Engaging starting clutch Noobie

Hey BuckBrush,

Welcome, here is a great link on how a starter pinion works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo0m1XBqdBY


Here is starting instruction video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcz7qPz8QTE&feature=channel&list=UL

Thanks for the links by looking at the videos it looks as if my clutch is just not fully engaging and my pinion is not locking.

Hey BuckBrush,

Make sure that you have the clutch adjusted correct. It should snap in and stay engaged. When you go to put the pinion in, push the clutch handle the opposite direction to work the clutch brake. Another trick is to drain the 30 w oil out and replace it with ATF. This will help with the grind when trying to install the pinion in gear. The ATF let's the clutch slip a little and let's you get it in gear. I run ATF in most of my Cats. Here is another link to show how to modify the clutch disks a little.-glen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xb9WzUxo5s&feature=channel&list=UL

Sasquatch has a great voice and does such a good job in his videos.-glen

Thank you 7upuller. I'm will drain the oil and check the clutch allignment. When i bought this old cat the guy said he just replaced the clutch's so i will have to look at that adjustment. The pony motor wasn't running when i bought it, but i finally got it going after 3yrs not running so i'm very excited to get this old girl running with out having to pull start it. Those are some great video hope he puts out some more.

Hey BuckBrush,

Remember that it takes heat to start a diesel. Run the pony a little and warm it up. Then engage the pony pinion and run the main with an open compression a little. The amount of time depends on how cold it is. When it's really cold out, the oils are real thick and the pony boggs down, so run the pony open compression a little and warm it up. The main will warm up faster with the compression closed. As long as the pony is strong enough to pull the load with a closed compression, go ahead and warm it faster with a closed compression. A lot of people open the throttle and get white smoke all the time. Think about it, you are trying to warm up the cylinders, and they put cold fuel into the cylinders, which is counter productive. Let the main warm with out fuel. Someone said once, that it takes a smoke, a 100's long one to start the main off of a pony. On a cold day it's two smokes. I put the back of my hand on the block and feel for heat. When it's warm, then I open the fuel. Be patient when running the pony to start. The water from the pony circulates through the main to warm it up. The exhaust of the pony goes into the intake of the main to warm it up. Warm it up a while and then put the fuel to it. When it's white smoke, it's telling you that you aren't patient enough. When you wait, it will pufff black smoke, and you know you are gaining experience.-glen

Hi Buckbrush,
Sasquatch also has a very detailed 10 minute u-tube video on starting a D2. He walks through the whole process including engaging the pinion and using the clutch. Toby does a great job with his videos.
Have fun with the 4.
Roger

I usually run on "No Compression" till Oil pressure comes up before moving the Lever to the "Run" position. My theory is that most parts should be well lubricated before putting compression on them. This is also part of the time where I am walking around with an oil can and grease gun to lubricate the steering clutches and greasing various other points.
BTW:
The D2 manual states to let the Main Engine warm on the "RUN" position for several minutes before pulling the Throttle Detent Pin to allow the Throttle to be pulled back midway.

Older D4's should be the same instructions.

Jeff

I recall someone mentioning that they engage the pinion before starting the pony engine, you might give that a try. Just make sure the clutch is disengaged when you start the pony up. If you engage the pinion after the pony is started, make sure your rpm's are low and engage the STARTING ENGINE CLUTCH BRAKE to stop the starter pinion from rotating by pulling the cluch control lever all the way back and holding it there while pulling up on the pinion engagement lever. Make sure the diesel compression release lever is in START; I know on one of my D2's I have to move the lever past where the START mark is cast in to release the compression. Apply full governed throttle to the pony engine and engage the starting engine clutch. Once the diesel engine is cranking at normal speed switch the compression release lever to RUN. The D2 Operator Manual also says to start the pony engine and keep the rpm speed low until the crankcase oil has had a chance to warm up and better lubricate the engine before engaging the diesel engine via the pinion and clutch.

I'm going to try and get out to my property tomorrow and try a few things, and hopefully can figure it out. Thanks for all the info. I'm thinking about taking a few pictures or video of my progress and posting them so yal can tell me what i'm doing wrong or right.