Auction Buy: 1942 Caterpillar Grader, Will it Ever Run Again??

Thanks Scrappy industries for the help! ‪@ScrappyIndustries‬
Grab Yourself a Hat and a Shirt from the Merch Store! DieselCreek.com/
Like something you see in a video? good chance its linked in my Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/dieselcreek
Follow me on Instagram & Facebook @dieselcreek to see what i'm up to before it hits KZbin!
#DieselCreek
-Custom Music made for me by Vinnie Longhi of the Semi-Supervillains
Check them out here: / tssvillains
-Wanna send me something? Sent it to:
Diesel Creek
P.O. Box 109
Burgettstown PA 15021-0109

[@cogboy302]

It's nearly 81years old. The fact it's still actually here means it's not too shabby.

[@DieselCreek]

its ugly but actually in really good shape, well cared for most of its life.

[@Azuretxzs]

So i know a tug and its from 1947 and still runs fine. The owners are complaining. But when i have a chance of driving it myself i think i wont complain

[@autobootpiloot]

@@Azuretxzs So i have a tug and its from 1887 and still runs fine. Ok, not the original engine because that was a steam engine. But the tug has been operational with the current engine so in my book it counts.

[@Observerl]

I would love to see he would complete _Christine_ first.

[@kirdot2011]

@@DieselCreek if by care you mean a crap ton of yellow paint then yes

[@xxefamxx3518]

If you ever want to lure Matt into a van you don’t offer candy you offer rusty old graders lol

[@JamesCouch777]

😂👍

[@everestyeti]

😂

[@AZVIDS]

Want some rusty candy?😉

[@AZVIDS]

Want some rusty candy?😉

[@XH1927]

That'd be a fuckin' big van lol

[@viking7558]

Love it! 48 years operating heavy equipment. I cut my teeth on an old Allis single rear end military motor grader back in the mid 70's. Worked up to owning my own excavating business and I at one time owned a 1946 Caterpillar 7T motor grader. Yours has a cab and Doors! Mine did not. It was an excellent old machine that we used to service the contract to keep a small city's dirt roads graded once a month. Wish I had it back! Riggs Cat even had most of the parts that I needed. The PTO driven models were called knuckle busters for a reason. When applying down pressure to the blade it would kick back gently through the control handle when it was getting close to Max pressure. You better have your hands off the controls by the third kick or you would have a stone bruise in the palm of your hand! What Memories! I was in my thirties back then. Nowadays I operate a new John Deere complete with environmental cab, but those were good days back then! I am interested to see this machine run and How I would Love to take her around the block!

[@haydenwatson7987]

Back in the late 70's a #12 Road Patrol Cat grader just like that one was my baby. I was 20-years old and worked in a white clay mine in north Idaho. My job was to keep the haul roads in passible shape for the self-loading scrapers and to clean up the edges of the pit.I needed to be at the grader at least 30-minutes before the rest of the crew so that I had the time to get her up and running in time to make a run before they were ready to roll. You need to be really fast with the controls to smash them into gear fully before they try to kick back at you. Quick in and quick out was the name of the game. like you said, if you are late coming off, it would try to break your arm.

[@richardthomas1743]

Quote of the day. We squeezed it on there, "It's pretty much legal , we're good" LOL 😂

[@heartland96a]

So your suggesting another song ? We’re about to enter a world of DOT Violations ! LoL

[@Soggstermainia]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate that he rolled it into the shop, on that fantastic concrete and is now inside working on it 👌🏻

[@jumpinjojo]

*Then, not than.

[@JamesCouch777]

👍

[@ksukat87]

I preferred when he worked outside on his vehicles (Like I have to do). His video's lose something in my opinion when he rolls it into his "million dollar shop" where he has every tool at his finger tips. Just my opinion, I know. And I'm sure it makes everything easier for him when he's working inside.

[@WowCreativeUsername]

@@ksukat87 We get more content cause he's not limited by weather or daylight.

[@tomgalli1188]

I know! That excited me as much as the project! So much time, so many videos, and now the shop is going to earn its keep!

[@grosseileracingteam]

Hey Matt. I'm looking forward to this winter when it's a -20 degree wind chill outside and you're in a tee shirt in your shop turning a piece on your lathe to make a part or tool for one of your projects. You've earned it buddy. Thanks for posting.

[@michaelramos3589]

2 cylinder, salvage, run-YES! I have faith! Go for it!

[@charleskeplinger3302]

Nothing better than starting your morning with an episode of diesel creek !

[@benhadden7038]

Or finishing your day, it’s 10:30 pm Thursday night here 😂

[@xxefamxx3518]

@@benhadden7038 fellow man down under i see

[@Buke8500]

☕

[@Jax2027]

@@benhadden7038 same

[@7eis]

Good morning from a place where it is afternoon🌎🕛

[@johnheard2814]

Matt I ran one for years. Just a bit of advice be sure and keep the pedestal and console full of 90 wt. Gear oil it'll help save your palms and knuckles when your grading. And if you have slack in the blade gearboxes you can rotate the shaft and find less worn teeth. It's a job but it'll make it blade on point again. And to tighten up the ball joints and round table there is s himself that can be removed to tighten up slack until its down so far it has to be replaced.

[@johnheard2814]

Matt pm me I have some parts you can use I think on that machine or maybe even Christine.

[@michaelshinn162]

Scrappy saves the day! Always a great day when Sam shows up. Sorry she was froze up Matt. Love watching you rescue old iron.

[@fleminj2pa]

There’s something very satisfying about watching you work on that machine in your well lit, comfortable shop instead of out in the elements under a carport. Congrats on the progress. ~ A Viewer From Mars

[@dustinhenry6142]

Christine is going to either love the fact she has a new friend or really angry and start having fits. It’s a solid grader looking forward to it coming back to life!

[@woodyjenny6353]

Yep indeed Dustin, hehe. is she already spitting oil or chugging in excited hope for a full recovery of her new friend ?

[@billsargent3407]

Or maybe finish her first

[@eddieforce2341]

I learned to run an old 1950s Cat Dozer when I was 16 years old. The pony motor was a crank start. If you stalled it out with the blade up it blocked the hole for the crank which went in under the radiator. I learned real quick to not to stall ti out. We cleared 40 acres of trees that summer. We spent about as much time working on the old thing as we did pushing over trees.I learned a lot that summer.

[@andrewturner67]

I am 100% confident that you will have that old gem running in no time. I absolutely love your channel 😊

[@david4368]

I, for one, don't mind longer presentations. You're an amazing mechanic.

[@outandaboutwithdon656]

Matt when it comes to Diesel Creek videos they are never too long , even if it's one hour or more long because it's great content thanks Matt

[@ivanlagace7395]

Agreed

[@mattandrejak9266]

Agreed!

[@renton1977ah]

Great content is never too long

[@waynemoureau5154]

I have watched several of your videos and it’s a blessing to see someone resurrecting old equipment. We live in a throwaway society nowadays. ❤

[@DieselCreek]

Agreed. Sickening

[@fakshen1973]

You're working on a machine that your great grandfather drove, your great, great grandfather probably paid for and your great, great, GREAT grandfather designed. That's an amazing build.

[@redlight722]

I can’t wait to see her running and possibly restored Matt. Thanks for the great content and keeping this fireman occupied and learning while at work.

[@bobm2331]

Matt one thing I have learned from watching so many of your videos is " All things are possible". Nothing gets in your way if you set your mind to it. Well done, once more.

[@danieloutloud9151]

Still loving the work not being dependent on the weather , the shop environment provides so many benefits . You're not fighting the elements as well as the machine's flaws . Your videos will be so much easier to see and film in that well lit space .

[@ricktroyer8713]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate fat Alice and that exhaust note👌🏼

[@PaulBarwick]

I hadn't appreciated just how vast your new shop is until this video, where the various pieces of equipment added a sense of scale. AWESOME! I'm looking forward to following your resurrection of this old gal.

[@scottschenk5456]

Back in the day, Caterpillar made equipment that was field serviceable. Being this was WWII Era, it may have seen duty overseas. I have High Hopes that it will be a runner and worth saving. Thanks Matt!

[@Malakie]

I doubt it was used overseas in WWII because the primer and paint is wrong. it would have had a different primer coat and paint scheme. And since we can see both here, it is pretty clear this was the original color. I don't see any markings that would also indicate it had been military use.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

Matt what a game changer that shop is! When you were using the fork lift I remembered when you brought it home to the house and I wondered when will he ever get the chance to use it around your gravel drive way at the house and look where she is now on a cement heated floor in a dream shop, INCREDIBLE!

[@DieselCreek]

I knew I would get to it someday!

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

The old grader looks like it has some life left in it. The E9 Mack had to steal the show for a little while this video as well. Your Friend has a Truck to be proud of and it sounds awesome. The little Grader looks like a decent machine, hopefully your luck holds out when it runs. Thanks for the Videos, Matt.

[@briangraham540]

Appreciare you Matt and all you do to preserve the old and you earned working in a nice shop from lying in all kinds of conditions from years gone by ! ( from Canada )

[@richardthomas1743]

good morning everybody and thumbs UP to Diesel Creek! 👍💯💥

[@MartesWigglesworth]

I LOVE how Mrs. Diesel Creek makes an appearance with her designer purse. That is so cool how she is interested in this stuff at least to some extent. I love these updates @Diesel Creek :). This is such a great background view while I get work done.

[@alanfenwick9307]

If you want to see Miss Eva in action have a look at the cylinder rebuilds on the dozer at the farm, removing the cab off the Autocar (includes driving the "orange crush" loader) and helping out with the first and or 2nd CJ5 vids. Like a boss!

[@mikeschillinger4427]

In all honesty my wife, although not mechanically minded, loves her VW's (she has 3) and tries her best to help me work on them... until that first busted knuckle or I start getting frustrated. Then it's beer 30 and I'm on my own. 😂 It is nice having a wife that shares your passions though.

[@thinkcasting3182]

Us marine guys quite often have engines that are water logged. We just mix diesel and transmission fluid 50/50 and saturate the cylinder. Let it sit for a day then slowly work on that crank bolt, back and forth a little at a time. Give it time. Each time you apply pressure those rings will move 1/1000th and allow the mixture to free the bond.

[@thomaslund5902]

This is actually looking really good! 👍 But aside the project itself.... Guys! All of this work is being done INSIDE!!!! What an upgrade! You can almost feel the difference! Happy for you Matt 👍🤩

[@hy78an]

That buddy of yours has an impressive truck and trailer combo, oh and the grader is not half bad either.😊

[@johnypitman2368]

The wonderful thing about these videos is it connects you to people familiar with the old machine and some good advice not available elsewhere

[@stevetessier8532]

Great to see a Nucklebuster being rescued...Love your videos & your common sense approach to problem solving...Matt you know common sense is no longer common...Cheers from Boston Mass...!!

[@stevetessier8532]

Thank God for Mr.Sam of Scrappy Industries..Good Man in that fine Mack...!!

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

I Learned how to beat that rope pull starter torture process years ago. Just get a washing machine motor and make a temporary mount with a remote starter switch and find a belt the right size or a leather sectional belt that you can change the length and let the motor do the work. The washer motor is set up to reverse on itself if needed if the pony motor bucks back on you.

[@steverayrapp]

I was thinking along those lines also...a pony motor for the pony motor.

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

Another great episode of Matthew’s Madness the addiction continues ! thanks for sharing your World with all of us !

[@gilnorton1]

Amazing shape for as old as it is, and for sitting outside. Pretty excited for the following video. Another great one, good music, camera work and commentary. So much fun to watch. Stay safe . Peace

[@joewalters2259]

I can’t wait to see the next video to see how things turn out, I’ve lost count of projects I started that began as “it’s not that bad and/or I’ve seen worse” that spiral into “well I’ve already gone this far so there’s no turning back now” lol. I hope it works out and this old girl gets another chance to do her thing as a working piece of equipment.

[@LiquidLuke]

Happy to see the grader make it to a good home. Can't wait to see it in action.

[@JesusThineBeTheGlory]

I was expecting the cylinders to be completely rusted. But good news and she’ll definitely run again!

[@Drew-wf7vw]

I'm really excited about this project.. would love to see this run again

[@yurchikbelov1]

Great to see you finally working on projects in the new shop.

[@richardthomas1743]

Thanks Matt , I am looking forward to part two on the grader engine. The inside of the engine was better than I was thinking , I thought that there would be two rusted water filled cylinders. That really did not look bad at all. Thank you for taking us along and of course thumbs UP! 👍

[@freddishaw1031]

Have faith in your ability to make it run. Loving the clock over the door, lets people know how long you put into these projects dailey. A few minutes for us was 5 hours for you..looking forward to the next.

[@steven.ghodgson765]

Proper mechanical work and real spanners. Can't wait for Part 2 - great Matt as usual.

[@Kowyn]

We have a 1956 12-8T at work, the old girl still plows every winter and in the summer she keeps the mill yard flat. With these old machines you don't drive them, they drive you, 8 hours on one of these things and you feel it!

[@t1259sw]

Matt your shop looks nice, hats off to you, your hard work has paid off 100 times.

[@RichardHeadGaming]

FYI the only part of the Valve train that matters what hole they came from is the lifters, unless its a roller. The push rods can be dif length in some engines but that only matters that you put them in a correct location for that. Many motors are torn down and reassembled with new or used push rods and they do not explode on starting lol. This info from 30 years of building engines.

[@DieselCreek]

I agree with you 100%. However the Internet “experts” know better than us lol

[@dennisroberts6698]

Nice to see you in the New Building, even a Visitor Popped in for a second, lol

[@CekalaStudios]

Nothing more satisfying then watching videos like these, love this channel. I have high hopes it’ll be running like butter and moving around well.

[@JB-yi9sp]

It is so nice to see you able to work in your "Dream Shop". That alone would bring a smile to my face every day. But like a few of us... We are scratching our heads on how the crane install will work out.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

I've been working on spring start-ups for the season. New tractors:piece of cake. Old iron not so much but it keeps me busy. Soooo looking forward to seeing the Cat brought back to life.

[@AZMountainMan2U]

Love the videos! I have the exact same grader, same year, only difference is mine is electric start for the pony motor. Can't wait to see you get this ol girl running again!

[@marvwatkins7029]

Matt's collection is so amazingly diverse and large, he may want to set up an operating historical construction equipment "living" museum someday. (Put those fields to use!)

[@4.5.0.Garage]

Good idea for a passion too! 🤑🤑

[@johndebrular979]

The thing that is so good about your channel is that you have stayed true to what you started out. Everything that you have done has been focused on restoting old equioment. That includes building a new shop & that is why you subscribers are so faithful. Keep up the fantastic work and don't change a thing. Was that your wife helping with the camera ?

[@justchillinout2002]

Funny thing is I started watching because of the old church reno!!! Now I'm hooked on the old equipment, even picked up an old tractor and using Matt's videos as motivation to keep working on the old girl!!

[@engmcgill]

John, I think the channel's consistent because we're getting to see the real Matt-this is who he is and what he does and he's not about to change. The only thing that changes is the quality of his workspace. He's come a long way from that tiny garage. I too was hoping that it was Eva visiting the new shop. We need to see more of her. She's a hoot!

[@jameskaufmann4260]

I,m still waiting to see him restore the old truck that his grandpa drove Matt hate to say it but you are turning into a packrat. Just look at all the stuff in the new shop. No heat, electric and where is the crane?

[@alexyochum5648]

@@jameskaufmann4260 Well then go make your own youtube channel and do it the way you imagine he should. Theres alot of us who would love to have everything he has. Keep it up Matt, you can’t turn down certain deals, it would just be stupid

[@johnrobertson2935]

Nice to see you working in your bright dry clean shop, and of course we all believed you would get it running!

[@_RocketRooster]

I can't help but notice how nice your shop is and how happy you must be working in it!

[@rhondasweeney7271]

This is going to be an adventure that I don't want to miss! Can hardly wait until part two! Thank you for sharing your adventures

[@brock4372]

I always wonder if the people who built these old machines ever stopped to wonder if it'd be worked on 80 some years later. Between you and Vice Grip Garage, these are some of my favorite things to watch. I enjoy the mechanical side of things. Seeing how things were built.

[@rogertucker6662]

The over head crane will be handy for lifting stuff like that . Can't wait for those videos .

[@krazykyle0]

I could listen to that truck run all day.

[@analog56x]

i always get excited when i see a new diesel creek video! i love seeing really old machinery put back into working condition. its super satisfying and also keeps a piece of history from just rusting into nothing. cheers Matt!

[@johncampbell6382]

If there’s anyone that can fix it and get it going is you Matt 👍👍

[@CliffManis]

Wow, and now you have a beautiful place and building where you can work inside... SO NICE... 2.10 Happy Superbowl Saturday to you. k and now a new day, it is 3.16 and I love to watch of your videos. thanks.

[@CliffManis]

Maybe someone will reply. At the THUMBS UP diagram, it either shows ( UNLIKE and I liked it). I wonder if I do the 'i like it' a second time, if that would ever show up as a second time anywhere ??? Thanks for any answer.

[@Stevensteven1098]

Only one cylinder? That's made you happy! lol You can do this, We have faith in you!!

[@Arachnikadia]

Love watching your episodes! You, letsdig18, Salvage Workshop, Jimmys World and Watch Wes Work have inspired me to want to save and restore old machines. Keep up the great work!

[@charlesroberts6965]

Always enjoy watching you dive into these projects..kinda like watching a surgeon preparing to operate and going in and seeing just how bad or good it is... awesome start to what I know will be a classic restart of a piece of history. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and adventure with us.. can't wait for episode 2 😊🇺🇸🔧🛠️👍🚜

[@jesterr7133]

Don't you love rope start machines that have been sitting for decades? They are always fun.

[@chrislowry3822]

My Great Uncle used to run heavy equipment. that had the rope start pony motors on them. He always said the old timers would keep them running till they quit work for the day. Those are a bugger to start and you only want to start them once a day lol. Good luck at getting this ole Girl going and working again. Can't wait to see her running and working again.

[@markbehr88]

You’ve gotta fix this thing. It is American industrial history. When they made this they were making Sherman tanks, P51 Mustangs, PT Boats with Packard engines and Army DUKWS! Enough said.

[@steverayrapp]

The fact that didn't get melted down to make war machines is a miracle in itself!

[@jackgreen412]

Always fun to see you tackle seemingly impossibly tasks. The most fun is watching your reactions!

[@keithlincoln1309]

Man!, first thing I notice about your last two videos is I need friends with better toys....great to see this in your shop.

[@brianmetcalf784]

Matt I am so glad you have a building to work in! Keep up the good work! You were the first KZbin channel that I ever watched!

[@gbentley8176]

Using a numbered card instills a methodical and disciplined approach to any dismantling. Also using spanners gives a young apprentice the feel needed in certain situations. Good training lasts a lifetime and can save time and money. Modern equipment is of course essential. Great video as always and your workshop is being broken in! Thank you for posting best wishes from a dinosaur mechanic teacher in the UK.

[@philyew3617]

Total agreement from a fellow dinosaur, also in UK. Power tools are great but, there's no 'feel' to whatever you're doing. I was never even allowed to use a ratchet break torque wrench on re-assembly, it had to be a pointer scale so you had the feel. Oh the memories come flooding back. We may be old but we learned how to fix things, not just rip out and replace.

[@gbentley8176]

@@philyew3617 Shows we are not yet extinct!!

[@kenwolf1056]

Oh no! The new shop floor is going to get all messed up! I guess it was going to happen sooner or later. Love the videos, would like to see another rebuild if you are up for it.

[@powrguy1696]

I think that's why he bought the ol' floor sweeper machine..

[@cwlong9667]

A real classic! I have a toy metal one I've had since I was young. Pushed a lot of dirt with it. Best wishes on a rebuild!

[@S300Weasle]

Called it 1 cylinder bad but save able. Wife was watching over my shoulder and was impressed with my call out.

[@poaolopalmitessa2152]

8:38 Scrappy truck sounds sweet

[@jeremypelias]

I was so disappointed there was no video of them hauling with that beautiful rig! I can imagine how beautiful it would sound with a load!

[@poaolopalmitessa2152]

@Jeremy E hope the next time he calls his buddy he hooks up with hauling sounds.

[@ryanaustin2617]

Glad to see you are back with a great project, the older, the nastier, the better. Can't wait to see episode #2. In the meantime, you ought to think about the name for this old gal.

[@billbigler9338]

Thanks to Matt, I now shout "contact" when I light my gas grill.

[@briancarter1629]

Matt your the most entertaining person on KZbin you. Make an old man in the uk happy

[@adamrosenhamer3762]

Best way to spend a slow morning at work! Can't wait to see where this one brings us Matt!

[@joybranscum4833]

After looking at your previous videos, nothing is impossible for you. Looking forward to your progress on this machine.

[@AbcDef-iq4no]

I love seeing how well-built older machines like this were put together. It would be cool to restore a bunch of them create a museum to display them to the pubic.

[@caveone-365]

Scrappy Sam's Mack is nice. You can hear the turbski spoolin at idle even. Fat Allis doing some work putting that grader in that BEAUTIFUL shop!!! 😁👍

[@davidfist7801]

I really like this little grader. Its smaller size means you can use it on driveways and parking lots a lot easier. I sure hope you can get it running. I'm thinking it's in fairly good shape despite all the rust. Too bad you couldn't try to break it loose in this video. Hope you don't make us wait too long for the next video.

[@benhadden7038]

G’day from Australia love the videos keep up the great work!!

[@tweedlydee9694]

I’m glade somebody saving these old machines instead of a scrap yard. I like content ❤

[@michaelwalsh98]

As always Matt, you bring them back from the dead ! Just a great job, and love the Channel!!!

[@EvanDunville]

Great Video. Its cool to see a project happening inside the new shop. the lighting was great and it looks like you have lots of room to work.

[@ThePostApocalypticInventor]

1942? I find a lot of old equipment all the time. But stuff from before 1945 is much harder to find than after. Might be for a lot of reasons. Destroyed in the war, scrapped to make more weapons from the steel, hauled off for war reparations after the war etc etc

[@DieselCreek]

agreed, this would have been produced under steel rationing too so it was deemed a vital piece of equipment back then!

[@Mick_A_Knuckle]

31:50 Engine's saveable, three cylinders are rough, and yes OF COURSE you'll get it running!

[@WingmanJohnny]

Matt great save. Just an idea. Weld a old socket 1/2 drive onto the pony moter pulley and use a impact drill to spin it over. That would save you a ton of pulling. Keep up the great work

[@patrickriley3630]

That’s what I would do also

[@randyclyde4939]

Thanks Matt, another great video! I'm always impressed with the way you work through things and the attitude with which you do! This looks like great fun (at least for us). Stay well, stay safe!

[@Nf6xNet]

Darn, I should have paused and voted. My guess was "yes, one cylinder, and yes". I figured things would not be too bad when you said there was good news. This video sure had a different feel than all of your previous videos. Working on an old piece of equipment in your brand new shop must be even more exciting for you than it is for all of us! 🍻

[@alanfenwick9307]

Matt, awesome effort, great working location 😉and looking forward to future instalments. I think the silver lining of having to take the head off was finding that pooched water jacket cover on the pony. As always, thanks for sharing 👍

[@micahlakin2170]

Keep it and restore it! It’s what you’ve always been about, Matt

[@mrc3584]

Matt! Thanks for the morning upload! There is quite a lot of old equipment around me. Is therr a piece youre looking for to complete your collection?

[@DieselCreek]

no but you should have a go with one!

[@mrc3584]

@Diesel Creek haha I think my neighbors and wife disagree!