in operation, especially if that awesome "paint job" is left alone

Interesting configuration. As for priming, can you see where the output side of the priming pump goes? One type of start assist sprays fuel into the intake manifold and ignites it. Perhaps that's what this tractor has. It could also be to prime the main diesel injection system but usually that priming only happens once after air is introduced into the system (e.g. after a filter change) and not on an everyday first start scenario. I'm also curious as to why that control is on the other side of the engine - perhaps it's a remote governor control since the rod seems to go down towards the governor. In any case, that's a nice looking unit that would be great to see in operation, especially if that awesome "paint job" is left alone

As straight as it is, some parts of the rear end are stuck and I’d imagine the engine is oil stuck. Hasn’t moved in years, which doesn’t do these any good. None of the levers even try to budge and the main spring is pretty saggy. That’s why it’s sat for a while. Other, less involved projects come up and time passes. The guy my dad bought it from had another DE start d2 but it was in horrible shape. The only reason it wasn’t scrapped was because it had some good DE parts left, but it was more carcass than tractor. 

At the 2023 Santa Margarita show, there were 2 tailseat d2s that were DE start. I snapped some pictures, and while some parts are similar, none had the same pump as ours. I’m wondering if these had the glow plugs setup. I didn’t meet anyone who owned them so I couldn’t talk to anyone about the tractors unfortunately.  [attachment=76614]20230525_163743.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76615]IMG_7257.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76616]20230525_163656.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76617]IMG_7221.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76618]IMG_7223.jpeg[/attachment]

At the 2023 Santa Margarita show, there were 2 tailseat d2s that were DE start. I snapped some pictures, and while some parts are similar, none had the same pump as ours. I’m wondering if these had the glow plugs setup. I didn’t meet anyone who owned them so I couldn’t talk to anyone about the tractors unfortunately.  [attachment=76614]20230525_163743.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76615]IMG_7257.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76616]20230525_163656.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76617]IMG_7221.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=76618]IMG_7223.jpeg[/attachment]

The pictures from the show are of a U-series D2, which has a different engine to the 3J machine that you first posted about.

The last two pictures are of one of my D2's, although I wasn't at Santa Margarita this year... you might have taken those pictures in 2023.
To answer your question, yes mine do have glow plugs. If your tractor doesn't have glow plugs, installing a block heater that circulates the coolant will help it start easier.
      Upon re-reading your post I see that the pictures are from 2023...My Bad.

The only DE Js i remember we’re out in Yucaipa .

D4e. My father bought this one from Irv Baker back in the late 90s. There’s also one in corona, and one up in pismo.