D7 DOZER NOT STARTED IN 20+ YEARS! WILL IT START?

We try to revive our neighbors 1949 CAT D7-3T bulldozer with a hand crank pony motor. // Head to www.policygeni... to get your free life insurance quotes and see how much you could save.
We're a husband and wife team who bought 20 acres of bare off-grid land in Northern Idaho. Follow along as we turn a pole barn into our dream shop with an upstairs apartment!
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Riley Casey
105 Vermeer Dr
STE 2 PMB 141
Ponderay, ID 83852

[@cutawhiskieramblings6231]

The best one I have seen on working on diesel engines on KZbin is Matt from diesel Creek. Try contacting him and he may have some suggestions. He just did one with a pony motor a couple of weeks ago

[@HeavyHaulKen]

Salvage workshop is another good channel. Matt from Diesel Creek is great!

[@SuperJerbot]

Seconded re: Matt from Diesel Creek!

[@xd45shooter]

Yep dropped down to say the same thing. Matt definitely has some knowledge he might be able to drop.

[@diggiz22]

Yip I Follow Matt to. He really knows his stuff.

[@oacartg2183]

I never thought that I would see a will it run on your channel it makes for good content plus I think it would be neat to operate a Caterpillar I think you guys just have to have fun that's all there is to it you're not allowed to not have fun

[@raykoziupa8275]

Spark externally is no guarantee of spark internally. Start out with a new plug. Dump a little seafoam into the plug hole. Let it sit overnight to free up any sticky rings. Put a compression gauge on the pony engine when you try to start it. Put a voltage tester on the plug wire also. Check to see if they are within specs. Depending on the results go from there

[@ORSkie]

Yes, hubby said same thing.

[@martymartin2894]

​@@ORSkiewhat, put a squirt in the hole to free up sticky ring.

[@Ambitiousredneck]

I had good luck cleaning and preheating the spark plugs with a propane torch. Also try putting a little marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and crank it over and lub up the rings.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

That is a great tip, that our friend Dave did try. But no luck!

[@johannvanloggerenberg3901]

@@AmbitionStrikes +qq+qqqqqqqqqq+qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq+qqq+qq++qqqqq+qqqqqqqq++++qqq+qqqqqqqqq

[@CurtisDrew1]

Agree, Marvel Mystery Oil is a good choice to put in cylinders of engines that have set for years. Been using it for over 50 years to pickle my engines for long term storage. And it's the first thing I put on top of the pistons to lube the cylinder walls when I pull them down and prep them for use. Been known to pressurize my oil line through the oil pressure port to oil all the bearings on my motors too! That way the bearings are dry when I hit the starter so I can build up oil prressure.

[@aeronavalman5066]

I still think you might not have the good compression.

[@noel3065]

As retired heavy equipment mechanic somethings are meant to walk away from and this is one. Unless it is free and you have money and time to put into it. It would be a fun project if you are interested in doing the work, because they are good dozers and well built. Hope for the best and enjoy the project if you go down that path. Can't wait to see what you decide. Love your podcast. Keep up the good work

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

It is free (to use). How much time and money they want to put into it is the real issue.

[@DionysusSanchez]

I love how you still share your experience even Though it’s a failure. Thank you Riley & Courtney

[@douglascloud4484]

courtney please stand back farther from those tow straps they can whip back plus if the chain breaks it can whip dangerously close to you. I'd hate to see you injured or worse. you guys are awesome don't want to see you hurt. don't give up we are all praying for your safety and success.

[@richardpitcher8735]

Clean the carburetor, make sure the float is working. 10 year old gas has ethanol in it and it deteriorates to a varnish that gums things up and is far less flammable. Even with direct feed of fresh gS, the old gas may have plugged up jets in carb. Some engine oil or Kroll or Marvel Mystery oil in the pony motor cylinder could restore sufficient compression for it to fire. Good luck.

[@nena4215]

Well, at least you’ve found Squatch 253, absolutely love that guy’s channel!

[@Kimba117]

You two are just awesome. That fact that you just keep trying with smiles on your faces and great attitudes -- I love this channel. It's so much fun watching you. Even without the teaser at the end showing that you do get the dozer running...it would still have been video-watching well spent. Wishing you good luck on all your future adventures!

[@Coyotethumper5]

Marty T is another one that rescues abandon heavy equipment

[@jamessmith7691]

Jack up the blade while holding the lever and chain it , a good size loader will work as long as you pull the lever. You're going to need another dozer or a large loader. Remember the tracks have been sitting and rusting. Even though the plugs are firing I'd change them out. I had the same problem. Good video.

[@kevins.7990]

You could use an impact gun to start the pony motor, instead of the drill, it has more torque and turns slower. Check if the pony motor exhaust is plugged and also check the intake, It might be partially blocked. You need three things for an engine to run Fuel, Spark (timed correctly), and Air. You have the fuel and the spark so it stands to reason that it might be air your problem.

[@steffendhonau]

What about compression ?🤔

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

The impact will most likely damage the 90 degree gear box. The gears inside as well as the keys for the gears will not like the impacts. Usually the gears shed a few teeth.

[@kevins.7990]

​@@tireballastserviceofflorid7771 I appreciate your thoughts on my suggestion. I'm just curious, have you tried this method and experienced this happen? I have not. I just watched a video from the Deboss Garage KZbin channel and he tried starting an old hand-crank start engine with an impact gun and it did not work. This is the link to his video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGGxXn1vhreqic0 Courtney and Riley maybe get in touch with Richard from Deboss Garage Heavy Duty KZbin Channel for suggestions to start the bulldozer. He has many years of heavy equipment mechanic experience.

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

@@kevins.7990 Yes I have tried to operate small gear boxes with an impact. I was a Journeyman mill Wright for about 20 years before opening my own welding and fab shop for 11 years. Now I do tire ballast/service and have a tiny farm. Seen countless people over the years try everything from spinning a Briggs and Stratton to a Wisconsin V4 with an impact. Usually something will brake within a few seconds. As a side not. Basically speaking no gear box is impact rated. The very nature of the impact is bouncing the load will literally bounce the gears and chip of brake them off entirely.

[@shaunmulcahy7496]

Someone made a comment contact Matt from diesel Creek that's actually a fairly good suggestion he works on a lot of pretty old equipment and seems to always get it going

[@stevev3962]

Good Luck, keep at it. No first hand knowledge on dozers but Intake and exhaust blockage are the first things to check for vehicles sitting in fields- mice squirrels snakes chipmonks etc make nests in the craziest places. Good Luck, cant wait to see it run and Reckless pushing on the road!

[@rude252]

Definitely check compression. If it didn't blow the cork out it's not a good sign. A little bit of oil on top of the piston can bump up the compression for a first time start (helps the rings seal a bit better when they get sticky). Has worked for me in the past.

[@scanfan]

What a great tease for “next time” in the last 5 seconds!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

😉

[@ajpinnataro7915]

Don't give up guys! That's a perfect doser for you just needs some love and work!!! You guys are doing great.

[@tomdoingfunstuff]

Would love to see this resurrected

[@markmitchell457]

Using hind sight, it is very lucky that D7 didn't start. You ended up with the right dozer for you, and I love an older D8 Cat. They built the world.

[@leonleon8779]

You guys are great fun to watch! Reminder there are two top dead centers for a four-cycle engine, Intake, compression, engine firing and exhaust. For the correct TDC for firing make sure the rocker arms are loose and not pushing on the valves, use a screwdriver in the spark plug hole to see when piston is at top dead center. I almost thought the electric drill was cranking backward at one point.

[@wwdaugherty]

Thought the same thing about the backward cranking. Think it was an optical illusion . . . .

[@lj4160]

Was in your neck of the woods a few weeks ago. My sister lives in Mt and shops in Ponderay. We went into HD to get some tongue and groove to build some barn doors, and I said to my sis, “I wonder if we’ll see Riley and Courtney?!”

[@michaelholderegger645]

Hand cranking pony motors is a hard thing, even when they have been running recently. Hand cranking one that's been sitting for years or decades can be impossible. I had one from a big generator D318 cat engine that wouldn't give me any sign of trying and I felt like you guys probably do, even though everything was right with the fuel and spark and timing. Luckily for me, I have 2 other D318s in a grader and dozer, so I robbed the electric starter off my grader and put it on the generator. The pony fired right up with the faster cranking of the electric starter. If you guys really want that dozer, find an electric starter that will work on it and you'll be less frustrated every time you use it.

[@dalegimben6096]

My father taught me to remove the plugs; crank, and see if a finger in the spark plug hole gets wet with fuel. Then connect the plug wire to a plug and hold the loose plug body to a ground and crank to see a spark. I like the other comments about fuel turning to varnish. Now for your scolding. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING letting that crank fly around!!!!!!!! That made me scream. I Have plate/screws holding my wrist on due to a back-fire accident. And while I'm scolding add some safety straps to that garage door! The stress on the screws may someday work-harden them. Then they can all get brittle and snap at once. You two are my favorites, you got married! Bless you. David

[@Techreux]

You guys are on the right "track", haha.. Lotsa muscle in that baby! Hey, I agree with the posters that said to check the carburetor on the pony engine.. Carb no right.. nothing going to happen.. as others have advised, make sure your pony engine isn't linked to the diesel engine (probably not, though). My dad taught me how to drive a D5 at 5+ yrs of age. Riley, you are correct, it's next to impossible to see over the front.. a VERY shallow view angle.. takes a bit of practice to overcome. Just my .02.. good luck!

[@mchl8]

Soak the rings down w some mystery oil a few days a time. Keep tabs on base oil though. As it seeps past the rings it'll dilute the base oil.

[@C_J_81]

I am proud that Courtney did the critical task of socializing with the nearby dogs!! Tops getting the dozer started in my opinion.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Mellow Yellow is the official greeter at our neighbors house. ☺️

[@paulevert388]

I think you have it really flooded. Take the plugs out Take a propain torch to the plug hole light them off. New gas in a clean cut off beer can add a little 30w oil. Pour about 3 table spoons in each cylinder. Heat plugs up install and start.

[@Pioneer_Classic_Trucks]

I didn’t read all of the other comments but I’d say put a little engine oil in the cylinders to help the piston rings seal better and create more compression. After sitting a long time stuff dries out and oil film goes away, might help it turn over slightly quicker/easier too. I’ve spent some time on those old Dozers and I hope you get it running, it’s big enough to do a lot of work if it’s mechanically sound enough, also it will be a good experience and good videos. You pretty much need another crawler to pull start that one.

[@MrJerryjam]

Transmission fluid works better. Leave the spark plugs out while lubing the cylinder and rings, Spray brake cleaner into the cylinders and turn the pony crank thru a few times before replacing the spark plugs. Also spray spark plug spark gap so the plugs will not be oil soaked. Use starting fluid to assist in starting.

[@spyreal7628]

You guys have an admirable amount of patience!

[@MikeCris]

This is a job for Salvage Workshop. Or, Heavy D Sparks is also good at rescuing these old machines...and he's not too far away in Salt Lake City. I wouldn't be surprised if you could get him to bring his whole crew up to your area to collab on a rescue.

[@bullzeyez3236]

Reaching out to other KZbin channels is a great idea.

[@Fucktard2]

Absolutely call up Dave Sparks. He's helped so many people with stuck equipment or even stuck tourists 😁

[@jblazer147]

Dave sparks and his crew get them running just enough to load them and you never see them again, they want to use it not get rid of it. Get ahold of salvage workshop if you actually want it useable like you planned. Hes very handy with everything

[@bullzeyez3236]

@@jblazer147 Either person would be helpful, they are not looking to restore a dozer, just get it running and moving.

[@jblazer147]

@@bullzeyez3236 didn't say restore it but you need to properly fix it to dependably use it. Dave is not near as good as everyone thinks he is. Building trucks is a whole different realm from old equipment. He does the rescue stuff but I've only seen him start one thing the rest he drug out and the one thing I did see him start he just loaded with either till it finally did. I like the dude but he's got alot to learn

[@x35mmman]

you said you were going to jump start the bulldozer I immediately flash back to 1972 when we had a 1966 VW bug. I lived on a dead end alley and our homer was a little over half back of the dead end. If the VW didn't start you would run it down the alley jump in pop the clutch and pray it starts. Well sometimes it didn't and I would by myself have to grab the bumper and drag it back up the hill and. try it again. I thought how in the world are you going to jump start a bulldozer that huge. All the things you had to move just to attempt this. Cannot wait to see your next video....looks like you got it started.

[@marlin854Runner]

We had an early D7 and D8 at our high school ROP class with hand crank pony motors. Even older models are possible. We had cable operated blades and earth movers attached. No hydraulics whatsoever. As far as advice for starting the pony motors try cranking on them like you would when kick starting a motorcycle. You have to slowly get one cylinder almost set to TDC then give it a good strategic crank. It should be enough to get it to go if everything has been trouble shot like you have been doing. IIRC your body positioning on the track when giving it that last good crank should be about 45 degrees or so not 90 degrees perpendicular. Sounds weird but the strategic crank is what worked for me. Additionally I got proficient enough to engage the pinion on the pony motor and release the compression on the diesel side and pull the diesel throttle lever get it started and kick the pinion back in place all by myself. It was tricky but definitely doable with one person. You can DM me directly if you want a more in depth walk through. Burl

[@roberthumphrey1304]

Use your D8 to pull start the D7. Once started engage the start clutch to start the starting engine.

[@freeidaho-videos]

Wow, that's the vintage of dozer that I learned on. Although we started the pony motor with a rope wrapped around a pulley. You will build lots of strength with steering clutches and steering brakes. Take the carb off and clean it. Gasoline leaves a nasty residue when it dries up inside of a carb. Ream out every jet and the idle circuit.

[@dustinhoover1747]

13 year CAT parts guy, they make a changeover from the pony motor to electric start. Don't know if you want to invest that kind of money in it but it is available. Also, the serial number plate should be in the cab close to the bottom of the dash, if it's not there it will stamped into the frame where the winch/ ripper is mounted. Hope this helps.

[@markjordan348]

As I remember the need for bigger equipment was because of a boulder too big for your current equipment. Perhaps you are approaching this from the wrong angle. Make the boulder smaller rather than the equipment bigger. Or as an army engineer I knew said " It's nothing a key of C4 won't fix!" Title for the video. "Reckless Riley explores explosives!"

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We still have about 1 mile of road to build (hopefully this summer) so we have decided that it is time to find some larger equipment. The quotes we go to rent a dozer (or larger excavator) are about $12,000/month so we are trying to explore other options!

[@johnrobertson5627]

@@AmbitionStrikes Ask local viewers who own a larger bulldozer ie a D8 to come for a couple of weeks to be part of your videos in exchange for cash to cover expenses,(fuel) etc. and their company gets national advertising , even go so far as to go out with them to do a completley seperate video just on their work sites. Use your fame to your advantage. JR

[@pisom4314]

i have a D6 9U.. pony motor was trash... (not sure bout the D7) but there is a V belt pulley on the back of the big motor, we took a snowmobile motor & mounted it to the frame & a V belt around the pulley on the big motor!! ( the neighbors are now deaf) but it started it perfectly!!! then we started pull starting it!! fill the bed of the army truck with a load of dirt, jack the blade up out of the dirt & just use the BIG chain ( no strap) & leave the compression release on the big motor open, get it out of where its sunk first THEN try to dump the compression release & pull start it!!! hope this helps & be safe!!!

[@stenmander2838]

Hi guys, I love your channel. Perhaps try this: 1. get the pony motor’s carb rebuilt 2. Buy new plugs 3. Make a drill adapter that does not use the hand crank 4. Rent a stronger drill 5. Pour a small amount of an oil designed to boost compression into the spark plug holes. 6. Install the rebuilt carb 7. run a hanging fuel tank and new fuel hose to the carb 7. Turn the pony motor over a short while with the drill 8. Reinstall the plug on the wire and check for spark by running the drill 9. If there is spark, reinstall the plugs 9. Pour a small amount of fuel into the breather tube of the carb to fill the float bowl 9. Confirm there is fuel squirting into the throat of the pony motor 20. try it with the drill 20. only use a small spray of ether so as no to flood it Good luck

[@mickburns5546]

I had to laugh when you showed the ether can and read that it starts stubborn motors. In Australia we have a similar product that is actually called “ Start, ya bastard “. For real. Love the video 😃

[@AmbitionStrikes]

😂

[@clarkyi]

RR Singing......I'm spinning around Move outta my way I know you're feeling me 'Cause you like it like this I'm breaking it down. No advice needed for the dozey duo as you've managed to crank it up. Well done both!

[@kenkre1212]

Tired from vicariously pulling on the starting crank. Get it going so I can ride along. Always wanted to drive one. Had an IH 484 diesel tractor for a few years. Loved what it could do, yahoo!

[@danielsweeney6742]

I was just thinking about starting the pony engine. Did you make sure it was disconnected from the main motor? A 2 cycle or a 4 stroke should be easier to spin.

[@Frenchy8469]

My wife is 76 and I am 73. She is a city girl and for some reason she cannot get enough of you guys. We too live in the woods but not off grid, but whenever I am outside working on stuff, she is no where to be found....lol keep videoing!

[@Samtzu]

You guys have far more patience than I have..... somewhere on the second day I would have pulled out the C-4......

[@estellaknox9285]

How exciting a dozer how cool is that hope you get it started that would be a game changer GOD BLESS.

[@divadyrdnal]

Takes a dozer to drag a dozer that has not moved in “forever”. Focus on the basics like you were doing, run a compression test, good to spin pony engine without plug to exercise rings, spin mag with a spark plug attached, should be a “fat” spark, if both ok, should “Pop” with starting fluid. If getting signs of combustion, clean carb fresh gas and give her a try and another…BTW, the big Diesel engine will be much easier to start!

[@bradmesserle999]

Yea i was thinking they might need a crane to move it. :)

[@stephendoing2253]

Lucky they didn't break the army truck. Do they realize how much the cat weighs? I was waiting for the pony motor crank to hit him in the nuts.....

[@captianm4766]

Make sure the carb and intake are clear, in no nests or any blockage. If I were working on this dozer, I would pur a little time in and clean the entire fuel system. If it has spark, compression and fuel all happening at the right time, it should run. Good luck.

[@KennethDuBord-bc2wo]

I enjoy your videos. You two work so well together. And, you two are not afraid to dig into anything.

[@chrisstinson46]

Use a impact gun cordless, for starting (more torque). Remove the carburetor, spray starting fluid directly into the intake.

[@vintagevmax2410]

Marvel mystery oil down the spark plug hole, let sit over night is the very first I do on all engines and definitely before cranking over a dry/rusted cylinder.

[@kevinc8462]

I had a old 7 like that. 14’ blade if I remember correctly. We had to completely rebuild the pony motor. Even after the rebuild the whole machine was kind of a pain to start. Pony motor was loud, the main engine was awesome, but just too many steps. I’m guessing that you can find a working pony on a scrap cat somewhere in Oregon, Washington, Idaho. Happy dozing 😁

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Great D 7 . I was raised in a house with 3 older sister's. The middle ones husband is older than that Cat and a Diesel engine mechanical Genious. I'm glad you have a great woman around. Like my sister she is sharp and knows how to say Old man take a break drink some Ice tea and go back at it tomorrow. She also if given the information and what she needs to get it done will do it herself. When she tells us get out we go . It's for our own good . Lead fallow or get out of the way or no supper for you . I have seen good Woman get old things running when the old man just got frustrated. Keep doing wonderful things

[@theresaluvspims6163]

Now we're talking fun times. I love the good old machinery! I put money on it (before I saw the teaser for the next video) that you will get that ole girl running. You have the know-how, the ability to build anything and you have the mind and education of an engineer. What a challenge but omg this is what makes life worth it...and the stories you'll tell for years to come. They just don't make engines like that anymore. Maybe remove the carburetor and soak the parts in some gasolene overnight. I'd not pay $10k for it though. The old dude has some really great vehicles to play with. His dogs are adorable too. Ironic advertisement for life insurance lol.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks so much for the support and kind words. We agree that if we can get it running the carburetor could definitely use a rebuild. He's a great neighbor to have with some awesome old treasure!

[@centurion726]

I dont think it was the same dozer in the teaser

[@x35mmman]

@@centurion726 interesting thought I was looking at closely to see if it was

[@centurion726]

@@x35mmman The old had round roll bars the other had square

[@sceneanuerebelrebel9244]

Remember she is 73 years old and sleeping for last 20 years cranky is an understatement .Squirt all control levers with a good rust penetrating oil if it has a zerk hit it with a grease gun like guy said let soak a day or two hit it again with the spray soup.Try moving levers don't go crazy yanking on them.

[@ravenmamba6780]

im sorry guys im laughing when you guys tried to pull the dozer..but nice try 🤣🤣

[@NoNo-zd8md]

It takes a dozer to pull start at dozer

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It was a fun experiment. 😆

[@siriustraveler7083]

I knew where this was going 😂

[@treystewart544]

@@AmbitionStrikesthat hand cracking on that caterpillar dozer is kind of tuff but that engine won’t start up I love you guys 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great video Riley and Courtney

[@shreyaswankhede6449]

Apply WD-40 on all joints you can find on it and let it rest and cure for a day. That way atleast there will be lesser resistance to parts that are trying to move. Secondly, disconnect the gearbox from the engine. This will ensure that it won't move forward when started. More importantly it will enable free start of the output rod. These old engines need to be started in neutral because of old design of cylinder heads. Cold start is always an issue with these old yet beautiful machines. Great content guys. Looking forward to more videos. Please please please post more videos. You have a great property and truly great content. Peace ✌🏽 😄.

[@williamking6531]

Don'y forget to put air in the tracks.

[@kidjamer6754]

Ahhh yes air in tracks that makes sense

[@gregbutler7027]

That is an early 1960s D7 no cable controls for your blade. I was building those pony motors for that D 7 , D 8 , and D 9 s back in 1972 ( my first job after high school and 18 years old I started working for Caterpillar Tractor , before they changed to Cat Inc. ) but those had an electric starter instead of the crank ( if the battery was dead back then you still had the crank as your back up ) . You need too check a couple of things … 1 . The pony motor spindle or return spring is broken and drive gear on the spindle is still engaged to the flywheel 2. The diesel engine is locked up or hydro locked with water in the cylinders ( happens if exhaust was not covered or air intake was compromised allowing water too enter cylinders ) 3. The clutch pressure plate is stuck to the flywheel 4. Check oil and fuel on the diesel prior to start 5. Carburetor needs to be cleaned and rebuild with all that rust in the fuel tank 6. Pour a ounce of ATF into each cylinder of the pony motor to lube the rings then crank the pony motor to insure all the rings of each piston get lubricated they may have stuck in the piston . 7. Change the oil in the pony motor and look for bearing material and metal shavings 8. Check your valve lash on both the intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder to insure you close and open the valves according to your timing . 9. Check the spark plugs are clean of carbon and spark plug gap is correct. 10. Gremlins are everywhere , the transmission is in neutral , the little things we sometimes overlook After 45 years , I retired from Cat as an engineering technologist ( engineer without the paperwork ) and have worked on engines , undercarriage , transmissions , crawlers of all types , and worked in validation of the C 175 engines torque converter transmission for the 797 off highway truck Marine application Power production generator application . Good Luck and hope that tractor gets running to fix your road .

[@bryancherry9253]

Matt on Diesel Creek channel is really good at getting old engines started. Give him a shout.

[@jimdelong949]

Hi Riley & Courtney I have no idea how to start that thing. But laughed my head off watching Reckless Riley try. Love that nickname. As persistent as he is . I'm sure if he decides to keep trying he will get it. Lots of luck. Stay strong and safe See ya next time

[@kb9liq]

Those old machine can sit for a very long time and still fire up and run. Just takes the right trick to get it to go.

[@davisphillips7792]

Mimick the catch pawl from the handle and weld a pulley to it. Then add a bumper/ door knob-ish to he top to hold pressure on it. Then have Courtney wrap a rope around the pulley and go. It’s an old school motor old school pull start. It has all the things it needs and at the right times just not the right speed to create real compression. The drill was a good idea just not enough umph. Be careful and thanks for sharing!

[@kenmatthews6476]

I think your pull start plan is a good one. You need to lift that thing with another piece of equipment to free it up. It’s pretty much suctioned into the mud for over 15 years.

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

OMG! I fell out of my chair laughing when the pull cord broke! It happens to me ALL THE TIME! Everytime I need the generator or lawnmower..boom! cord comes off in my hand. Always after I been my shoulder out and tired! JUST GREAT!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It's always at the worst times!

[@chrlsraines]

ALSO, I LOVE YOUR CONTENT!! Courtney, Riley, GREAT WORK as always!! I was an equipment operator/mechanic, tree technician (almost got my ISA Arborist Cert), General Foreperson for 20 yrs. I’ve never dealt w a piece of equipment that old before though. But the mechanical principles still apply.

[@johnnywad7728]

She's as cute as a button! A keeper for sure?

[@oscarhokensoke-jn4lz]

Did you open the butterfly valve/throttle on the pony motor? It’s throttle control may be up by the gauges. Somebody has to try different amounts of throttle while someone else cranks it. Take the carburetor off the pony motor, disassemble and clean it out with air compressor, a can of carb cleaner and patience; don’t try to shortcut this step and don’t lose parts or put them back in the wrong order. Awesome that you have a manual: it’ll help you get the jets and springs and washers and o rings back together in the right order. Be careful with the prongs they’ll break. Pull the plugs and spray starter fluid directly in cylinders and with the plugs out turn the pony with the drill. Not likely the exhaust is plugged tightly enough to keep pony from starting, but look at it. Then try to crank it with your clean carb on. The people who say walk away are quitters. It will run again but you have to provide clean fuel, clean air, the right amount of air and turn it over. You may have the spark adjusted correctly; once you put the magneto back on the engine it turns in place until the bolts are tightened. You may have lost that timing when you reinstalled it, I don’t know. Hold a pencil in spark plug hole to find top dead center. Maybe the outside of the magneto and the engine block have tick marks to show you about where the timing is correct. Once it runs then you can change oil and buy air filters. Another dozer is the only way to pull start a dozer; have to bring another dozer in to do that. Spinning the motor faster is a great idea because you can move the throttle and experiment with starting spray until it fires.

[@darkfactory8082]

That thing weights probably 3 times the truck + is nested in the soil.. Well, first of all, I suggest you check fuel lines, clean the tanks and only then try to start it up, especially the main engine. Other than that, check the line valves, sediment collector and filters as there might be some water, sipped through cracks in the exhaust.. 20 years are a long time and a machine becomes almost "fused" by sitting in the rain. Also check the carburetor of the pony as nasty stuff might be inside. Other than that I leave some ingenious approach to you... If you turn it on the first pull, where's the fun? =) Oh those moments, when you need a tool and then it breaks, so you need another tool and work to fix the tool you need to do the work... Pull string snap - priceless... =/ I could feel your happiness..

[@Hoss5678]

The pony motor is the best bet, because of the hand start, the carb on the pony has to be in shape. I would take the carb off and clean it out, blow out the jet holes, make sure the float is not logged from cracking, check the needle seat for leaking or sticking. When trying to start it spray gas into intake from a spray bottle. don't just dump it down the intake, any old plastic spray bottle will work, have someone spray as you crank. Burn the plugs with a propane torch and install them as fast as you can, do not worry about tightening them very hard, just get them in, snug them spray crank and pray!!! This comes from years of starting pre-war piston engine's that have been dormant for years. You can do it!!!

[@sceneanuerebelrebel9244]

You have to talk to them .I was 17 when I got the chance to operate a D6 probably same year as yours mine had crank through hood too.Cat Skinner walked away from it spouting 4letter derogatory remarks all the way to his truck and left .They said that if I can start it she was mine for the rest of the job.Drove it up to the foreman and climbed down told him the repairs needed and I didn't have a torch or welding machine and I'd make do but needed a shop truck first thing in morning.The rest of the day I drug trucks in and out of massive muddy trail and back dragged to a semi flat surface. I got 7bucks an hour and felt like getting paid to go swimming .Talk nice to her and she only weights 3 or 4 times what humpty does so don't get it stuck near that pond of yours!!!!!!!!And put the can on the stack every night too, keeps out rain and critters.

[@robgm6926]

Friend of mine got a hold of an old D8 that had set for years. Cleaned the carb and the fuel tank, mag had spark. Same kind of hand crank. That thing would pop and spit enough to keep you cranking but wouldn't start. Had the magneto on and off, replaced the condenser, still wouldn't go. Got tired, took the coil out of the magneto, a little drilling and wiring and we were able to mount an external automotive type coil to work with the points and that rotor in the magneto, hooked up a 12 volt battery and it started second crank. Sometimes the innards of those Magneto's will go bad, they Will still spark but not strong enough to run the engine. At that time it was about 300 bucks to get a rebuilt magneto, we had these parts laying around and just wanted to get it going to see if the rest of the machine was any good. it was.. An old farmer around here had three old caterpillar machines with pony motors. Only one would run. He had to start it to pull start the others. Before it was all over the gears that pony motor tore up and he ended up pull starting things with an old TD9 international.

[@thereandbackagain9082]

Check Salvage workshop he has just brought a D6 back to life also Diesel Creek has a magic touch with old kit. Also get there advise on price. Seems a bit to pricy. Towing a dozer with the blade down. Riley is earning his reckless status. Keep up the good work.

[@eldonjenkins551]

If things are supposed to work they will, and sometimes things do not work the way you want and that is for your safety and best interest Kind of a divine intervention. Like the videos Stay Safe

[@Edthegearhead]

Damn old dozers are my specialty. Hard to do without hands on though and my entire service truck though. I am local though. I’m sure Riley can get it running. Persistence is key.

[@billynorthcutt3305]

Try putting a new set of plugs in it. You may have fire but them old pony engines have to have real good spark to ignite the fumes.

[@stuartcobine]

Sounds like a fun project. Hope you two get it running.

[@anthonysilva1473]

my uncles old tractor had a pully to wind a rope on to start the pony motor. a squirt of oil and two shots of ether in each cylinder and it would fire.

[@PaddockRadio]

You've probably already found him on youtube if you've been looking up dozer rescue, but maybe send a message to Rich from DeBoss Garage / DGHD. One of my favourite heavy equipment rescue channels and he seems to be a really nice and knowledgeable guy. Good luck team, sending big hugs from NZ

[@kevinweston6817]

That is a great cat I had one like it and I loved it

[@metalmana6464]

Looks like you found a different dozer. Great content, keep up the good work.

[@derekpaterson603]

"A" For effort. i hooe you can get it going. i was cheering for you while watching.

[@captainhappy]

That kind of bulldozer will solve your trouble with the road. It's quite heavy job to make the road properly so you need heavy tools to do it. Certainly try to get the dozer in use, even if starting it up might take some effort. If you plan to tow that bulldozer, you probably need another bulldozer to do it. If you had such dozer functioning for winter use also, there is probably enough power for any snow pile, but also make sure it doesn't break on the road, it might be quite a trouble blocking the road.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

If it breaks down on the road then we are going to have to get an even BIGGER dozer! Maybe that is secretly Riley's plan... 😉

[@andrewfrantz-nf3gu]

I’m so happy I’m not the only one with that luck!! You already have 965 problems then the generators like “hold my beer”

[@davethornewell7417]

This is the first time I have seen Courtney climb into the driver's seat on the army truck, is this why Riley wants the dozer, because Courtney has stolen all of his toys? Seriously I would expect the pony engine to run on starter fluid if it has a spark and compression, assuming that the inlet valves were opening, if they didn't close, you would have no compression and it would backfire through the carburettor, I suspect that the spark plugs are possible waterlogged or the gaps closed. Great vlog as always, stay safe.

[@gpm71]

This video is one of the reasons why I enjoy your channel.

[@ElijahPerrin80]

Awe that is disappointing, I got half way and had that sinking feeling, other than the timing being 180 degrees off or flooded or exhaust / valves full of junk I cant think of much else. This may life's way of saying Riley should not have a D7. Great video and thank you to your friends.

[@brianmakoviney4521]

Don't give up, the best things in life are never easy and that's what makes you love them more. Get a bunch of new plugs and change them out as they can get fouled with a number of reasons and check the timing of the MAG to tdc so it is sparking when it is suppose to.

[@robertbates5537]

Morning Folks - consider using a Kevlar rope to replace the generator pull cord. Should last longer

[@SEAKAdventures]

My arms are tired just watching you crank that over. I’ve been in that situation with my seadoo in the past but when you finally figure it out and get it started it is very rewarding! Looking forward to see what’s next!

[@bill45colt]

ive had 11 old dozers,,,,1936 to 1952 but they all had less than 6000hrs. Check the meter to see. if so, your engine is good. Lift the blade and with a 30000lb machine, push or tow it in 3rd gear, it will start, drain fuel first and check fuel lines. Serial number plate will be on rear of tractor near winch but winch may cover it...or on left frame side about half way along engine. these things have lots of life left usually. Clutches and brakes may be stuck requiring some bit of mechanic work. But once running, they will do as much work as they ever did. When you get going, be careful at first and keep your eye on both ends of the blade, thats where the work is done. Check to see if tracks have too much slack you dont want to turn and have them to come off, post more as you have time, we all are excited to see these old machines going. I know of a guy in calif who has a 1919 and still works it

[@leifhendrickson6576]

Don’t give up. Pull and throughly clean the carb. Make sure air intake and exhaust are free and clear. Stay with the bypass fuel source. Go back and watch The Sasquatch 253 you tube channel again, those old magneto ignitions can be tricky and there two parts to correct timing them. He just did a episode on rebuilding them

[@garyarmstrong4597]

Squatch 253 is who you mean.

[@The_blindpizzaguy1300]

I just discovered yawls channel today. I love watching all the equipment get restored and running and excellent try by attempting to pull the bulldozer with the truck. Physically, I knew that it wouldn’t work because these old dozers they require so much to get them running.. that pony motor Hass to be able to run it almost full power to get that engine rotating it’s basically a lawnmower engine strapped to the top of the diesel engine but good thought though but I really think I’m gonna enjoy your videos. Also, I’m a totally blind, KZbin watcher, so I am extra fascinated by this stuff.

[@ianmarkhamilton]

You can start the main engine by putting the winch in reverse gear and hooking your truck to the rope and pulling it out and snap the hand clutch in gear. It can also help the diesel to start by placing a rag soaked in petrol over the air cleaner inlet. Those old Cat ponies were a pain so bypassing them wasn't uncommon.

[@knotbumper]

Love those old bench seats, they were so easy to sit sideways in to make backing up and watching your turn easier.

[@rasheed7675]

Instead of a hand drill, try using a higher torque motor. A 24v starter motor is a good candidate. Maybe there is a decompression lever for the pony motor too. Once your rotate it fast enough, then only you release the decompression lever. As per the video you refer to earlier.

[@robmack151]

Mine has a "petcock" on each cylinder for exactly that reason. But it also has a flywheel that you hook a pull rope directly too (which is why we converted it to a 12v belt drive)

[@footplate0]

Are you getting any fuel in to the cylinders? After all that cranking you should have a good smell of fuel when you remove the spark plug. If no smell the the carb needs a good clean. A little drizzle of fuel into the cylinders might givge you the extra kick that you need. Thanks for posting

[@Cully4x4]

If you used starter fluid, and it did not fire (even with the spark being out of correct timing) you should have gotten some indication that the fumes were getting into the cylinder head. I suspect that the carburetor choke is stuck closed, thus not allowing starter fumes to get in.

[@bigunone]

Lease one till you can get that one started was going to be my idea, but looks like you got it running, Should be great clearing the road this winter cold but great

[@donalddodson7365]

1) PONY - STARTER: I suspect fuel system for pony (starter) out of service due to water & rust. Are you sure it is disengaged from main diesel engine? Expect back fire(s) when fuels are being pushed into carburetor. 2) DIESEL SYSTEM: I suspect main fuel system water & rust bound. 15 years of any residual diesel separating into water & crud. Remember 15 years of freeze thaw. 3) DOZER CONTROLS: make sure dozer in neutral just in case you actually get "lift off." 4) Recalculate outsourcing costs for road obstacles. 5 ) DOG CHATTER: - Orange pup to white pup) "Look Snowy, two legged hoomuns on our yard toy." - Boone to Riley: "Time's up! You playing with stoopid clicky finger toy on lap. My turn for flying squeeky toy!" 🤗🙏🤲😎

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Hi Donald! I'm sure the carburetor on the pony needs a rebuild but we can't even get a cough out of it on starting fluid! Yes the pony is disengaged, in fact the clutch is stuck and we can't get it to engage, another obstacle. Fingers crossed the diesel will run! The dog commentary is too funny! Thanks for watching!

[@dng8044]

Remove the spark plugs, spray starting fluid in the cylinders, install the plugs & wires, and crank. You should now have some sort of ignition.

[@marcboucher913]

@@AmbitionStrikes Check the fuel pump and extract the gazoline from the tank. Replace with fresh gazoline.

[@dansbywall]

Did you engage compression release on main engine, or set to start? Next, make sure you have compression in pony. The valves were moving but did you check for compression, biggest issue with "sitting" engines is stuck rings. If no or low compression try soaking cylinders in light oil, or trans fluid. Pour oil in cylinders and spin engine, let sit overnight, then add more oil and spin again. Hopefully rings will release and start to make compression. Once you have pony compression, check spark at plug, remove plug, connect to plug wire and ground base, spin engine and check for spark across gap. Your alternate source of fuel (propane, ether, external gasoline) should allow pony to start. Please find better way to spin pony, can't you connect drill or impact to shaft without handle, maybe a square socket? Don't want you to break your arm. Best of luck!!

[@ranger8129]

I would look at possibility of removing the carb and rebuilding it and hope for the best. The other all tereninty is to convert it to electric start.

[@solarstuff2452]

By far the best video yet . Hopefully it starts as I want to see Riley do damage with the dozer

[@TallTexasGMan]

Check out some other great KZbinrs that do a lot with old equipment: Squatch253, Diesel Creek, and Salvage Workshop. All do a lot with diesels and they have all done pony rebuilds. Squatch 253 is a guy that does methodical teardown to every component and rebuilds to factory specifications. Salvage Workshop goes to the level of rescuing and getting things running. Diesel Creek restores to operational use and then works the equipment hard.

[@MikeCris]

Collab on location with Diesel Creek and Salvage Workshop?

[@donaldwilliams6821]

Definitely Salvage Workshop. He's done rebuilds on Pony motors and Matt @ Diesel Creek of course Did you do a compression test with a gauge?

[@steveperyer4850]

I will give you guys credit, are risk takers, but always up for the challenge! Whatever happens, you will get an education about older construction equipment!