First start of the Caterpillar D4! Sixteen months in the making!

[@larrybolhuis1049]

OUT-STANDING! Hearing that cat purr to life and then seeing it move under it's own power was awesome! Great work, and great perseverance Matt!!

[@phil4483]

Man, I will bet that felt good when that baby turned over.

[@williamschodlatz6148]

@@phil4483 aaa

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

What a sweet sound!

[@scottgm321]

That start up smile was priceless. Congratulations. It’s awesome to see it roll in on its own power. Great job and thanks for bringing us on the journey

[@RobertFay]

*- Agreed.*

[@RickRuzga]

Priceless

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

I have enjoyed watching your journey getting this D4 up & running. I do hope you'll continue producing similar content - your laid back / non-commercialized style is something a lot of older channels are losing in favor of "shorts" & how-many-ads-can-stuff-in-oh-and-I'm-endorsing-this-so-buy-it-now. Seriously - your channel is great and this 61 year old guy has learned a few tricks from ya along the way.

[@RobertFay]

*- Thanks you for getting said WhatIsNeeded for Matt.*

[@phillipdean9879]

Well done Matt! Great work. That motor sounds great! Celebratory beers all round! 🇦🇺🍺🍺

[@RobbieHuxley]

I've been watching this rebuild for the last 12 months and that was awesome to see it fire up. I live in Papua New Guinea so you've got fans worldwide, can't wait to see it finished, but don't know what I'll watch after that!!

[@jetel148]

Thank you so much for sharing us this beautiful series Matt. Your work experience, technical expertise, and attention to detail is truly inspiring. I can't wait to see when your D4 is fully restored and taking commissioning works.

[@RobertFay]

*- Yup, AGREED ! ! !*

[@dougyaroch3380]

We screw up & try to hide it or deny it, you screwed up and posted it for us if you edited it, we wouldn’t have known, thanks for being a Man of integrity ☕️🏍❤️

[@sebastianroth5289]

Best series on KZbin keep up the hard work! Engine sounds amazing👌🏻

[@markzucchini7915]

Spot on! Practical application

[@johnjordan4647]

Well done Matt and thank you from Australia for taking us on the journey with you 👍

[@chox2001]

The first start smile you had said everything. I really enjoyed this series, thank you. Looking forward to the video seing this work.

[@manfromthemist1958]

you deserve that Matt, you've done a brilliant job on it. you can't help but smile when it bursts into life. well done

[@mynamesnotwally]

I've been binge watching this story to get caught up with your content. I am not a mechanic (at all) but this has been so entertaining. I actually clapped when the dozer started running in this episode! Your smile at about 41:30 told the whole story. It was nice to get 43 episodes in a couple of weeks, rather than 16 months. :)

[@rcboatlife4907]

So nice to see all your hard work come to life .. been watching this from the start I didn't think it was possible from when you first found her great work !

[@erikcourtney1834]

Love the grid heater idea. I hate either on diesels.

[@miltonhamptonii5441]

Hard to believe its been 16 months. I've watched them all. You must be stoked up. Great job.👍👍👍

[@Isthatyoudermot]

Great patience for the water pump. What an incredible design. Engine sounds amazing. Hearing it fire off made me smile. Well done Matt.

[@robbybachmann332]

Thanks for doing these videos. It’s been a pleasure to watch the journey and see her start up. Pitt Meadows BC

[@pipeman65]

Congratulations! Wonderful build. Enjoyed every minute of it!

[@PoteauCowboy]

I'm one of the thousands who are HAPPY FOR YOU Matt. Congratulations. It was awesome to see and hear the engine start and see the Cat move on it's own power. Does not seem like 16 months.

[@alc818]

Great job on the rebuild!!! Next time, try sliding a piece of sheet metal between the radiator core and fan before removing the water pump - it lowers my anxiety when I do so...

[@jakleo337]

I use a piece of thin plywood. Anything in a pinch, even cardboard.

[@vinniejohns7895]

Ive been watching this rebuild since the beginning. I can't believe how much painstaking work goes into a small dozer. Hats off to you Matt. This is one of my favourite channels.

[@holdengrp3]

16 months, Awesome viewing Matt, it has been great to watch this all happen

[@mathbrown9099]

Watching again, three weeks later. Your pullers remind me of my former work: High School Band Director. When brass players would inadvertantly slam their palm against the rim of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece would stick into the brass instrument they were playing. The mouthpiece puller is most reminiscent of your smaller puller. Just a nutty memory. Hope you and my fellow commenters don’t mind.

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

Nicely done Matt. Big project with a great outcome. Hope you get many years of service out of the old CAT.

[@richerrick45]

Somehow all the pain of restoring something like your D4 is all forgotten when it's moving on its own. Congrats!

[@marctrossbach6560]

Matt, you should be super proud of yourself. Not only do you have yourself an awesome dozer that's basically new, but you know the ins and outs of the entire machine. Looking forward to seeing your new CAT in action

[@karbalababy]

Wow. What a euphoric feeling to get that old girl to chooch once again! Reminds me of my younger diamond drilling days. Great video, a pleasure to watch you work

[@jfloydsea]

It’s been a long road but I’ve loved watching this thing come back to life. Excellent work!

[@memyself7413]

Matt, you haven''t "screwed up," you have surpassed any expectations with your tenacity, experience and enthusiasm. Actually, I think it's a shame to get the thing all mucked up, now that it's looking like new. Well, be that as it may, it obviously owes you a few (few? That's a joke!) bucks. Good luck, mate, you have done really well there and I wish you every success.

[@todds4101]

Man this brought me back! Excellent video! My dad restored an old 1952 D2 from ground up. Pony motor, and man that thing would BUCK YOU OFF if you weren't paying attention to the drop in front of you. Lost him back in 2009 and had to sell his stuff so mom would have some $$ in the account to live on. Brought tears to my eyes to see that dozer go. Strong work on this restoration. Strong work indeed!!!

[@RiadKhan801]

Great job! I discovered your content while searching for instructions on building a D4 transmission and ended up watching your channel for the past five hours. It was compelling to see this unit start up and drive. Truly impressive work!

[@turbotransporter]

No better feeling after all that work! I’m proud of you!!

[@aazogbi]

What a treat, just discovered your channel a couple of months ago and binged on it. A real pleasure to see the engine start so smoothly, considering the state in which you've found this dozer. Congratulations!!

[@Ghostface0911]

Matt, you should be super proud of yourself. Not only do you have yourself an awesome dozer that's basically new, but you know the ins and outs of the machine. Looking forward to seeing your new BEAST in action.

[@simonharding7084]

Congratulations! I've watched this from the start and enjoy every episode very much. Your low key manner and the way you edit and explain things makes this my favorite channel. Thank you.

[@stephenpoe2037]

OMG ! Hard to believe it has been 16 months . All of the hard work has paid off in a Epic way ! It just Purrs . No smoke when running is a Great sign ! Coagulations ! Thanks So Much for sharing your Videos with us .

[@alexfraser8506]

Dude!! Congrats Matt!! That was so epic to see it finally fire up!

[@ClintsHobbiesDIY]

I was hooked to see it run again when it was in the woods. Way to go Matt.

[@JustMike2791]

In a hundred years this video series will continue to be highly regarded content. Really enjoyed this series Matt, thanks for taking us all along your journey.

[@mauricekinder2545]

I think you are right, this is the kind of content that will be a scholarly reference in the distant future!🤠 Mk

[@johnwow2646]

we won't be here in 100 years... humans raped the planet in a way that will make it hospitable to cockroaches and other micro organisms only.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Well said!

[@johnwallace7694]

Built in AMERICA ! , Built to last , Cant beat that Cat, Uncle lloyd drove a D-9 Building the big 3 auto plants , Etc .The "Golden Era ". Partner I know 0 % About Diesels , Im addicted to this Channel . Great content , No BS , Just solid information .

[@InLineDiesel6]

I've been following this rebuild from the get-go, I'm amazed not only with your skills but the patience you have had. Simply AWESOME!

[@deanehill9730]

You have to be very pleased with yourself for such an enjoyable result. Having that engine burst into life was music to the ears. Thanks for the video.

[@mikeswiney5317]

Way to go, Matt! Like so many others, I’ve been watching since the beginning. So happy for you with all the hard work and learning you have done to get here.

[@JoeAroner-SIWAYTV]

The smile on your face says it all. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your journey. Couple of final tune up jobs and a battery box where the old pony was and you are going to be pushing dirt or snow.

[@dslinger7897]

Turned out way better then I thought it would….Looks great!

[@mrpesky163]

There aren't going to be any mounds or holes that don't get smoothed out pronto on Matt's place anymore! Nice! Thanks for letting us look over your shoulder on the project.

[@kandersn317]

Congratulations, Matt! First start was beautiful! Can't wait to see the D4 work soon!

[@prodkey]

Bravo sir! Great sound isn’t it?! Remember: keep your hand clutch handle pulled back/engaged when idling in neutral - your throw out bearing will be much happier!!! You have been doing a great job on this.

[@warbirdwf]

There was nothing "downer" about your video! What an amazing job you did to get that dozer restored and back together. It's almost ready to use. Pat yourself on the back for the determination to bring life back to that dozer! Well done!

[@peterarmstrong8613]

Congratulations, I have followed you from the recovery of this lucky bulldozer and enjoyed your comprehensive restoration along with detailed explanation of the work involved. Thank you sir. From Australia.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

So amazing to hear it run and see it move under its own power!!! Congratulations!!!

[@terryrogers1025]

Great series, great to see it start and restart and move under its own power, a restoration/rebuild well done, I salute you sir, thanks for the update.

[@ImpHalla66]

I was your super cheerleader when it fired off. Great work Matt!! She almost ready from some grunting work.

[@pinwizz69]

Matt, here's an old trick to protect a radiator core from fan damage. Before loosing any bolts put a thick sheet of cardboard or sheet foam (better) under 1/4 inch plywood as space allows between the fan blades and the core. You won't have to worry about damaging your core. So friggen cool after all the struggle bus issues that you had to work thru that big beautiful beast fired up after a couple of oops and she ran so smooth. A couple of more episodes and it'll be pushin' dirt. Then it's on to the excavator series. You're definitely right up there with Squatch253, Watch Wes Work, Diesel Creek and Mike Dirt Perfect quality to watch your wrenching and the work you put in to get your dozer running again.

[@12jeeplover]

I was yelling in my head "ITS ALIVE, ALIVE!". This has been so cool watching you rebuild this with such detail.

[@jamesballock1768]

I'll bet all the mechanics at CAT are watching this.!

[@tujuprojects]

They actually stop working when this gets published.

[@weyayemanjoe3082]

🤔😅They probably learnt something

[@weyayemanjoe3082]

HI matt I've watched you from the start, she is purring like a kitten, looking forward to the next one 👍Nice to see Charlie is still knocking about, Take care m8 👀you soon 👍👍👍

[@LuisRodriguez-sc1oq]

🇺🇸🇵🇷🇵🇪😎 thanks for your channel! Been watching from the start. It shows what with a lot of want some engendering ability, a nice place to work a few tools and a quiet halper can do!! Thanks for the entertainment, We it helps you around the house 🌞🚜

[@MikeAnderson-oh9po]

Been watching this series since the beginning. Great job!

[@jamesdearman814]

HOORAW!! ya got yaself a runner there matt - you go son!! v that is too cool matt- thanks for taking us along for the ride. been a good one.

[@Sparx.Wheels]

The moment we’ve all been waiting for. It’s been a long ride and a bunch of us have been here since day one. This right here makes everything worth while. Thank you for taking the time to document and bringing all of us along on your journey.

[@froop2393]

I was not prepared for this 😯 Thought that it would takes at least another 6 months to see it driving by its own. Love your work and learned so much. Thank you for sharing!

[@Fred4hp]

Great work Matt. Been watching you struggle for months and it is exciting to see the D4 running so smoothly. Now on to a salvage D6!

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

Yippee !!! First run after all those months of hard work on that baby totally worth it. You got a brand. New dozer

[@tedheierman1181]

Man I'm grinning ears to ears to see this finally running. I can only imagine how happy you are at this moment! This has been one amazing restoration!

[@cartercurrie6529]

Matt you should be proud of your accomplishments bringing this project to this step.

[@andyfairman7812]

Great job Matt! Been watching this project from the beginning and gotta say I enjoyed every minute and the care you've taken to do everything right. It was very satisfying to see if start up and boy it sounds great! I appreciate you letting us come along on this journey with you and taking the time to record and edit all the videos. Can't wait for the next one!

[@poppydogz]

I've operated plant for over 36 years and I must say you have done a brilliant job of that old girl, congratulations Matt 🍻 cheers..

[@tomhemken4004]

Congratulations Matt you deserve this success. Your patience is an example to us all and your film making makes this one of the more satisfying videos on you tube.

[@BushNDN-p3o]

WOW!! Watched the entire rebuild and all your hard work gone into this amazing job. I appreciate the passion and dedication you put into your work. It was awesome to see you start it and drive it into back into the barn.

[@dannyoktim9628]

Matt, you beat yourself up waaaaay to muck, 500 points for showing up and 500 points for making that CAT purr. I'm a fan . . . Thanks for the content . . .I learned . . .now push some dirt young man. . .

[@mauricekinder2545]

RE; the winch gearbox, I am a retired mechanic, I used to work for a food processing co. We used a bunch of gearboxes that used square-cut gears, (also worm reducers), we filled the gearboxes with 100% STP. makes them quieter, and extends life. (Doesn’t stop leaks). Have also seen 5-gal cans of STP put into 16-278 GM DIESELS, on submarines in the Navy. Love ur videos! Maurice in TEXAS🤠

[@lyleminyard2308]

Matt is that the most beautiful sound you have ever heard you’ve done a fabulous job!!!

[@paulsilva3346]

HEY, THERE'S a product for a battery tray, it's a mat that goes underneath your battery that absorbs all the acid and neutralizes it. I told Squatch 253 about it and he's using it in all his tractors now. It's a battery Mat,, I'll look for the brand, but it's easy to find, and wonderful to you

[@victoriaevelyn3953]

it was a treat just to hear it run its smooth

[@faerieSAALE]

Finally - at long last - she lives again! Congratulations.

[@tonydentonarms4112]

All that hard work paid off it runs great. I don't think you could wipe that smile off your face. great job

[@jetninjamonkey]

That engine ran perfect. That had to be very rewarding. Good work Matt.

[@michaelszczygiel2069]

congratulations! I know the immense sense of relief and elation that follow the initial start-up. It's like counting your newborns fingers and toes to verify they're healthy.

[@johnmetzger7185]

Try a piece of Thin Plywood or layered cardboard to protect your radiator core when you pull your water pump... Great to see the old Cat running!! And that Look of Happiness on your Face when you got it arunning...

[@danbentsen]

Thanks for your series of videos on your D4 Dozer. You have a right to slow down & be careful to not hurt it, getting to know how to operate your dozer. Looking forward to seeing you operate your dozer on some of your projects on your place. Congrads, Looks like you got a pretty fair deal from dozer graveyard. Looking forward to you spooling wire rope on winch and tugging some logs ect w/it. Have a good one

[@tutekohe1361]

That smile on your face when the tractor was running said it all. Good on you. 👍

[@JohnSmith-vc4yg]

You performed a miracle. That cat was hurting every way. Good Man

[@ste1872]

Wow I've been watching this build the past 2 days great job Matt it looks like a brand new machine now 💯👍🏻

[@RomeKG471]

You only have to worry about using an impact if the water pump has the new steel impeller with the ceramic seal/washer on it.

[@corydriver7634]

Awesome job! I especially like the tip on using air pressure to prime the fuel system, file that under “why didn’t I think of that “. Brilliant!

[@michaelcrowe3677]

Matt, I’ve watched all your videos. I’ve worked on many tractors and dozers but never took the time to document it with a video. Its fun to watch and helpful. I had a d4 that the left steering clutch would get stuck open if the dozer was leaning downhill to the left and was able to diagnose the problem from watching several times your video when you rebuilt the steering clutch levers. So many thanks. Michael

[@joetorrente1899]

I grew up wanting to restore an old car but one day it hit me restoring an old machine like that brought me more joy and when finished it's much more useful my loader paid for itself 10 times over in the last 3 years, never needs to be registered, only needs fuel and maintenance!

[@steveofire56765]

Moved under it's own power!! Not a downer ending at all. Great work! Can't wait to see it pushing dirt

[@dougthomson5544]

Nice to see an old machine like this preserved. Well done.

[@RobertFay]

*- Your refurbishment and repair and first start is so much more fun than any other channels.* *- I've been watching the breaking protocols that Squatch253 has been doing with his rebuild...and somehow...well, I just enjoy this more. So, thanks Matt for bringing tears to my eyes.*

[@jamestreadwell8412]

GREAT JOB MATT!! This has been the most interesting time to watch! Ive never done a CAT but plenty of gas tractors. First start up is great to see your smile!!

[@RickRuzga]

I watched many episodes and enjoyed them all. Great job on everything. The tractor, the vids. All outstanding. Thanks for the great story!! Can't wait to see you get it dirty!

[@ewanstewart8011]

Who knew a four cylinder diesel could sound so good 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@statewidetrjc7701]

That’s so awesome Matt, the smile on your face says it all👍long time coming you should be proud!

[@souleater32]

I was with you there Matt.grinning ear to ear ,when she start up and start purring like a new cat. good job.glad iam here form the start to the finish

[@terrycannon570]

Excellent. Maybe we should call this its Birthday? Thanks for bringing us along.

[@petesmith8000]

Well done Matt, I've been waiting for that result for well over a year. Just a great result - now don't limp over the finish line - STRUT...

[@hart64ghs]

Just great to see the old CAT running! Vindication of all your hard work! I first operated a D6 when I was about 12 and I have operated a D8K briefly.

[@DamLins45594]

Excellent! I would have been grinning from ear to ear just like you were. You looked like a proud new papa when that engine took off and purred. :)

[@mineown1861]

Ah the sweet sound of success , she sounds great . A long way from abandoned in the wild but you got her there , congratulations man .

[@theaustralianconundrum]

Subscribed from Australia. That is a work of art! Thank you for saving yet another Caterpillar from the scrap yard. 5 stars!

[@educatedmanholecoverbyrich8890]

I've followed this from day-1. Well done indeed. Just one niggle with the starter electrical connections. When the connections have been polished, smear the connections and the cable lugs with Vasilene. This will not only keep moisture out of the connections, but make sure that the voltage drop will be negligible. 95mm cube sqd or 0 battery cable is the minimal for starting BIG engines, and keeping the starting current (Amperage)high, and the Voltage drop as low as possible. Now, inside the starter contactor, the same goes for the contactor terminals. The make/break contacts should be polished and Vasilene applied like you did with the terminals. It's what they do in the factory. Best of luck.

[@wrightcabin4132]

Purrs like a kitten! Beautiful work. Reminds me of my youth when I worked on these.

[@makouli]

Outstanding! I was actually cheering. Have watched this story from the very beginning and loved every minute of it.