Starting the rebuilt excavator engine for the first time (Hitachi EX120-2/4BD1T)

[@rodjava]

I'm 64 years old, but I still want to grow up and be like you! Great job with the engine build.

[@colin8532]

Best comment ever!

[@MrPossumeyes]

Always aspire!

[@gordonagent7037]

Learning till the day you die, awesome attitude sir

[@garfield1517]

I am 70 and agree.

[@delliebodetko9246]

LOL I understand I’m just now turning 16 and I still have a 74F 100 finish

[@bobferranti5222]

Matt, I'm a retired A.S.E master tech and I have to say that I couldn't have done a better job rebuilding that engine. The work you performed was almost surgical in nature and you paid attention to every detail. I hope you are very proud of the outcome and I hope the engine performs well into the future for you.

[@jim8027]

Matt, The fact that you took the time to go thru that engine CORRECTLY and have ADS do the pump is why it popped off on the first try. GOOD JOD!! It sounds really good. Gonna give you years of service.

[@michaellynskey7124]

The Isuzu engine sounds fantastic, All credit to you for making the correct decision on the rebuild 🇬🇧🇮🇪.

[@johnjohannemann1220]

Hillbilly or not a good job deserves recognition

[@silasmarner7586]

I know Matt a bit and I assure you Hillbilly is a foil or antonym of his understanding and ability. It's just for funzies.

[@markfowler2066]

I am a retired engine builder and it doesn't get much better than this. Pay attention, take notes, and don't give in to impatience, usually an expensive learning curve.

[@additudeobx]

HOT DAMN ... she caught in 2 strokes and purrred.... Great Job Matt!!

[@PaulBarwick]

Charlie is such an optimist. She is just so sure that you want to take a break and play fetch whenever she feels like it. :)

[@RonaldMayDMD-nt3fd]

If you had seen a few of the earlier videos where Charlie was embarrassing Matt by licking HIS GENITALS! He has no gender dysphoria 👍😃

[@larrybolhuis1049]

After a rebuild I'd say anti-climatic is a GOOD thing!! Well done!

[@ShadowOppsRC]

Means a job done right!

[@Benai-c]

I mean I have been watching every video so far but I was not expecting the engine to start up that smooth, holy moly. I was grinning like a little child. Did not expect to be this invested into this project. Amazing job so far!

[@TheRyan668]

Matt what a great job. You run your business better than most. Love this channel. I have spent 40!years as a professional technician and now am an instructor. I find myself commentating on the video out loud and my wife gets a kick out if it. Such a great job

[@BMFT1971]

Great job Matt! She sounds so smooth and the fact it started on the first crank speaks volumes to your ability and skill. Way to go!

[@GrandsonofKong]

And now Glow Plugs either! At least I don't think they were wired up.

[@garysparks2681]

It runs about as perfectly as it is designed to do It looks great. A testament to a real mechanic. This is why I anxiously await every video you publish. Thank You for another.

[@miker1448]

I know a lot of your viewers are as skilled as you in engine rebuilds; but, you're separated from the crowd because you can produce, direct, edit and publish videos encompassing the whole process. Thoroughly enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@brucejessie]

Your meticulous attention to detail is second to none. Great job as always. Really enjoy your vids. And thanks for the bonus footage of Charlie. She's a beautiful dog and obviously loves being around you. 🙂

[@carlaustin7398]

Great job. You deserve more credit than you gave yourself for the instant start. Area Diesel was certainly a factor but your attention to detail is what made it a successful first start. I'm looking forward to the next video. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikegremlin5249]

Hi Matt To clean out the fuel tank depends on if it is baffled or not .if it has small or no baffles, feed several meters of small link chain and add a few gallons of kerosene. Tumble the tank untill clean inside. I use an cement mixer. You can use many different media from gravel to chain or whatever you have to hand. Do not leave the sender unit in the tank 😅. Just my 1 cent worth. Mike Au. Mech since 1972.

[@stevendyer6509]

rebuild the pump everything runs off it. be safe and then have fun

[@Tubroos_Bz]

Excellent! I remember being so surprised when I went to start up the engine in my Massey Ferguson tractor for the first time after rebuilding it and it just fired right up on the first turn of the key. I couldn't believe it! I was expecting a struggle for some reason. Care and preparation pays off!

[@scotts6955]

Can never have enough clips of Charlie in your videos.

[@deanwoodward8026]

The channel is really about Charlie trying to get him to play with her.

[@mikemanes6811]

Great job! For a non professional mechanic, your skills are amazing!

[@timmer9lives]

Well done. Gotta love when they start right up.

[@HorsleyLandy88]

That is now better than new, excellent work. Very thorough rebuild, looking forward to the rest of the refurbishment.

[@kahutochishisumi9056]

The most beautiful engine rebuild ever. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏. Massive RESPECT, from Nagaland, India.

[@thebigchuckster]

Don't neglect the Datto too long. I've had a 84' Celica sitting half done for so long that I've forgotten were I was up to with wiring and hoses are already going stiff. But way cool to have the rebuild fire up on the 1st crank!!

[@MikeeonYouTube4]

Matt,that vid.was excellent,you can take all the credit for the rebuild,i have to say that was like waiting in the labour ward,can report father and baby doing fine seemed to be a painless birth,thanks from Perth 🇦🇺👌👌👌👌👌👌👶

[@buttonmonkey6845]

Congrats Matt, flawless start. Your hard work and attention to detail paid off. You are to humble, you definitely deserve a lot of credit for that. I hope you are proud of that engine. My two pence worth is do a proper job on the pump, for your own peace of mind if nothing else🤔😁👋🇬🇧. P.S. if you are suffering from “project fatigue” take some time out and have a ply with the Z car, I for one would watch that and am sure most of your long time viewers would too.☺️

[@2tana22]

I haven’t done much this morning except watch your video of getting the engine going and boy do I feel accomplished thanks for all your effort and time sharing what you’ve done with this engine,,,very inspiring

[@Mad.Man.Marine]

As far as the pan gasket goes. You could make yourself a bolt bridge for it out of some 1/4” steel plate. It’s basically a long washed that goes all the way around the bolt pattern. A lot of older motors have it that have tin oil pans. Sometimes no mater what you do those tin pans will still leak. Nice work man. Really nice work!!!

[@donwilson6617]

I worked in the logging business In Winchester and Roseburg Oregon with Savage and Ramey log Loaders as the Hydraulics boss...any good pump is worth a good look and rebuild...We always used "Commercial Shearing pumps" and Funk drive plates...You have done a excellent Job to be proud of...I know personally how much work is required and the effort you put out...

[@rkins100]

Wow, great job Matt. You should be proud cause she's going to last you a long time. As for temp, my Cummins 325 runs between 180 and 195. I've seen it up at 205 in the mtns of Tennessee for a short time. Again, nice job.

[@Mike--WA7QZR]

Unlike a DC generator, you have to have the battery connected for the alternator to function correctly. The alternator has electromagnets that need to be energized before it will charge.

[@kirk467]

Charlie is a pretty girl, good to see you Matt! Looks like you have everything under control brother, nice set up Matt! One thing is you always do everything right my friend! I really enjoy watching your channel, I’m sure everything will be a success Matt! She sounds great brother, I had no doubt my friend! You’re the MAN!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jb_makesgames2264]

Congrats Matt on a job well done - don't sell your self short - you attention to detail an methodical pace are a joy to watch - I look forward to your next video.

[@Aadnad]

Your pre-start preparations, oil and diesel was what just as important to a first start, Matt . I say, do your magic on that Datto Z. I'd love to see it on the road again.

[@brianelliot2719]

Thanks Matt, I’ve never seen an engine started outside it’s home so very interesting, especially setting up all the cooling etc. that is needed. I don’t think I’ll be rebuilding an excavator, but I think your cost spreadsheet will help lots of people with a project like this. Very nice of you to include. 😊

[@v6406Green]

You are being way to modest. You have done a fantastic job, and it’s a joy to follow your videos.

[@snowfire45]

Outstanding job😊 just all the rest of excavator

The engine round and sounds great. It started so easily...you did a great job rebuilding it.

[@aviatordave1]

Great Job Matt! It was really gratifying just *watching* that engine immediately start on the first try. I can imagine how good that must have felt for you! Keep going with the excavator rebuild! I’m hooked! I want to see that thing running. You’re a lot closer than you are farther from the end. Of course, whatever you decide to work on, I’ll follow. It’s just enjoyable no matter what you do. Your whole approach to mechanics is enjoyable to watch.

[@alanm3438]

Thanks for the update video. I know that it took a lot of time and money to get this far. I know that there is a lot of work left to do. Hang in there. One day you will have it done.

[@kerrykrishna]

I SO enjoy seeing people who are way smarter than me doing amazing jobs!

[@billbergquist4722]

Wow!! Nice job on the engine. Sounds and runs better than new.

[@GICK117]

If I could and you would, I would have you rebuild any engine I needed rebuilt. You are definitely a premium engine builder. You go the extra mile. It is very enjoyable to watch you work. Rebuild the pump. You have come this far. Your projects are built to last and therefore, have high value. Do you mind saying what you do for a living. I can't begin to guess.

[@prodkey]

We of your fan base in Spokane salutes you sir! Well done

[@roberthocking9138]

Great job, good to see Charlie up and about loving life.

[@triumphman]

You tube algorithm has just brought me to your channel as I’ve been watching Diesel Creek. Subscribed to you straight away and now I’ve got lots of your back videos to watch 😀😀😀

[@kehenabeach4418]

Any project you decide will be entertaining and Top Notch! KZbin’s boring until you put out another video!

[@phillipdean9879]

Hi Matt! Was I surprised that motor fired right up and run sweet? NO! Your work is awesome, your attention to detail is amazing! Great move getting Area Diesel Service to overhaul the pump. A diesels nothing without a good pump and injectors. With your attention that machines gonna be a ripper! Whatever you decide for your next video….im watching! 🇦🇺🍺🍺

[@peterwalton1502]

Matt, You are selling yourself short - you did a great job on that engine 👏👏👏🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@art1muz13]

24:52, THAT LOOK, priceless! THANK YOU FOR SHARING!

[@goodness-mercy]

Beautiful job!!!!! Sounds awesome!!!!!!

[@joeromanak8797]

Well, you did it. She sounds good to me. The startup was quick and easy. I would attribute that, at least in part, to the thorough job you did of priming the fuel system. We’ll be anxious to see it dig a hole so keep moving forward with next steps and get her assembled. Best wishes for the remainder of the job. 🥸👍👀✅

[@stefanczechorskidds8435]

Success Matt! Congratulations! And those were great shots of Charlie also.

[@tomasdevine7756]

At 1250 it sounds very familiar brings me back that sound does.

[@Michael_CS615]

No problem startup! Area Diesel certainly did their part but all of YOUR care and attention to detail counts to the end result.

[@onebadsavage26]

you are very meticulous in your work. Even having little experience doing the rebuild, you did a great job. I think having ADS do the pump was a wise decision. I cant believe they did it for $1250. I live in Canada (Alberta) and from what I hear that would have cost $3k here. You wanna rebuild my tractor motor? lol

[@terryrogers1025]

Excellent run in because you did an excellent job of rebuilding the engine, congratulations sir. Say hello to Charlie. Thanks for the update, enjoyed watching and appreciate your work and time.

[@Flowing23]

great work , sounds great, enjoy beantown

[@RobertFay]

*- How do you check to know what the hydraulic pump does need to be rebuild?* *- Since the pump is accessable for any needed maintance {O-rings, seals, barrings, etc.} or a rebuild, why not do it?* *- How much resale value does a Hydraulic Pump Rebuild add on top of the Motor Rebuild?* *- The returned value for your time is significant, I would think.* *- The return value you get for good content makes the time spent even more worthwhile.* *~ ~ ~ ~ ~* *- How hard is it to put in a new wiring harness...how expensive?* *- How hard/expensive is it to degrease and wash everything off and refurbish the whole cab?* *- Is a repaint worth it along the way to finished?* *- In twenty years I doubt it will have many hours on it and will still be almost new in value.*

[@cember01]

re difficulty installing wiring harness, he commented, to my surprise, that it wasn't all that difficult. I don't recall if he mentioned it in a video or response to a comment. It was several months back.

[@Dave-ue3yo]

I have an older Kubota KH90 excavator which I made one good machine out of two. Most versatile machine I have. Great job on the rebuild.

[@whistleblower1238]

Congratulations !!!! It's been a worthy watch. Thank you for sharing.

[@billyhaddock5540]

Congrats on finally getting ur motor to run great. lv this build.

[@BobOBob]

In 1980-82 I owned a '71 240Z and I bought a SBC for it, but instead of getting that project done, i took an out of state job offer, and sold the functional car and the engine separately. I found your channel via the dozer, but I'd be very entertained by the Datsun project. I actually had made contacts at Scarab engineering, even though they refused to sell kits. Whatever, I like your style and would watch dog videos for a while if that's all you made.

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

I think jagsthatrun still sells the kit for it... that's where I got it from way back

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

Great job Matt👌🏻👍🏻 Those Japanese diesels fire up so easily no matter how much reassembly is done so it came as no surprise to me when she fiired off straight away, I've experienced the same scenario many times and its always so satisfying. Please don't think im telling you how to suck eggs here but, you need to raise the radiator up until the header tank is the 'highest point' of the system to allow the system to have all the air bled out of it. As it stands, the water level is only up to your header tank level, shy of the thermostat level👍🏻

[@tveduk8r]

Matt, I love to follow your projects. I’m impressed by your dedication to detail. I’ve been working on equipment for over 50 years and I can’t believe how far you’ll go to get it “spot-on”. Most guys say “close is good enough” and it often is, but you don’t stop until it’s all on spec. I’d buy a machine you’ve reconditioned in a heart-beat! Please keep the content coming.

[@jimsworthow531]

buddy; you are a good wrench; also great to see a fellow mechanic with attention to detail on every bit of his project.

[@rodneymacfarlane1707]

THANKS MATT YOU MUST FEEL VERY SATISFIED IN THIS REBUILD /I HOPE YOU CARRY ON WITH THIS PROJECT TILL ITS COMPLET/ THEN MOVE ONTO CAR PROJECT. CHEERS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR OFSIDER CHARLY.

[@tonnaboy1]

First timer!!!! What a wonderful moment. Congratulations 😅

[@stephenpoe2037]

Success ! First start up after a complete O/H went amazing ! Give yourself more credit for what you have done ! Thanks for sharing !

[@jamesmckay9966]

YOU ARE SUPER SMART AND KNOWLEDGEABLE. I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU WORK FOR OR WHAT YOU DO BUT THEY ARE LUCKY TO HAVE YOU.

[@ronaldheit196]

Matt, for me it's the perfect time and weather to keep chugging away on the excavator. You're not cooped up doors closed pressure washing in cold weather. I'd like to see you installing the new wiring harness. The hydrolic pump sent to DAS for a really good rebuild and testing on their specialized test stand. The Z is a winter project.

[@jeffh5664]

Hi Matt. I've been waiting for the start on this engine. I can't wait to hear it run.

[@WACRE44]

Love the build great work Matt!

[@1971VoiceoftheMummy]

Nice Work! Great to see. This should get me motivated in rebuilding a couple of mopar 2.7s. Just need the time.

[@kmatch1]

Check the alt when connected to 12v as many need voltage to energize

[@Mike--K]

Well done, Matt! No matter which project you start next, I'll be here to watch.

[@tombeck2792]

Charley looks happy it's spring

[@cember01]

The cab. I usually prefer the mechanical stuff, but I'm looking forward to seeing you clean up that roached out cab. Maybe because it's so dirty and beat up.

[@GrandsonofKong]

One I was looking forward too. Runs and sounds great...good job and all your hard work has paid off!!!! Running it on a stand will let you address those couple of leaks and the charging system as well. My vote is more Excavator stuff BUT I'll watch whatever you care to post!

[@budlistar5312]

The look of surprise on your face was priceless. You doubted yourself but we all knew it would run right away. Good job.

[@paulhammond7489]

Anticlimactic or not, it big win in my eyes. Hydraulics used to be a mystery to me, but with your guidance I reckon it's making a lot more sense, so I hope the pump is next or soon after :)

[@BigC-e5z]

Wow! I don't think any diesel engine could have been rebuilt any better! You are definitely a professional at this! For regular oil use, I'd use Travellers from tractor supply. Really good oil at a really good price.

[@teddythomas281]

She sounds great Matt. Great job. Now the rest of the mumbo jumbo starts lol with all those hoses.

[@teddythomas281]

She looks sano

[@teddythomas281]

That would be a great little jeep motor

[@manugoss]

Nice Job Matt! I bought an hitachi ex120-5 5 years ago and i went throught most of the excavator. It has been a beast around the farm. I did build 2 houses on top of that. Very easy on fuel etc. They are great médium size machine. I have been following you for a while and always look forward for new content. Keep up the good work!

[@LuisRodriguez-sc1oq]

🇺🇲🇵🇷🇲🇽😎 Excellence series so far.. Get the machine complete and digging before you start a new project. Or the car, which is an old project. Charlie is so patient with you. She's a gem.... 😅

[@drpatferrydc3853]

GOOD JOB MATT, SOUNDS REAL STRONG!

[@kstricl]

A quick video getting the Z started would be good, just so YOU can enjoy it. I assume it's mostly going to be a full service and cleaning the fuel system to get it going. I would definitely go through that pump, or at least flush it thoroughly with fresh fluid - that's a LOT of work to redo if something happens once it is put back together.

[@thomasschleis2545]

Sure sounds nice - great work to get it there.

[@silasmarner7586]

Eric Winter down W. of salem, tho a top notch vintage car restorer, loves short jobs like fuel tanks, and did two of my motorcycle tanks including splitting them opening and sealing them back up. He's fantastic.

[@brianhayes7618]

Looking forward to the install and operation of the machine. You have some digging to do? Yes rebuild it.

[@garyfeltus9801]

Sounds good Matt. An I deal temp for a diesel is 200° but that's very hard to maintain that . Great job .

[@jimrky6062]

Nice to see this engine start and run with minimal issues, easily set to rights. It has given you enough grief - time you caught a break! Pump, then finish the Excavator before starting the Z is my vote.

[@JohnMoore-xt3hz]

OMG ! It started first time and I guess no leftover parts! Well done.

[@rowycoracing]

It runs great! Congratulations on reaching this milestone.

[@MRrwmac]

Big Congratulations! That was a great rebuild and then the run was even better! Thanks for taking us on the journey! Z next is my vote!

[@ronaldheit196]

Anytime an engine fires off thar fast after a major overhaul you know the mechanic is top notch. For a diesel engine it sure purred quietly. Well done Matt.

[@duncanvowles7100]

Hi Matt, great to see that all the hard work paid off with a near perfect initial run. Great channel

[@derekloughlin4468]

Great job Matt engine sound awesome. Love the channel

[@ClintsHobbiesDIY]

I liked the oil primer Matt. That was a cool startup.