I'm new to this site but just collected all of the pieces of my great grandfather's D2 (4U2365) used in his southern California orchard operation in the 40's I believe. I know it ran about 30 years ago but it's been at a machine shop for the last 25 years. I understand it was to the shop because someone forgot to put coolant in it, it froze and the main block cracked. For purely emotional reasons, I'm interested in getting the unit operable in a reasonable period of time so I am wondering if anyone has or knows of a 4U engine in good working condition. I'm a rancher in northern California (just below the Oregon border). Thanks in advance.

"hayseedlawguy" wrote:

I'm new to this site but just collected all of the pieces of my great grandfather's D2 (4U2365) used in his southern California orchard operation in the 40's I believe. I know it ran about 30 years ago but it's been at a machine shop for the last 25 years. I understand it was to the shop because someone forgot to put coolant in it, it froze and the main block cracked. For purely emotional reasons, I'm interested in getting the unit operable in a reasonable period of time so I am wondering if anyone has or knows of a 4U engine in good working condition. I'm a rancher in northern California (just below the Oregon border). Thanks in advance.

4u's and 5u's use the same engine. get someone knowledgable to evaluate the machine before pouring $$$$$$ into it. i know u say "emotional" but as harry said" a mans gotta know his limitations". this would be a good project for a active and strong chapter. good luck, this cat stuff is hard and heavy.

Welcome to the forum Hayseedlawguy. If you post a wanted add in the For Sale/Wanted you will have more people see it that may have an engine to sell. You will find a lot of good help here. Save you nickels though. Most folks can not stop with just one machine.

Edit: I see Ag-mike is a couple minutes ahead of me. Lots of good Cat people up by the Oregon border. Check out the chapters and consider joining one in your area.

Thanks fellas for the prompt response. Good to know the engine is the same on the 4U & 5U and do appreciate the caution before going hog wild into a restoration project. While not an antique Caterpillar specialist, the guy who owned the shop where it sat is a seasoned heavy equipment mechanic. Based on his assessment (and my limited skill set, of which he is keenly aware), it seemed a new engine might be the best play. I looked at chapter map and it looks like there are 2 nor cal and oregon chapter. Not entirely sure which is closest geographically so I'll email contacts for each. I'm in Fort Jones/Siskiyou County (just on California side of the Oregon border). Again thanks! Pleased to have found this site.

just about any D311 engine will fit---I have an industrial engine in my 4U