D7 17a Direct electric conversion

Yes, direct start parts are available....requires the special drive end housing, helical drive gear and a 50MT Delco Remy starter motor.

I guess holes still have to be drilled and tapped for mountin

what is the best source for the parts?

No hole drilling required for the starter. Does involve a 24V electrical system, battery box, switching etc. Are you serious or just contemplating?

OM I'd say I'm pretty serious this thing is a great starter (I can push it with a bobcat and easily start it) and the pony hasn't run right in years (one cylinder wont fire,bad carb float, rusty fuel tank, and the air breather and associated piping has been gone for years so who knows how much dirt this thing has ate) and i'd like to use it in the near future so yeah i'm probably gonna do it.

Now not saying I might not go ahead and tear down the pony and see what is wrong with it in case I want to do a full restoration on it in the future I could easily convert it back to a pony start and the direct start parts will be in demand if I wanted to sell them

Plus with the front hydraulic unit and no rear unit this thing is front heavy anyway. losing the pony might help matters there as well

This is what it looks like, you can go ahead and find a 50MT starter motor, 24v, CW rotation.....used, rebuilt, new or knock off. If you ship they are heavy and need extra protection for the rear terminal stud. The nose housing and drive they probably will come with can not be used in this conversion.

I'll dig out the source for the adapter nose housing and 12 tooth helical drive in the morning.

The alternator is an adaption from a generator housing, I don't have a source for that particular one. If you are just recharging batteries, no more than 20 amps you can get by without a cooling fan on the alternator, even can use the 10si Delco enclosed (no ventilation holes) housing. If the load is greater a unit with built in fan and ventilation is required.

You can buy the drive and adapter housing here. Either a 12 or 11 tooth (RH only) helix will work, original was twelve tooth. You'll have to call and ask about the D7/D8 adapter housing Stock # 12144 ($56)
as it is not currently listed.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Caterpillar-Helix-Starter-Drive-40-MT-Conversion-12-T-/350504036439?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item519bab2857

or you can buy the whole works here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-50MT-PONY-MOTOR-REPLACEMENT-STARTER-24VOLT-24V-/110606725527?pt=Other_Vehicle_Parts&vxp=mtr&hash=item19c0acb197

Ok I will probably go with the complete unit but it is listed as an 11 tooth and it says LH drive? that contradicts what you said to order

I figured I could get a battery box off a D7E and Mount on the LH rail along the seat........ switches and the like are no problem Just want to make sure I order the right thing the first time

Old Magnet, I am not doubting you at all I just wanted to clarify........ And I really appreciate your help on this as well as what i have read on other threads that have tought me much

Yes, I saw that, the 11 tooth will work but original pinion was 12 tooth and either is available. As far as their "left angle" or words to that affect, it is apparent they don't know the convention for describing the drive. Correct terminology is right hand helix as viewed from the drive end (motor). The picture I included is correct. I'd have a chat with those starter folks and ask for a picture to get it right. They do make a LH helix pinion also but that's not correct for the 17A application.

Okay OM,
Will this starter bolt directly to the tranny housing, or will I have to make an adapter plate?
What is the best way to by-pass the water jacket piping that goes into the pony?
Looks like I am gonna be in this around $1000. About what does it cost to just rebuild a pony?
Thanks,
Todd

The setup shown in the pictures bolt directly in place of the pony, no adapter required. Pony costs depend on how much needs to be done but $1,200 - $1,500 is probably a good range for a complete overhaul with you doing all but the machine work.

Just make up some block off flanges for the water connections.