Just my 2 cents

this is just my thinking on old cat equipment pony motors. I have read a lot of posts on converting to direct electric start, but why would you do that if you want to preserve the legacy of old cat equipment? To me the pony motor was a genuis invention to start old diesels that required a lot of heat to start. Not required on today's modern diesels.The person who designed the pony motor had to be a genuis. The pinion clutch in itself to me is a work of art.In all my years of operating and working on cat equipment, I am still amazed at the igenuity of the pony motor. If it was maintained with a little respect, and the correct starting procedure used, it was almost bulletproof. Almost all pony motor failures was due to neglect.I know that they are expensive to restore, but I think the legacy is worth it. Just my 2 cents.

i am 100% agreeing with you, keep them Original!!

I agree also!!!!!!! Plus they circulate the diesel engine oil and warm the cooling system before the diesel is started. I have a 66 D7E ,original owner, with pony that has around 19,000 hrs and only had the starting engine rebuilt ONCE! it still runs perfect! I always let it idle and warm up after starting it and idle back down then turn gas off to stop it. Take care of em! And change the oil in them often!

You must feel strongly about it, starting 3 threads about the same subject...