Cat 212

I recently acquired a Cat 212 Motor Grader, which was originally my uncle's. He has long since passed, and I was able to purchase it from my cousin's daughter. My cousin has also passed. so I can't ask him exactly what happened, but my cousin was cleaning an irrigation ditch, and rolled it over. He jumped clear, and as I understand it, was able to crawl back over and shut off the machine. I have no idea how long it might have run while upside down, but I assume not long. I want to get it going again, and my question is, could I try to start it and just monitor the oil pressure to see if anything was damaged before he got it shut down.

I appreciate any input. I believe the serial # is 1Mxxx, which I think makes it a 1939. It is a single axle diesel.

Thanks.

Hi, Flatop27.

If you are starting it with a pony motor, you could keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge - which you should do anyway - to see if it does have oil pressure BEFORE you try to start it. That'z wunna the BIG pluses of the pony motor starting system. Even a little oil pressure showing when turning with the pony motor is an encouraging sign 'coz it'z turning at low revolutions -may build when 'ackshully' running.

If there is zero oil pressure, turning the diesel without compression is less likely to hurt it any more than if you were to flip the decompressor lever to the run position, which would increase the load on the bearings.

You could use a stethoscope - or some substitute for one - to listen to the crankcase area while the diesel is being turned by the pony to see if there are any 'grinding noises' - NOT a good sign.

Just my 0.02.