Hello all,
First post!  I recently bought a running Cat 22 and look forward to working on it, preserving it, and driving it in the local museum tractor parade.  It's a nice, unmolested machine that starts right up and operates as it should.  It's a lot of fun and I'm quite pleased with it.  I have the operators manual plus the parts book, and have been reading and learning everything I can about it.   
It has the original gauges, and the oil pressure needle just barely touches the beginning of the 'operating range' scale.  I plan to hook up (temporarily) a new gauge to verify pressure.  But assuming the pressure is on the low side (or even if it isn't),  is it recommended that I remove the plate on the bottom of the oil pan to inspect / clean the pickup?  It seems like a good idea, and I plan to change the oil soon anyway.
Second question:  The carb (Zenith K5A) drips (if the fuel tank valve is left on) so I plan to go through it.  I found a kit offered by "The carburetor Shop".  Does anyone have experience with this kit, or is something else recommended?
This machine is a keeper, and I hope to (eventually) be a Cat 22 expert (if I live long enough, that is).  But until then, I will seek the advice and wisdom of the many Cat enthusiasts who have come before me.  Thank you!
Charlie Rowlett
Fallbrook, CA  

      

Looks like a nice straight machine!! Congratulations! If you don't know much of the history of the tractor I would start with a fresh oil change. The present oil may be diluted and giving low readings. You have the right idea to check the pressure gauge as it may be off. Carb kits are easy to install and it sounds like it may need a kit or check for any small cracks in the carb.
I don't own a 22 but the gas leak may somehow get into the crankcase.
Glad to have you aboard as a new member. There are others on the board that can probably give you some other ideas to try.

That is a great looking machine Charlie and I'm happy to see you got it home. Welcome to the bulletin board! You will find some great information here. I can't wait to see in June at our show in Vista Ca.

Hi, D2Charlie.
Congratulations on acquiring such a straight unit. GREAT stuff. I'm guessing that the wire hanging down from the top left of the radiator is in place of the original strap attached to the middle of the left side of the radiator to carry the crank handle up out of danger.

My parents hadda a 22 with a hand windlass controlled dozer blade on the family farm when I was in early high school - still have memories of MANY happy hours spent flattening scrub or pulling a barred roller to crush bracken fern - South coast of Western Australia - mid-late 1950s. This machine had been set up for remote control from a harvester and so hadda hand clutch that was PULLED to disengage the clutch but returned under it own springs when released, preferably slowly.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT'Z an ORDER!!!!!! LOL.

Just my 0.02.

Great looking Twenty Two. I do not get out much but that is only the second one that I have seen with that canopy. All of the canopy parts above the castings that bolt on the fenders also fit one of the canopies that go on the Twenty Eight.
I will let you and the others work on the oil pressure but I do have a story from my grandfather's cousin (my first cousin, two times removed) who worked in engineering at Cat in the 40s and early 50. He said that they were getting so many oil pressure complaints because the gauges they were using would only register the oil pressure in the lower ranges on the gauge that they started using what he called a "false reading" pressure gauge. He said that the false reading gauge would almost peg the needle at the high side of the range anytime the tractor was running. I have a couple of pictures of him when he went with a couple of tractors, a D8 and a D2, to the Nebraska Test labs. He owned 5 D2 and a Ten when he died. His son still has the D2s and I bought the Ten a couple of years ago.

That is a nice tractor.   Even came with what appears to be new Haun seat cushions
 You will need to cut that bracket someone welded on for a generator though.   Get us more pictures please.

Welcome! As others mentioned, I would start with a nice flushing of the crankcase and fresh oil change. Some gauges do not provide accurate readings or even the oil line could have some restriction in it. I prefer the easiest route, to keep from opening up a possible "Pandora's Box" sort of speak.
I was going to suggest hanging out with some guys from your area, but looks like you are already stuck with D4Angelo! (He is actually an okay dude, but we have to keep his BP up).
I like that 22. One day I will add one to the list. Enjoy your new gem and may there be many more in the future. JM

Thanks to all who have responded.  I already feel part of the family!  Attached are a few more pics.  Hey 'side-seat', I had to chuckle when you mentioned removing the old generator bracket.  That is actually one of the first things on my list!  I find that bracket quite offensive (lol) and will be removing it soon.
The seat cushion is in perfect shape (no tears) and yet looks seasoned enough as to go unnoticed.  Perfect.
A new leather strap for the crank handle is on the list as well.  My plan is to clean off all the dried mud, dirt, old grease, leaves and spiderwebs, but otherwise keep it as is. 
Another thing that I really like is the canopy.  I'm told the brackets are OEM Cat, but the uprights and top frame may not be.  The roof is plywood, which to me has a good look and will be kept, although I think it was originally made of steel.  The canopy may be a bit lower than original too.  (Chop top?)  I'm OK with that since I'm only five-eight. 
Now in regards to detail, close inspection will reveal some non original zinc colored bolt heads on the seat attach points and canopy frame.  I find these quite offensive as well!  Until I find the correct, perfectly rusted replacement bolts, I plan to paint these with flat brown spray paint in order to blend in.  Also need the perfect rusty pipe to replace that galvy section in the exhaust stack.  Fun stuff that will all be done before the June show in Vista.
Have a great day everyone!
          

Hi D2 Charlie
I have just started looking into getting my 22 running again and I am also new to the site. I found a company called carburettor doctor. They have a rebuild kit for the K5, if you need to go that far. I found another company here in Australia that had a kit for the fuel pump.
You are lucky to have the seat, mine is long gone.
There is so much knowledge here and have learn 't a lot about my machine from the forum.
Cheers Reid

Welcome D2Charlie and reidyg71, the 22 are a nice little Cat to drive, they do have a drinking problem though if you working them hard, they are a gas guzzler.

Reid, those kits you mentioned, what was the name of the company here in Oz that had the fuel pump kit? I had a 22 fuel pump rebuilt over in the USA about 6 years ago, it cost around $US180 from memory.
Thanks
Mike