Straight in at the deep end - My first D2 restoration

Looks like quite a project. Still, there's lots of sheetmetal there that has frequently gone missing over the years. That's got to be worth something. Any idea if it was ever overhauled before or how many hours it ran?

from first look its had some work previous, not vast amounts though, new sprocket rims welded on, few rollers changed (1 U-model roller fitted to it), grousers built up etc, but as far as engine work its only had a bearing replaced on number 2 conrod, and a new pump element for number 4 as i remember. i cant remember the hours off the top of my head without digging the box out with the stripped injection pump, but it was'nt a right lot, but the wear on the machine doesnt match up, it might have had a new clock fitted or reset when the new pump element was fitted.

Jon,
great to see the challenge of this particular machine isn't putting you off! Gaskets from Olson's Gaskets or of course Cat - I've bought most of my gaskets from Cat as it happens. Most everything is available, which is quite amazing for a 75 year old machine. I'm working on 3J4086 which isn't quite in as bad shape as yours by the sounds of it but I'm challenged by facilities. A fellow in the U.K. is selling piston and liner groups if you need them, and there's lots of stuff available here in the U.S. for the price of shipping. My pony was also badly cracked through the water jacket but I had it brazed anyway and filled it with Bars Leaks or something like that and it's mostly stopped leaking. I figure I'll keep tickling it and at some point the leak will stop. It runs just fine and I did the crank/new main and rod bearings and pistons (from Oztralia!). Keep at it and keep posting pics!
Cheers,
Neil

For what its worth, you are making feel much better about mine, which I spent the morning removing grease an old paint from with a wire wheel. That job could lead to drinking.

Greg

Hello Jon,

Thanks for the photos. Having recently finished a restoration of a D2 4U I just wanted to say that it is the journey, not the destination that really counts. If you enjoy the journey of restoration as much as I did, despite the low points, you will be well satisfied, and the finished result is just a bonus. Keep up the good work and best wishes.

Robert

Thanks for the comments everyone. Ive been intouch about the piston packs as i'll be needing 4 of them, 3 out of 4 were scrap. It seems extremely hard to locate parts in the UK, even on our cat parts database at work ( Finning Uk ), doesnt list a right lot of parts, its showing most parts are discontinued, the main bearings and camshaft bearings are taking alot of finding. I'll be alot happier when all the pieces come together and i can get started building the engine back up.

If i had to do all of this one by hand greg i would be cursing! Luckily work have a strong caustic wash that strips parts down to bare steel, and a high pressure and temperature wash to clean them off after. It made it much easier, just sling them in and go for a cuppa😄

Hello Jon ,

For engine liner parts and pistons try Henrie Price in the UK .
He also have cylinder head valves .
here his phone nrs ,


PRICEPARTS
FOR VINTAGE CATERPILLAR ENGINE COMPONENTS
TEL 01454 261798
FAX 01454 261921
MOBILE 07836 575825

Hollandcat

thanks Hollandcat, ive spoken with henry previously regarding the piston packs, i will be ordering 4 from him once i have located a set of bearings and gasket set, i can start building then!