Lesson: Don't shut it off for lunch

So last week I thought I had it figured out. With some helpful tips I got the D2 pony motor running again. Yesterday it started cold on the first pull. Confident it would start right up again, I shut the cat down for lunch after skidding some trees. MISTAKE!

Nothing. It seems it just doesn't want to fire when hot. I tried all the tricks I learned, but nothing. After a dozen pulls I walked away from it.

I guess I've learned my lesson, don't shut it off till done for the day!

Is this a thing with the pony motors, that they don't want to fire when hot?

Hi, Potato Wilson.

You have just come across one of the GREAT mysteries of life, how an engine which appears in all respects to be exactly like MANY others of the same build can behave in a different fashion from many of its 'siblings'. MANY pony motors have their own individual ideosyncrasies with little to no reason why.

I got lucky with a 2T D4 that I worked with quite a bit in my youth in that it would start pretty easily, hot or cold, wet or dry. I once operated a 17A D7 that could often have you cranking the pony motor for up to 3/4 of an hour in the mornings - - - - IF you covered it with a wheat sack overnight. Otherwise, you could be there for an hour and a half.

I also operated a 2U D8 in which the pony motor WOULD NOT run on both cylinders UNLESS the top of #2 plug was EARTHED to some point on the body of the motor. Nobody ever found out why, not even the dealer's mechanics.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Just my 0.02.

'Tater...some have experienced weak condensor in their magneto. Try again when cold, it might start as it should. If that isn't it, time to wrap your lips around the filler neck again. JM

The developer must be "tinkering" with the site, half way through a response, kicked off just like a power outage! Hd difficulty to the forum - yet my login remained in place, had to start over.

I understand the curve of getting this board running right - yet - it is as fickle as the proverbial Starting Engines! AI - at least we have something to blame.

I tried three times yesterday to post a simple screen shot and it failed twice before finally accepting, and you wonder why folks are getting frustrated - at some point the towel gets thrown in.

Do not use a CTS starting engine rope... misfire and cantankerous LOL.

Takes awhile to buffer still. People say I complain too much, so I learned to STFU.

Hey, go complain on the "Posting" thread, don't jinx the poor guys D2 here. JM

JM and Potato Wilson -- it takes a very special person to have the talent to turn the air blue (@#$%^&*), make starting ropes circumnavitate the moon and still manage to get the starting engine running on a 3J D2. Nothing on earth is as stubborn and cantankerous as a Caterpillar Starting Engine when they refuse to run!

Stay safe all!

Cts

Potato, what jm said about the magneto condensor. Classic symptom of failing to start when hot vs. starting easily when cold. This is after of course trying the easy stuff..

Indeed I’m learning about the love/hate relationship with Cat pony motors. It’s so cool when everything goes right. But when it doesn’t, damn. I’ve decided if it doesn’t fire in half a dozen pulls then forget it, move on.

This morning it fired right up, first pull, right on.

Thanks for the tips about the condenser. I was thinking that too, so logical next step I think.

Tree in background behind the dozer (maybe oak that has been felled) - looks like it has scars on it from being pushed? I can't make it out well, maybe a chain with hook tied to it behind the D2? Open machine, no protection from anything. Many years ago a friend was pushing cottonwood trees that had been felled, using TD9 IHC. The crotches had not been cut or broken. One reared up, rolled upright and then fell, pinned him in the seat, broke his jaw, and back! Fortunately, other crewmembers were there, cut the log off him and drove him to nearest hospital, 15 miles away. HE WAS LUCKY - HE LIVED! PLEASE BE CAREFULL, it only takes once to ruin your day and maybe your life.

CTS

Good morning. Yes, I've been dropping some trees near the house and shop, and skidding them across a draw to a spot where I limb them out, cut firewood, and burn the slash. Getting the last of some late season burning done. The D2 compliments a Kubota mini-excavator, and a JD rubber tired tractor with front end loader, which makes a real nice trio.

I really do want to build a canopy for the D2. I also have property out in bigger timber country. Even what seems to be a small limb can be fatal from a tall tree. I like to think I'm pretty careful, but a canopy is needed. I appreciate the words of caution.

A few years ago I bought a d47u with a seized engine. The seller left the engine running and went to lunch, He returned to find a split oil pressure gauge line, a puddle of oil and destruction. We did get it to fire, had a major knock. I sold it and it was repowered to live on. Recently we brought home a diesel fifty. I heard several comment, aw just pull it and let it run on the trailer. For 50 miles??? We opted to repair the pony and started it with the hand crank then drove it up hill 5 miles in to the ranch. 1780 foot elevation change. Was a great day. I hope my experiance can help others. Thanks for posting.