Insley Dragline Crane Forgotten in a Field for 20 Years - Will it Run Again? - Part 1

Part 2 here: • Insley Dragline Crane ...
This old Insley dragline was parked in a field 20 years ago and hasn't been touched since. I don't know if it ran when it was parked. Can we make it run again?
Check out 73DiamondReo for interesting videos on his dragline and Insley pull shovel. / @73diamondreo

[@WatchWesWork]

Edit: After some research, I believe this is a Continental B427 engine. What do you think? Part 2 is already "in the can". Don't miss it!

[@SuperKyle309]

As soon as you said northwest Illinois I subscribed. That's my neck of the woods.

[@BDE1337]

Any chance there are some older 70s or so model trucks there that could possibly run and would you sell one?

[@WatchWesWork]

@@BDE1337 Not at this property. I'm working on a deal for a basket case 1965 F-250 though. Should be a video on it soon!

[@rblscapes]

It could be a Chrysler industrial flathead engine 225 cu. in

[@sparkybuddylove]

Love your determination! I'LL be tuning in for all your vids

[@Gary-bf2mj]

These old machine's deserve some love they practically built America.

[@spencersand2754]

Couldn’t agree with you more it’s so sad Seeing stuff like that

[@widgeonslayer]

Real men and real machines.

[@dws2313]

I'm over 60 yrs old, and this is the first time I have heard an explanation of how points simulate alternating current in the coil! Wow! Great job, Wes!

[@MRrwmac]

Always a pleasure to watch you work on these old machines! It never ceases to amaze me when they have been siting for so long and still manage to kick over and run! Thanks for taking us along.

[@49oldmachinist43]

Lots of fun watching you bring an old motor back to life,keep em coming

[@brucedavenport1324]

Keep em coming , I love to see old engines restored .

[@apulbroo]

I just finished this exact same project! I brought an old Koehring 305 back from the dead. The clutches and linkages took me about 9 months to clean and free up. The crane was about an hour from my home out in a field so each trip out I’d bring what tools I thought I might need and would do what I could over the weekend. The project has been very rewarding and even friends had got involved in helping. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more of this project

[@WatchWesWork]

Nice. Are you using it?

[@apulbroo]

Watch Wes Work yes it’s going back to work.

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

That's awesome. I like these "Vice Grip Garage" Heavy Equipment Edition style videos. Thanks Wes, stay warm up there.

[@WatchWesWork]

He's a lot more entertaining than me.

[@madmodifier]

@@WatchWesWork You have more practical tips, tricks and troubleshooting then he does. Ya both make good videos.

[@beboboymann3823]

@@WatchWesWork Not really Wes. Trucks and cars are on here by the dozens but heavy machinery is your niche. More more we want more.

[@leeklemetti1887]

Hey! I did see a vise grip on the controls. Go fix that ol' machine!

[@debozwi]

Very nice video! My dad ran one of these Insley draglines in the fifties in europe. It was equipped with a 4cyl. Cat diesel engine with a liltle gas engine as startermotor. He really loved the machine it was nice to run. The controls and brakes were light to operate.His machine had wide track plates 120cm I showed him this video and old memories came back. He doensn't know the model number. My dad is 82 years old and i'm sure he could still operate this machine if it was in working order again. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@F0reman371]

"Oh another 'will it run' salvage repair video... I mean I like em' but I feel we're missing something special. what you bringing back this ti-" *Dragline crane* "...You have my attention."

[@AddictedtoProjects]

Definitely looking forward to Part-2 of this project. Loved part-1 ! :)

[@horvikhorvath9488]

That machine, Insley, is WAY beyond cool. On of the machines that helped build America !

[@fourfortyroadrunner6701]

Many industrial engines used a belt drive governor, and these, so to speak, were fairly universal. I actually once adapted a governor off a D2 Cat pony starting engine to a Toyota 20R which I swapped into a Cletrac crawler. Pierce, Hoof are a couple of brands, there are others

[@donarsenault2327]

You sound like you know your way around these old beast. Excellent. Fun to watch. I have a lot of respect for these old time machines. I get a kick out of watching old videos of steam shovels digging the Panama Canal.

[@somerandomguy3868]

Great example of how to test for spark, excellent use of the test light

[@WatchWesWork]

There's probably an easier way, but this works for me.

[@Insayshabull]

if you can position the coil wire close to ground, then use a screwdriver to open the points, you can get a spark with out cranking engine@@WatchWesWork

[@davebrittain9216]

It is always a good feeling when you get an old engine running!

[@jdhinckley1954]

Great narrative. You bring back some great memories of years ago, doing much of the same stuff, although the flathead I had wasn't as big as that one, and it was on a boat! Thanks for the share!

[@kenburner]

Almost a Mustie1 giggle when it first turned over!

[@jojo1308716]

The giggle is so much like mustie1. These guys could almost be related.

[@Shane-Singleton]

When he had that carb apart my first though was "Mustie1 would have the ultrasonic cleaner heating up as we speak!" lol. Glad to see you gents have good taste in channels.

[@bigmac965]

Yep, pure glee!

[@anthonyroller8175]

They're both awesome that's for sure

[@gutsngorrrr]

Love these old bits of machinery, it would be fantastic seeing it back up and running, though I totally understand the mamouth job it would be, so it would have to be a labour of love.

[@jtthill5475]

Sure is a great feeling getting junk to run. Will be waiting and watching for part two. Looking forward to seeing it move. Thanks for sharing.

[@ShainAndrews]

Can't wait to see it running down the road. Perfect for date night. Imagine the pickup lines... or dragging the night out...

[@WatchWesWork]

Psh. I"m taking it on Power Tour. Only 2 weeks to get it ready. Will I make it?????????

[@ShainAndrews]

@@WatchWesWork Funny you mention it as my first comment was going to be something like who cares what engine it is. LS swap it. LOL

[@WatchWesWork]

@@ShainAndrews I bet I have 50 "LS Swap" comments on the IH loader video.

[@benjiereeves4919]

Love these videos. Keep em coming! If there is any way possible,would love to see it put back together and operational!!!

[@richardbaumeister466]

The fact it even turned over after 20 years blows me away.

[@raymondkoonce5827]

For what it's worth, my 1965 twin-engine Cessna had flat six Continentals rated at 520 cubic inches and 340 horses.

[@WatchWesWork]

If I'm right, this engine is 427 cubic inches and only 138 horses!

[@imysteryman]

I have been using NOCO Battery Corrosion Preventative NCP2 on battery terminals for over 40 years now. The stuff does not dry out and you hardly ever have worry about the connections again, I spray it on the post before connecting the cable then I spray it again. Great stuff, amazon has it. Once I sprayed it on my hand, and cried wolf, that freaked out a couple of people. It looks like blood

[@CrazyPetez]

I’d say you’re pretty darn gutsy taking that carb apart on the tailgate of your pickup, in the middle of nowhere. Well done, all around, Wes👍.

[@lustfulvengance]

I could watch you and Mustie1 work on old junk all day! Keep the vids coming!!

[@chelmer1]

I agree! Newcomer to the channel but long time Mustie1 viewer.

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

Yes positive ground makes my head hurt too. Thanks for the video. Can’t wait for part 2

[@peterg.8245]

Mike Mulligan’s upgrade from his steam engine sure has fallen on hard times.

[@GadgetSteelmare]

Oh my god, I loved that story as a kid. Poor Mary Anne.

[@super6954]

Well there's your answer it runs, so that's cool. Please try to keep posting on youtube if you can, this stuff in the woods you are finding and showing us is interesting watching you work on it. I fix equipment for my job, have old tractors I rescued myself and still watch some of you guys adventures . These are the true will it run video's so much stuff round youtube sat a few years reasonably well protected, of course it will start with a battery and clean fuel. Unless somethings locked up with moisture caused rust or it was complete junk when parked they are to easy L.O.L. Thanks for the video's take care.

[@WatchWesWork]

Well this is actually an easy one compared to some of the other gear on the property.

[@ryanmueller3551]

I have a link belt ls58 that's 30k lbs that's about that size. 9' overall width. I also have a Lima 34 that's 40k lbs and 9'6" overall width. If you got her home you'd be surprised how handy a crane is to have around. Also a clamshell works really good for cleaning brush and trees and making big burn piles

[@WatchWesWork]

OK. We figured about 30K.

[@chuckbade4486]

Do you remember the story of professor Tom Sutherland, who was held captive in Lebanon for 6 1/2 years starting in 1985? His daughter, Kit, lived in the house next to ours in the last year or so of his captivity. She couldn't get her car started one day, so I helped her out and got it running by cleaning the battery terminals. A few days later I saw her on CNN in Germany with her sister, mom, and her Dad who had just been released. You never know when you can use those skills your dad taught you to help someone right when they need it most. I love your videos. I just subscribed today. BTW, those rubber boots they put over battery terminals seem to do more harm than good by trapping the acid and corrosion, so it doesn't get rinsed off when you drive in the rain. Also, the fingernail board idea some viewers suggested is not the best. It can cause the points to be uneven. Your dad's way is the best.

[@4ennout2]

Your videos are far better than TV

[@davidwillmon9267]

Really enjoy your videos. I especially enjoy your explanations/commentary/wit. Makes for enjoyable videos. Just wanting to encourage you to keep making the videos, especially the old iron.

[@joeblan9426]

First time I've read 403 Comments,they were interesting,but not quite as interesting as your Video!Thanks for taking us along on this adventure,just enjoyed it because of the quality of your Videos.For some of the new subscribers ,Wes can do almost anything ,be sure and check out his other Videos and I think you will agree!God Bless!

[@gordonverrall1477]

That's where a boat tank comes in handy.

[@martyscncgarage5275]

Fun stuff watching you try and start these old machines after sitting for so many years...

[@south7side]

I don't know why I keep watching these sort of video's , but I like to see a monster come back to life after 20 or 30 years not moving. :)

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

You'd prob like the "Vice Grip Garage" channel also then.

[@south7side]

@@Steve_Just_Steve Thanks for the reply , I will checkout Vice grip Garage . I blame Rick on American restoration for my interest in these videos.

[@ArnieTF]

"positive ground makes my head hurt" add that to your tee shirt logo.....

[@No1Bigbear]

Wes ...don't let the experts at nothing bother you! You're doing fine...I have learned along time ago to give all the electric connections and levers a good spray of wd-40 or such ..a . It will be loosening up before you have to eventually take it off b.it will help give you a early warning smoke signal to get the fire extinguisher lol..plus let them whine about your knife skills ..anybody who has been in bad weather breakdowns knows you do what you can with what you have in a hurry...you can't be captain snap on when the baby's sick at 2am and the er is 20 miles away...so to speak..

[@WatchWesWork]

I'm all for the right tool for the job. But I'm working in an overgrown swamp 30 miles from my shop...

[@silasmarner7586]

Per your comment at 17:03 : Any time a friend of mine and I were forced into close quarters working on a car, one of us would chime up "You think we're queers, don't you!" (from Vanishing Point, 1971). It always cracked us up.

[@WatchWesWork]

Classic flick. "It's only Saturday, what's the rush"?

[@strangefruit8776]

I definitely agree with you on the battery cable ends. I had a guy that brought his 6610 ford to me to fix because it wouldn’t start. I open the hood and there’s one of those clamp on ends. I take it apart and clean it up and it fires right up good. I told him to go get a new cable and proper ends soldered on. He brings back the exact same junk clamp.

[@WatchWesWork]

With the salt in our area they don't work at all.

[@freepress8451]

You can clean the edge of the Rotor Arm by rubbing it on a tyre wall. Don't forget to check the distributor cap for cracks, the spring-loaded carbon is free and the posts are clean of any buildup (use a long screwdriver to chip off)

[@texasjetman]

Well done. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and keeping profanity out of the video. Your a very good speaker and do well at explaining things in layman’s terms. Well done. Looking forward to following you and other projects.

[@ghodgeco]

"I'll be shocked if this thing conducts electricity". Pun intended?

[@WatchWesWork]

Good catch!

[@craigsudman4556]

The first car that I owned was a Citroën and it had points and condenser ignition. Every three thousand miles I had to file the points, thanks for bringing back those memories of misery! I was so much happier when my next car had electronic ignition. Great video Wes lookin forward for the old girl to crank! Hey if the engine is good will it fit in the front end loader?

[@eformance]

I carry a set of tip files in my tool bag, they work well for cleaning small engine jets.

[@slypig24]

Love to see an old machine start again. You may need to build a huge covered shed to store all your running machines.

[@WatchWesWork]

I'd say it's pretty well acclimated to living outdoors...

[@leecarroll1817]

LOVE THE VIDEOS. OLD STUFF IS GREAT.

[@PillSharks]

I’m a English bloke watching and a new subscriber so I’m not sure of distances but I’d love to know how the boom got so far away and how you still know where it is today? Well done for trying to save this old machine!

[@WatchWesWork]

I believe it to be at another property owned by the person who owned this crane. It's in a neighboring state. Probably a 16 hour round trip.

[@jesterr7133]

Those terminal ends aren't bad if they're installed correctly. Unfortunately, most people don't install them correctly.

[@mjmcomputers]

Thumbs up, engine sounded good.

[@martinnorris9379]

Just came across your channel tonight. And loving the content. Let's try and make this old drag crawler live again . I just wish I had the MacGyver skills you have .

[@truthislam6481]

@5:50, WHAT! Who wouldn't appreciate watching Wes McGyver stuff and make it work?

[@joemuellerleile5544]

From the accessory looking bracket at the end of linkage it may of had a belt driven governor like willys had for their jeep engines.

[@WatchWesWork]

Hmm. That could be right! I've seen those before.

[@ils360]

Loving the videos!! Thank you for making them!!

[@jacknedry3925]

Wes: Wah wah wahh... Engine: ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT???

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

New friend to your channel.. what is really funny about this is my neighbor has some kind of old crane in his yard for the last 10 years,.. we don't care.. but this was really awesome to see up here this one looks really old.

[@_BAD_MERC_]

Jesus, that carb and intake are EXTREMELY similar to the old tractor startup JUST posted by Vice Grip Garage,

[@WatchWesWork]

Pretty standard updraft configuration for industrial engines.

[@ronaldkearn3322]

You are correct! It is a fairlead, and also drag lines and clam shells needed 3 winches. Good Lad. :-)

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

Can you believe your view counts on these vids?? I'm not surprised actually. I binge watch every channel doing these. Squatch is rebuilding an old Cat D3 dozer.... Binge watching that guy as well!! Love it man.

[@WatchWesWork]

No. I can't. I don't know why people love this rusty old junk!

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

@@WatchWesWork Well I've been following a few channels that have gotten old iron running again and actually USING it on their properties to maintain roads, push snow, etc... I have been actively looking on Craigslist for an old dozer to restore and use to maintain my road up in Idaho. Guys are finding these old gems abandoned or someone selling them cheap and if they're in good condition then they're worth restoring! Cost of a new one... well.. you know... So of course this old.dragline won't ever work again but the techniques and principles are all the same.... oil, water, spark, fuel, compression...

[@johnmcclelland5265]

Wes You make great videos and you have a fine comic turn. Is the engine a 3-53 Detroit. I’m from Northern Ireland so I apologise if I’m wrong. More power to your elbow. Keep up the good work. You make my day.

[@WatchWesWork]

I still don't know what the engine is. Some kind of flathead 6 cylinder gas engine. It looks like a Continental, but I just don't know.

[@anthonygideon2255]

The Detroit in the other crane was a 3-71. 53 series had hold down screws around the flange

[@ronosga5072]

That is a Continental engine look behind the oil filter for the tag.

[@frustro4323]

Fix and oil heater first man. you're right the cold is coming

[@bigunone]

"We can put the boom back together" who heard the Blues Brothers "We're putting the band back together"

[@bigsid1984]

Awesome video. Bring it back.

[@jonathanbabinsky7141]

I think after this machine sitting for so many years I think it will need a carb kit with new gaskets and seals. I'm sure you can find a kit online. Or maybe mustie1 can help. Good video

[@tattoos1988]

Cracking video just proves the repair it don’t throw it away motto really enjoyed this video thanks for sharing mate god bless

[@cccorvette]

Wes, you have to get it fully functional if for nothing else to dig its own grave. Keep up the enjoyable videos

[@WatchWesWork]

Heh. Pull itself onto a truck to the scrap yard!

[@jeffsandler3339]

You are a good one Wes !!!! Thank for another good one....

[@hullinstruments]

That Bow flex comment had me laughing and doing a double take 😂😂👍🤘 I wonder if there’s actually anyone out there in the world who has significant time using the bow flex home gym machines. I mean….. other than the guy and girl who always demonstrated them

[@beboboymann3823]

Almost 10,000 views today! Guess that answers your question. We are all sitting at our screens moving our heads in and out as it cranks wanting to see it light off. You've shown us it has the potential to strut itself once again. Maybe this one is a candidate for an antique machinery day at the county Autumn expose'?

[@WatchWesWork]

It's a large machine, so it really needs to be a permanent display somewhere if that's the goal. Too hard to transport.

[@TheFlyingBusman]

Ignition coils work using ‘back emf’. When voltage is applied to the coil a magnetic field is created in the primary winding. When the points open that magnetic field collapses and induces a surge current in the primary of the coil which is ‘amplified’ by the secondary side of the coil up to 15-20kv in a standard points ignition setup.

[@frosteone1670]

Thanks Gary, saved me explaining it. I'd like to also point out that intermittent DC is NOT AC.

[@WatchWesWork]

Correct, but pulsed DC is often used with transformers. For example in a switch mode power supply.

[@mtnfolkjeff]

@@WatchWesWork Wes, you clearly know plenty about mechanical stuff, but the way you talk about electronics issues makes me think that you have some training or at least experience in electronics too. Care to expand at all on your abilities in that arena?

[@libertarianlife3651]

Distributor through the cyl head like that looks like an F226 continental to me. Same as in my Cletrac AG6.

[@WatchWesWork]

Continental B427.

[@libertarianlife3651]

still a Continental. Been doing this for 50 years and engines by brand all have certain characteristics. Buda from Waulks, Hercs etc etc

[@DoRC]

At least here in Florida, if you buy a good quality clamp on battery terminals, use a good conductive (not dielectric) anticorrosion grease and properly prep the wires they will last a long time. I've been using them for a many years and have found that it's most often the install that is to blame for their failure not the terminals themselves.

[@glennchartrand5411]

Molybdenum di-sulfide works best.

[@DoRC]

@@glennchartrand5411 it may work but a specific grease for the application (like no-ox-id) works best.

[@glennchartrand5411]

@@DoRC I prefer Molybdenum because it wicks into the cable, so it prevents the copper from corroding, it also works well on brass and steel battery terminals. But one co-worker prefers "battery protector" (an orange lacquer with anti corrosion agents) and another guy uses the "felt rings" soaked in corrosion inhibitors. They all work. I do a lot of deep cycle batteries so I'm mainly worried about "gassing" getting fumes into the cable and I have to deal with a lot of different types of connectors. The guy who PM's forklifts wants something easy to apply and the customer can see that its applied. The guy prepping new equipment wants something that looks "factory". It all boils down to personal preference , just knowing that you need a corrosion inhibitor is 90% of the battle.

[@DoRC]

@@glennchartrand5411 we used no-ox-id on cell tower battery backup systems. But yeah as long as you use something effective.

[@cnnw3929]

It would sure be great if you can find the other parts of the boom, and bucket to get it diggin' again!

[@wideyxyz2271]

Ok im hooked...part 2 please lol!!!!

[@73DiamondReo]

yup set the throttle at wide open and the governor keeps the engine at 1200rpm. thats the way my insley and lima both are set up. they are not run at high RPM. thanks for posting this! im thinking its a continental f226 definitely does Not like the buda in mine.

[@73DiamondReo]

BTW there are a few people interested in buying this machine on facebook old crane groups already. IF only you were closer Id be all over it

[@WatchWesWork]

I've studied your Insley shovel videos. Your engine seems totally backwards of this one. The manifold and oil fill are on the opposite side. So I really have no idea what mine is. There's very little info on old flathead engines that are not used in cars. I think it may have once had a belt driven governor like your other machine.

[@73DiamondReo]

Yeah both machines have Pierce brand governors as you’ve noticed the Insley is belt driven. I have manuals if you’re interested in any part of it. I’m pretty sure that’s a continental engine. I bet you could drive it out of there with not much more work. Both my machines have been sitting for 12+ years and engines aren’t missing a beat after coming back to life. Controls just take a little elbow grease. As you can tell by your views this stuff is still pretty popular and there are still businesses run with these old friction machines

[@saul5009]

Engine really sounds good, I can’t wait to see part 2 Take the greasy gun and spares Lots of penetrating oil And sometimes to heat some parts I did a Dutch brand Called Hovers dragline with a original Kromhout engine Most of the controls were stuck on it to But with some elbow grease and heat I got it going Greetings Saul from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@tbas1972]

I live 25 minuets south west of Chicago and the weather is awful today

[@WatchWesWork]

Yep. 5" of snow coming tonight and tomorrow...

[@tbas1972]

Great, grand, wonderful, no yelling on the bus !

[@arthurgilbert587]

Keep going , I enjoy watching . Thanks

[@trevoradank3452]

More please!!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very cool Old Crane @Watch Wes Work

[@craigsmith8217]

Sandpaper leaves grit on the points. You should use crocus cloth.

[@WatchWesWork]

Crocus cloth will leave grit too. It's just iron oxide grit. I don't see how that is better.

[@joeyga25]

I just found your videos and so far really cool. keep it up.

[@shoogenraad]

I liked when you used the swiss army knife.

[@DreamState71822]

love old equipment.

[@johnfry9010]

And another really good video Wes !

[@ArchTymeWizard]

This is pretty cool, can't wait to see part 2.

[@RuneLar]

That was a great jump scare after the sad trombone

[@WatchWesWork]

Can't fake that! I sure wasn't expecting it.

[@DJDAVEDREAM]

Looking forward to more content on this old girl

[@somerandomguy3868]

Gotta say great job starting the olgirl, personally I was giving it a 10% chance without helping the rings with some lube, I guess that's why I'm watching you work

[@WatchWesWork]

The nice thing about a flat head is that valves are down in the block where they are reasonably well protected. It didn't take much to get some compression back!

[@lwdcrazyman]

That would be cool to see that ole girl running and working again

[@josh33025]

The operators back in the day must have looked like body builders.

[@WatchWesWork]

That's what I was thinking!

[@scruffy6151]

New subscriber the old iron purred just need a little more work. Waiting for the other parts of this series. By the way well done on getting it to fire and run. Paper fingernails file work good also for points. Match book cover work as a feeler gauge. Looking foward to see more.

[@coondogtheman]

Part 2 please.

[@av8tore71]

My grandpa said they are a crude 24-volt system at least the one that he said he worked on all the time

[@brianbarnum48414]

It probably had a belt driven centrifugal governor. Get that thing running and drive it home!

[@dontworryboutitdude]

You and drew carrey have the same voice. I like it

[@johnfry9010]

My Dad smoked 3 packs of Lucky Strikes until he had a near fatal heart attack in the early 60's , and then switched to Salems because they had a filter .

[@WatchWesWork]

Glad he eased up a bit!