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

[@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

[@1999Valkyrie]

Back in 1965 when I was in high school automotive mechanics (Chrysler course) on the first day of class, our instructor handed out matchbooks with a built-in striker strip, which was basically just fine-grit sandpaper. He said "this is the best and cheapest points file and cleaner you'll find, always keep one in your pocket!" We used the striker as our cleaner/file, and the fold-over kraft paper of the matchbook flap to polish the points after you were done. Or you could tear off an individual match and polish the points. Good days!!

[@daminox]

"I'll be shocked if that thing conducts electricity." This is the kind of deadpan farm humor you just can't get anywhere else 😂

[@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!

[@CSSIandAssociate]

It was funny when you were working on the carb on the tail gate. I said out loud take it back to the shop and work on it; right after that you said I am heading back to the shop. Funny. This stuff is far better than TV and no commercials.

[@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.

[@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

[@horvikhorvath9488]

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

[@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.

[@shackman9566]

Well its a year later and I already know you got it running but I still had to watch part one. Thank you Wess and thank your Dad for me. He did a fine job raising up a good man. My Dad had me turning wrenches at age 6 I don't know why he waited so long. All kidding aside it's good to know there are good folks like you who have what it takes. Have a wonderful day.

[@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.

[@Toolman22364]

She sounded like my old Allis Chalmers fork lift . Flat head 4 cyl. Red Seal. She comes to life with a little spray in her carb. Good video Sir. My fork lift even liked it .

[@WatchWesWork]

LOL. Glad someone, or something, liked it!

[@robertbohannan2255]

Glad I found ur channel. I remember my dad operating a dragline a lot like that one. It was an Insley but don’t remember the model no. as that was back in very early 50’s. He and the guy he worked with mounted it on the back of a huge 10 wheel army truck. First motor crane in our area. I will definitely be watching to see that old iron come back to life. Thanks for sharing.

[@49oldmachinist43]

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

[@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.

[@dutchmetalmaniac]

that grin on your face at the end of the video is priceless. curious to see this crane come together. if it does i want to paint it. this old stuff deserves to be kept alive because it helped creating where we are today. thanks for the video!! eager to see part two.

[@brucedavenport1324]

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

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

LOVE IT!!!! I TOTALLY GUFFAWED WHEN SHE TURNED OVER!! FUN FUN FUN!! Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to do this! Fantastic! I love watching these old machines come to life!

[@bigmac965]

Those control levers in the cab are classics! I'd love to see this machine do some work again!

[@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!

[@isecore]

"I'll be shocked if that thing conducts electricity." I see what you did there, very clever ;)

[@ianpendlebury3704]

Always good to watch a man who is skilled at diagnostics and is willing to share his knowledge. Looking forward to part 2.

[@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

[@SteveSummers]

Thanks for making me feel better about that junk saw.

[@WatchWesWork]

Well that saw might have some practical use when you're done. But this crane...

[@williambell9068]

what kind of saw are you referring to? I have an old "construction machinery company" one from the 40's It is a gas powered table saw I believe was for the army but my grand father had it. I dragged it out of the weeds like these videos.

[@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!

[@kloeskatten]

The mad scientist laughter when the engine starts and in the beginning when the engine turns 😬😱

[@WatchWesWork]

It's alive!

[@tcmtech7515]

You're not a real machine whisperer unless you do that whenever either happens. I've done it many times!

[@lander1591]

When that engine turned over I had a grin from ear to ear.

[@mummabear01]

@@WatchWesWork, mustie1 laughs like that when something comes to life.

[@SchnelleKat]

The fact you said "It highly unlikely & has no value" is very much understated. I know guys all over the Mid-west who'd love to pick one of these up, And sometimes the reason why that "Certain" seller wasn't able to give it new home to another owner isn' b/c it has "no value" Most of the time it's either At the wrong time to sell it or most guys are too far away & don't want to make the trip. Something like this Running / Operating condition could be around $1,500 - 5,00 Ball pack guess. I'm going to share it on the Heavy Equipment group on FB, Usually REALLY depends on the Brand but for these Insley's are very popular. P.s I hate Faith in that Ole Motor Firing up!

[@libertyauto]

Enjoyed part 1, and looking forward to more in this series. Thanks for posting.

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Excellent job I was really pleased to see it fire up. Look forward to seeing part 2 👍

[@rverro8478]

The best part is the challenge to make them run again. 6:40 STILL HAS A PULSE !!!! You got yourself a new subscriber.

[@bairfamilyfarm1336]

Nice throwback video! I got so fedup with those battery repair clamps, I started soldering the cable to the lead part of the clamp before putting the metal strap in place. I try to get the full copper crimp/solder clamps when I can.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

Looking forward to Part 2, 3 ...

[@Chrundle1733]

Great video. Thanks for working on this machine even though it might not have any real value. I really really enjoy these types of videos and I have throroughly enjoyed all of your videos. Always looking forward to the next one sir 👍👍

[@gtfkt]

"I bet he wore a stetson and chainsmoked Lucky Strikes" Hahahahahahahaha!

[@roygunter3244]

Chesterfield Commanders, unfiltered, he wore work shirts with two pockets and carried a pack in each pocket so he could make it all day. He lit those cigarettes with a Zippo lighter with a Chesterfield ad on the side, you know the kind of lighter where you filled it with lighter fluid from a can with a flip lid and if you over filled it and put it in your pocket it took the hide off your leg when it soaked through.

[@scruffy6151]

@@roygunter3244 been there done that with a Zippo lighter Camel non filter was my choice of smokes.

[@AndyM.]

This was the quote of the day!!!! Well played young Jedi!

[@brandonturner5110]

The fellow I knew wore Liberty overalls, without shirt most of the time, chewed Union Standard tobacco, and drank lots of Budweiser. The carton of Union Standard was behind the seat of the pickup and the Bud had a home in the 5 gallon Gott water can. And was missing a couple of fingers...

[@AddictedtoProjects]

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

[@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

[@donaldhalls2189]

Excellent old engine I would have sprayed it so it loosens the cables etc thanks for taking time to show us, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@JayJay-w8rd]

Another great video Wes, keep up the good work! Can’t wait for the next one!

[@RADIOACTIVEMASCULINITY]

It was so exciting to hear that engine fire up! I can’t wait for the following videos

[@paulc.sachsejr.7209]

Great video, it takes me back when I was a kid watching my Dad do the same stuff...THANKS

[@WatchWesWork]

This is what we did when I was a kid too!

[@Highlordratick]

I agree with many others I like before I watch because I know it is going to be great. Keep up the great and entertaining work. If it works it is the right tool, that is what they taught us back in the Marines.

[@WatchWesWork]

That's how I feel too! They're tools, not trophies.

[@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.

[@gtfkt]

The way you cleaned the points with folded-over sandpaper is exactly the way I would have done it, and I've never done it nor seen it done before. I've trued a few parallel contact surfaces that way before, it just makes sense.

[@WatchWesWork]

It works for me. Sometimes they are too far gone, but these were not too bad.

[@justinrobertson1590]

“Liked” before I watched...because I already know.

[@roberthocking9138]

LOL, my dad taught me to clean points the same way & Ime now 70 years old. Still use it on engines in our vintage stationary engine and tractor museum in Bendigo VIC, AUS

[@russb3816]

That was awesome when it fired up. I jumped out of my seat. Looking forward to part 2. Love this

[@dashlamb9318]

I was a "friction crane operator" starting in 10/9/1970. Still have my union card and have been retired since 2012. I'll get my 55 year "service pin" this in 2025! Use to run some drag line back in the day. Ran a drag line at Lacede Steel in Alton, Ill for a couple years. But mostly hook work. But name it and I've sat in the seat long before they had ac or protective "Anything.".If you want some real fun, get yourself some LeTourneau equipment to work on - ha! That's what we had in my apprenticeship program in 1970. Book recommendation, "Moving The Earth, by Herbert L. Nichols, Jr. (1st edition '55, second 62 [the one I have).

[@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.

[@roygunter3244]

Continental did make a 6 cylinder flathead engine with a distributor that came out in the center atop the engine just as yours does. Continental made engines for a lot of people, I don't think it is a Buda but that is only because the Budas that Allis Chalmers and Oliver used were all overhead valve by the late 30s or early 40s. I am not an expert on either of these engines but I have seen a lot of both of them on equipment and Continental had a lot of gas engines on construction equipment that was flat head up into the 70s. Your Insley looks a lot like a K 12 but then Insley may have had other models that looked a lot like that too.

[@benjiereeves4919]

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

[@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.

[@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👍.

[@patrickhughes7302]

"It's like running a bowflex" Had me rolling🤣

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

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

[@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

[@garyfeltus9801]

Love your video. I like seeing old equipment living again. You will be surprised on all the controls I believe a soaking in WD 40 does wonders. I'm already for # 2 . Thanks for sharing.

[@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.

[@ligurian728]

I've been listening to several of your videos and I kept thinking, "where have I heard this man before?". I have it. Your pacing and delivery is spot on with Bob Newhart, but especially Young Bob Newhart from his record-breaking album "The Button-down Mind of Bob Newhart." I recommend it to you.

[@WatchWesWork]

Interesting. That would have been way before my time. I will check it out!

[@davebrittain9216]

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

[@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!

[@georgestender7172]

Proof that all a Engine wants to do is RUN! Enjoy your videos!

[@jlucasound]

Love It! She runs! I would be fine if you just got it to move. Getting it to dig would be better but, it will be a boatload of work to get it to move, alone, with all the controls, etc.. Looking forward to Pt.2! Thanks!

[@WatchWesWork]

I agree. Getting it to track would be awesome!

[@tttco]

This is a great video thanks for posting I enjoyed every minute of it

[@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.

[@jster1963]

Hi Neighbor. I'm in St. Charles and the bad weather is here! I love your style and great project. I hope to see it up and running. Good luck.....

[@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."

[@bitsnpieces11]

For carburetor bowl gaskets I've had a good bit of success using cereal box pasteboard with a Permatex red spray-on gasket sealer.

[@bostedtap8399]

Great job, exploration and diagnosis, a unique combination. Thanks for sharing.

[@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.

[@mattcurry29]

Excellent episode Wes, that was pretty damn cool hearing that engine kick over and run! Matt C.

[@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.

[@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.

[@martyscncgarage5275]

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

[@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)

[@richardbaumeister466]

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

[@cal6747]

Good commentary, great knowledge, pleasure to watch, well done, more please

[@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.

[@colin8532]

17:17, it's like watching Musty1 lol. Great videos Wes, keep up the good work sir! Love the channel

[@WatchWesWork]

Great minds think alike I guess...

[@TheSynthnut]

Love it Wes, this machine needs to live again! Looks a bit like a few Hercules blocks I've seen, but the carb arrangement is different and they had HERCULES cast into them though! Don't spin the house across the tracks with that counterweight extended and no boom if you can help it, might easily flip on it's back. Guessing it was re=purposed as a crane, hence wanting a bit more in the back.

[@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?

[@4ennout2]

Your videos are far better than TV

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

I am guessing the governor linkage was only for when they were running the auxilliary equipment. Ie the winches etc. So that the base revs instead of being 700rpm, were raised to about 1500. So it didn't stall as easy, maybe it limeited the top end as well to prevent overheating. Think I saw something like this on an old Scammel Pioneer video, when he engaged the hand throttle for the winch drum.

[@bobglenn1476]

The throttle linkage you found probably goes to a remote governor that is missing !! Pearce governor is what I used on cranes that worked the best !! The other linkage goes to the tail shaft or somewhere that sees the chain speed to control when the crane was lifting a load !! That's the other cable that runs to the output for the chain speed just below the carb !!

[@WatchWesWork]

I actually think that other control cable is for a snap over clutch that engages the chain drive. Probably right about the belt drive governor.

[@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 .

[@JlerchTampa]

Wes, given how lazy that engine sounded I was pretty certain it wasn't going to run and probably had no compression for one reason or another, was pretty surprised to see it catch and run for a moment! I'm also glad I didn't read the comments until the end of the video! :)

[@alanbierhoff6831]

“I’ll be shocked if that thing conducts electricity” - Wes You might be! - Me 😂

[@johannesatlidkoping]

Job well done, if you work i'll watch! Looking forward to part 2 and in the meantime i'll be working my way trough all your older content to catch up until this point. /J from Sweden.

[@ronaldkearn3322]

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

[@brandonsgarbossa6069]

Farm and fleet batteries have always worked great for me. The one in our backhoe is going on 8 years.

[@eformance]

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

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

Waiting for PART II !!!!!!!! Thank you Wes. My YT addiction just took a serious turn now because of you and this series! Part 2, 3, 4 , 20...... whatever....

[@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...

[@wesleybartholomew5920]

I'm new here two your Channel but I love old Vehicles old heavy equipment pretty cool to see old model vehicles in Old heavy equipment getting fixed up and getting started up

[@Nderak]

Started watching this at 11pm last night. Dunno why. Can't wait for part 4.

[@larrymatsumoto7730]

Great video Wes can't wait for part 2, as for sanding those points I use my wife's sanding sticks for her nails they work great just don't tell the wife lol.👍

[@bigsid1984]

Awesome video. Bring it back.

[@Losermachine35]

Also, I’m in Kenosha so if you ever need a hand with some stuff like that truck I been doing antique cars and trucks for my whole life. Good thing about this cold weather no mosquitos!

[@WatchWesWork]

Yeah. The mosquitoes are terrible down there!

[@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.

[@leecarroll1817]

LOVE THE VIDEOS. OLD STUFF IS GREAT.

[@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...