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Potato Wilson
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 [attachment=78105]IMG_3063.jpeg[/attachment]Howdy Folks 
Just bought my first Caterpillar, D2 5U1731.  “Ran when parked”.  First task will be to try and get it running, so I can load it on a trailer.  I’ve been watching the D2 startup you tube I stumbled across in the forum.  Great video that sets me up for success!  I’ll take any advice I can get too!  Hopefully it’s in as good of shape as I’ve convinced myself.
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Sat, Nov 9, 2024 10:42 AM
d2gary
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Looks like a pretty solid tractor. If both motors are free and turn cleaning the starting motor carburetor and magneto would be a good place to start
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Sat, Nov 9, 2024 10:04 PM
Potato Wilson
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 [attachment=78161]IMG_7962.jpeg[/attachment]Howdy again,
I got into my first in-depth look at the D2 today. Wife came along and helped me out, and she seems to approve of it which is always good! Fortunately we brought the EZ-up, forecast was for rain and it came true.
Couple things concern me: Gear shifter is froze up. In neutral, but not budging any direction. I gave it a few real light taps,, but didn’t want to get too rough with it. Oil on tranny dipstick looked good, but there was some rust on the dipstick. I didn’t have a socket to open the drainplug, so will need to find a massive hex tor those. Recommendations? Should I soak the shifter and try to pull it off?
Also, engines are both free, but the main engine would turn when I pulled the pony motor over. I could hold the main engine with a 2x4 in the fan & belt, and the pony would still turn over fine, but otherwise the main would turn too. Is this just friction at the starter clutch, or is something wrong?

The gas tank was a mess, so I brought it home and have already started cleaning it up. The gas fuel lines were a hack job with rubber hose, bypassing the original second shutoff valve. I brought the valve home too, and have discovered the filter in there too.

Good news: I pulled the top off the carburetor, and the float bowl looked great. Also it has good spark, so I’m going with that for now.

Main engine looks good, glad she turns over. Water pump seemed to weep a little after I turned her over a few times, but antifreeze is visible in the radiator. I need to check for water in the crankcase and tranny, so need to get those plugs loose. Good oil level in the injector pump, and oil looked normal but dirty.

I’ll take any advice I can get. I’m a mechanical type guy, but this is my first CAT. And I’ve gotta tell ya I’m really excited about it! Can’t wait to get her running and bring her home!
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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 9:22 AM
D4Jim
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Reply to Potato Wilson:
 [attachment=78161]IMG_7962.jpeg[/attachment]Howdy again,
I got into my first in-depth look at the D2 today. Wife came along and helped me out, and she seems to approve of it which is always good! Fortunately we brought the EZ-up, forecast was for rain and it came true.
Couple things concern me: Gear shifter is froze up. In neutral, but not budging any direction. I gave it a few real light taps,, but didn’t want to get too rough with it. Oil on tranny dipstick looked good, but there was some rust on the dipstick. I didn’t have a socket to open the drainplug, so will need to find a massive hex tor those. Recommendations? Should I soak the shifter and try to pull it off?
Also, engines are both free, but the main engine would turn when I pulled the pony motor over. I could hold the main engine with a 2x4 in the fan & belt, and the pony would still turn over fine, but otherwise the main would turn too. Is this just friction at the starter clutch, or is something wrong?

The gas tank was a mess, so I brought it home and have already started cleaning it up. The gas fuel lines were a hack job with rubber hose, bypassing the original second shutoff valve. I brought the valve home too, and have discovered the filter in there too.

Good news: I pulled the top off the carburetor, and the float bowl looked great. Also it has good spark, so I’m going with that for now.

Main engine looks good, glad she turns over. Water pump seemed to weep a little after I turned her over a few times, but antifreeze is visible in the radiator. I need to check for water in the crankcase and tranny, so need to get those plugs loose. Good oil level in the injector pump, and oil looked normal but dirty.

I’ll take any advice I can get. I’m a mechanical type guy, but this is my first CAT. And I’ve gotta tell ya I’m really excited about it! Can’t wait to get her running and bring her home!
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Hey Potato looks like a pretty sound machine to begin with.
Any idea how long it has been since it last ran?
The shifter problem may be simple or complicated. Is the rubber boot over the shifter intact or split and leaking water. If so try some penetrating oil in the boot and let it soak for a few days. Problem may be here or could be internal.
Main and pony engaged means the pony and starter pinion and clutch are engaged. Not sure on the D2 if there is a small hole to see the pinion and the release. May need to remove the pony to get the pinion out to work on it.
Look for a set of manuals for the machine. They are most helpful for repairs and identifying parts. Some other will chime in here.
Several videos on YouTube by squatch253 many on the Cat D2

Good luck!

Cats Forever

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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 11:11 AM
gauntjoh
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Reply to D4Jim:
Hey Potato looks like a pretty sound machine to begin with.
Any idea how long it has been since it last ran?
The shifter problem may be simple or complicated. Is the rubber boot over the shifter intact or split and leaking water. If so try some penetrating oil in the boot and let it soak for a few days. Problem may be here or could be internal.
Main and pony engaged means the pony and starter pinion and clutch are engaged. Not sure on the D2 if there is a small hole to see the pinion and the release. May need to remove the pony to get the pinion out to work on it.
Look for a set of manuals for the machine. They are most helpful for repairs and identifying parts. Some other will chime in here.
Several videos on YouTube by squatch253 many on the Cat D2

Good luck!
Hi Potato, when you were trying to move the gear lever was the clutch lever engaged (pulled towards the rear of the machine) or disengaged (pushed forward)?
There is an interlock when the clutch is engaged which prevents the shifter from moving out of gear. I think this would also prevent it going into gear. So try it again with the hand clutch pushed forward.
Regarding the drain plug, it’s easy to make one from a suitable sized hex head bolt with a nut either welded or screwed on really tight.
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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 1:20 PM
PNW.Hillbilly
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Reply to gauntjoh:
Hi Potato, when you were trying to move the gear lever was the clutch lever engaged (pulled towards the rear of the machine) or disengaged (pushed forward)?
There is an interlock when the clutch is engaged which prevents the shifter from moving out of gear. I think this would also prevent it going into gear. So try it again with the hand clutch pushed forward.
Regarding the drain plug, it’s easy to make one from a suitable sized hex head bolt with a nut either welded or screwed on really tight.
Welcome aboard! Sounds like things may hopefully be fixable enough to get it running and onto a trailer. If not... at least it's stuck in neutral and not in gear!
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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 1:50 PM
neil
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Reply to PNW.Hillbilly:
Welcome aboard! Sounds like things may hopefully be fixable enough to get it running and onto a trailer. If not... at least it's stuck in neutral and not in gear!
I'm with John - usual reason for "stuck" gear lever is that the clutch is engaged and locks the lever into whatever position it's in, including neutral. If that doesn't work, the interlock mechanism may have becoming disconnected. Remove the small square clutch cover and check that the mechanism moves when you move the clutch lever. Just a note in case you weren't aware - the clutches are over-center devices so you have to pull them over a resistance to engage or to disengage. You can check some youtube videos if you're unfamiliar with this type of clutch
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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 7:59 PM
Potato Wilson
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Reply to neil:
I'm with John - usual reason for "stuck" gear lever is that the clutch is engaged and locks the lever into whatever position it's in, including neutral. If that doesn't work, the interlock mechanism may have becoming disconnected. Remove the small square clutch cover and check that the mechanism moves when you move the clutch lever. Just a note in case you weren't aware - the clutches are over-center devices so you have to pull them over a resistance to engage or to disengage. You can check some youtube videos if you're unfamiliar with this type of clutch
Good morning and Thanks Gang!
It's been sitting for "5-6 years". Which of course could mean more. And it's rained like crazy the past couple winters. The rubber boot is at least there on the shifter. But chances are it's cracked. I'll get some Kroil in there to soak. And I'll double check, but I'm pretty sure I tried the shifter with the clutch lever all the way forward. I'll pull the cover and check the operation. Sure appreciate the advice.
Also I found the posts on making a drain plug socket from a bolt. Excellent.
One of the things I've read about is excessive end-play on the pony motor. This one has a little bit, not as bad as some of the video's I've seen but beyond spec I'm pretty sure. What is the risk running the motor like this?
Circling back to the starter pinion... is there a way to release that while the machine is at rest. If I remember correctly it automatically releases when the diesel engine fires up, and then has to be re-engaged at the next start up. Do you engage it before starting the pony motor, or after the pony is running?

Thanks again everybody.
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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 8:39 PM
seiscat
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Reply to Potato Wilson:
Good morning and Thanks Gang!
It's been sitting for "5-6 years". Which of course could mean more. And it's rained like crazy the past couple winters. The rubber boot is at least there on the shifter. But chances are it's cracked. I'll get some Kroil in there to soak. And I'll double check, but I'm pretty sure I tried the shifter with the clutch lever all the way forward. I'll pull the cover and check the operation. Sure appreciate the advice.
Also I found the posts on making a drain plug socket from a bolt. Excellent.
One of the things I've read about is excessive end-play on the pony motor. This one has a little bit, not as bad as some of the video's I've seen but beyond spec I'm pretty sure. What is the risk running the motor like this?
Circling back to the starter pinion... is there a way to release that while the machine is at rest. If I remember correctly it automatically releases when the diesel engine fires up, and then has to be re-engaged at the next start up. Do you engage it before starting the pony motor, or after the pony is running?

Thanks again everybody.
Hello new guy, I think the D2 looks good. I know the drain plug wrench is easy & cheap to make as previously mentioned. The Caterpillar inverted hex plugs have a tapered hex and a shop-built wrench only contacts only a fraction of the inverted hex. That still works but the proper wrench is still available from Caterpillar P/N is 212-8146. 
It's nice to have just for the bragging rights! lol
Craig

 
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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 9:20 PM
juiceman
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Reply to seiscat:
Hello new guy, I think the D2 looks good. I know the drain plug wrench is easy & cheap to make as previously mentioned. The Caterpillar inverted hex plugs have a tapered hex and a shop-built wrench only contacts only a fraction of the inverted hex. That still works but the proper wrench is still available from Caterpillar P/N is 212-8146. 
It's nice to have just for the bragging rights! lol
Craig

 
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Welcome, "Potato"! Looks like fun D2 time. I think I see a U series with a toolbar dozer, very similar to one that I had rescued a few years ago. Any knowledge of why the machine has been parked so many years? Do you have a way/place to work on it out of the open? Does your clutch lever move freely? I have come across some that have the pivot shaft rusted and froze tight, etc.
You will get many hours of enjoyment fiddling with your new catch, as well as play time on the seat. Enjoy and keep us posted please. JM
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Tue, Nov 12, 2024 10:20 PM
neil
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Reply to juiceman:
Welcome, "Potato"! Looks like fun D2 time. I think I see a U series with a toolbar dozer, very similar to one that I had rescued a few years ago. Any knowledge of why the machine has been parked so many years? Do you have a way/place to work on it out of the open? Does your clutch lever move freely? I have come across some that have the pivot shaft rusted and froze tight, etc.
You will get many hours of enjoyment fiddling with your new catch, as well as play time on the seat. Enjoy and keep us posted please. JM
When you push the clutch lever forward, make sure it releases over the "snap". The handle on the lever should move a good 12" I guess (no D2 handy to check with). I've seen ponies run with 0.250 of axial float but if yours is 0.125 or less, it'll hold together for a while so long as you keep the oil fresh and full. Fresh means not diluted with fuel. When stopping the pony, turn the fuel valve off and let the carb run out of gas. When you next go to start it and check the oil, make sure the level has not gone up. If it has, the valve may be leaking and fuel has leaked into the crankcase. Do not run it until you have changed the oil - it only takes a quart so it's inexpensive to change if you're ever in doubt. Do not overfill. To release the pinion, open the small round cover on the clutch housing left side top (don't lose the 1/4 bolts...), turn the pony over until you can see a latch (one on each side 180 apart), then push the rear end of the latch and it will spring open - use a screwdriver or similar, not your finger or you'll lose some skin - enjoy!
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Wed, Nov 13, 2024 8:26 AM
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