Will it LOAD itself & CAN we SAVE this old Excavator? ~ 1970's Insley Track-Hoe ~ Part 2

[@SalvageWorkshop]

A HUGE thank you to EVERYONE for checking out the video and leaving a comment! I truly appreciate the support! If you missed Part 1 Rescuing this Old Excavator, here's a link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eafKeKOcj8plpNEsi=QnaqsvzC I hope you enjoy!

[@jasonj8740]

My opinion... With all the damage on the aluminum trailer it's not worth it. Not just in terms of welding, but corrosion and pitting

[@NavinBetamax]

..also to consider metal fatigue .

[@unclebuck5051]

Might make a good yard trailer. I wouldn't consider it for over the road.

[@TestECull]

For 200 bones I dont' see buying that trailer as buying a trailer. I see it as buying a useable set of spring ride trailer tandems. Why I wouldn't hesitate if I was in his place; I'd get the nose up on the back of the daycab, drag it home, and if nothing else there's a set of tandems, a fifth wheel plate, maybe a lift cylinder and some hydraulics, to use for another project.

[@glenns5627]

@@TestECull Not to mention the aluminum scrap value ... Heck there's probably a thousand uses just for the plate, in Matt's yard alone.

[@phlodel]

@@TestECull A fairly hefty load of scrap aluminum, too.

[@atlancon]

Can't wait to see the series rebuilding and refurbishing Jack Steel. At one point in time I had and operated a early 80's Lull 1044 , I swear it could outperform its modern counterparts on the jobsite, it was loud and had 0 creature comforts, but no computers or sensors and just could lift and drive and perform all day. It was like it had something to prove inside itself. Seeing Jack Steel reminds me of that, just wants to get back to work and perform its duty and be useful and strong again.

[@chuckmcatee9000]

I grew up watching Insley machines building the country and was always a little sad to see the name disappear from the construction landscape. They were always unique in that the operator's cab is on the opposite side compared to literally every other machine out there. It always makes me happy to see someone putting time and effort into saving these pieces of living history. And yes, this machine's in fairly pristine condition for its age. Good work!

[@unclebuck5051]

"Boy she ain't got no balls does she." Truer words have never been spoken. Awesome video, thanks for sharing and documenting the journey.

[@chipsatterly4902]

There is absolutely NOTHING more exciting and mesmerizing than watching an old excavator get rescued from "the woods." Literally, The Woods. Amazing that you were able to get it home. There will be a LOT of good episodes in the future on Jack's Steel. I will look forward to seeing them!! Thank you!!

[@terryrogers1025]

Let the Aluminum trailer go Matt, it looks to be to far gone to make it worth the effort. You won my friend, you got it home running enough to move it self, great job, I will be looking forward to the rebuild of the excavator, going to enjoy it, it may even provide you with an opportunity to do some machining work with your lathe and mill. Wishing you the best on this one, it’s a diamond in the rough in my book, thanks for the update, enjoyed watching.

[@BadBrainPrepp]

I ran a Shrimp Boat back twenty some odd years ago with the same Detroit. Always the injectors are the issues when they make oil. I knew from the beginning of part one what the issue was with this one. You are a good hand Son.

[@philmckinney5837]

I've seen a lot of old Excavators but never seen that brand and glad to see you saved that ole girl from the scrap yard 👍

[@rovhalgrencparselstedt8343]

This brand is mostly known for the cable shovels from the late 1800's to the early 1900's, that were steam operated up until they switched to gas and diesel engines, and shortly after that became hydralic.

[@CFamilyCbs]

Your always extremely respectful of other people's property never leaving a mess to get what u want. Just thought I'd mention that.

[@bryanstruble8927]

Those dump trailers are the most dangerous things to operate. If the load doesn't move while dumping, they fall over. With all the work it will take to get it road worthy, I would buy it for scrap. You'll make out with all that aluminum, and steel.

[@steveboy3021002]

All that trailer is worth is scrap. Probably more work then its worth that is unless you are looking for a project....

[@Dysturbed-00]

That Insley is a gem though. Off the shelf parts is what America has been based on. We are going to lose our country if we don't keep these machines within the off the shelf standard. Work becomes unsustainable when you have to hire a specialty mechanic that has OEM software and parts that are no longer available because the new model is different and old parts run out. The equipment costs more so I have to charge the client more the client has to charge their tenants more so on and so forth. We should be able to buy the equivalent of this machine brand new to this day.

[@robertcheslock9636]

Great save, I'm a believer in "old School" equipment. Anything before computers. Easier to keep running and far less expensive. Insley using parts common to other brands is a plus. That machine will still be running when the new computerized machines will no longer have replacement motherboards available. Can' wait to see what ails the engine.

[@TestECull]

My money is on #3 cylinder being fried going on what the intake ports looked like when he first got the inspection covers off. The bridges across them were eaten away, whereas on the other three cylinders they were still intact. Plus it definitely sounds like it has a dead hole.

[@tony4metallicaify]

That dump trailer is 100% scrap body is damaged way to bad to be road worthy again. Love you're channel!

[@B422TMack]

The Dump trailer is only worth scrap price . I agree with others it's more than likely more work than what you make hauling it across the scales .

[@JamesLeatherman]

There is a Japanese term, tsukumogami, which supposes that inanimate objects have a spirit after some amount of time. I feel this very strongly with older machines, tools and vehicles. It seems like you have experienced the same. Looking forward to the care you will put into getting this old fella back into his prime.

[@Nudnik1]

Determination.. Excellent 👍 Once governor is hooked up it will have normal power. I had many machines 471 Detroit ..Low torque at low rpm. 471N 4 valve is more modern engine plenty of cheap parts around. "Old forge power" in Pennsylvania has hundreds of motors parts . 2000rpm sounds like 5000 which is normal on these. I hear it running on all four 😊 You must operate at close to 2000 rpm or its a slug. I am deaf from them. They require 40w oil also or lots of blow by smoke. They blue white smoke until they get run hard and clear out after a while. Blower seals and or stuck rings is common issues. Lol

[@kevinoscarson2941]

@@Nudnik1 -I would also be suspect of worn blower seals. Also be curious if the blower drains are plugged and its sucking a bunch of old sludge oil into it. The other issue could be the hydraulic pumps pulling it down. I thought these engines had a clutch disconnect. I would try to run it with the clutch disconnect on. Might run without over fueling.

[@Nudnik1]

@kevinoscarson2941 true. Some had twin disc clutch like cranes to let engine warm up first . Wet stacking from lots of cold idle was an issue. Rings get stuck lots of blow by. Often they could run away from blower seals dumping oil into intake. An emergency spring loaded shut off flap is on intake blower to shut it down.

[@heliarche]

The thing with the hydraulic hoses where the guy says it doesn't matter. It seems like that all across the board wherever you go to supposed professionals. Noone knows, noone cares, not my job, not my fault, you did it wrong. I have a Neighbor with a 2024 Polaris side by side with 30 hours on it, still under warranty. It grinds and pops out of reverse. He took it into the dealer where he bought it and the guy says that's normal. They also have him convinced that he's not operating the shifter properly. We're expected to just roll over and accept complete bullshit.

[@unclebuck5051]

Yeah, and it's not just equipment related. That attitude is creeping into many aspects of life in America. I brought my RAM truck to the dealer for a recall. The technician totally botched it and the service manager made all kinds of excuses for the guy. It wasn't that long ago when you could count on the dealer as being the last line of defense, so to speak. Not anymore, in my opinion.

[@knurlgnar24]

I have a relative with a Polaris with those issues too. The sad part is the dealer is correct - they just do that. Can't get it out of park when you're on a hill? Tough luck, that's how it was designed. Not a defect. It's sad.

[@davidnaudi2601]

I’ve seen guys take 2 0r 3 years to re build an older machine. But to me if you can why would you not. They are built way better. I have a Chinesem excavator not even a year old just ordered new tracks, the sun cover canopy has fallen off the steel literally snaped, chock and accelerator cable all need fixing, the hour clock has never worked , it would be lucky to have done 50hrs. Thanks for another great video

[@ralphparks8654]

Greetings from the UK - great to see another old beast saved from the scrap yard. Looking forward to the multiple upcoming videos on the engine rebuild, hydraulics and the things you don't yet know about! As a former tree surgeon in a country where Health and Safety is all pervasive, I chuckled when I watched you use a top handled saw (for use by climbers only here) with no ballistic PPE and not even a helmet, visor and ear defenders - only for the ear defenders to come out later ........ If only!

[@BlazerProject]

That aluminum dump trailer is not even worth it, leave it to scrap out due to way to much work for it to even get back on the road. Also on the engine, you are certainly down a cylinder and the head may be cracked. Two Strokes are very reliable but one thing I remember is that they are prone to overheating if you are not watching the engine temp closely, so check the radiator and cooling system as well. Great to see this old machine come back to life and get to work again.

[@youseetime]

These old machines were certainly built to last. Really looking forward to the next installment.

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Likely needs an inframe...probably will find ring or liner damage for sure. Nice save!

[@alanfarenden8244]

Clearly see damage to the sleeve on cylerder no 3 ( counting from left) when firts barring engine over. Am very impressed it ran at all. Alan, UK

[@kevinoscarson2941]

There is a ton of 4-71 engines in the northern Illinois area. They sell extremely cheap. Easy to repower.

[@gtnaylor5870]

Great job on getting the Insley running and moved home. Leave the dump trailer. you don't need that much work. Put the energy and money into the Insley. You'll be glad you did.

[@serious2204]

I would forget the trailer. To much damage , and repair needed. While the Insley Excavator is worth saving. Still quite a project to fix problems. But will be another adventure to watch. In total agreement, like the old school, pre computer , simple, USA quality built equipment. Keep it going. You have enough projects for your son to grow along with you , roll his sleeves up. Train him young. Hope he learns to love it like his dad.

[@Elyjah1]

In your last video you pointed out a missing piston ring and I noticed that the exhaust port horizontal cross members on one of the cylinders is missing whether its been damaged or cut. The cross members prevent the piston ring from getting caught it the port. It's definitely not running one one or more cylinders that is probably the cause of your smoke, if it burns your eyes its likely un burnt or not fully burnt diesel fuel... ask me how I know. The better part is that it doesn't seem to be knocking which could make it a good candidate for an in frame rebuild, pistons, rings, liners, possibly bearings, I would plastigauge them. If you can get to the oil pan without pulling the engine to at least inspect the rods and check for metal shavings and whatnot. I would look at the exhaust ports again and see if the top of the piston looks dented. Your engine possibly ate some piston ring and those cross members in the exhaust port, and that could have bent a valve which will cause smoke and wont run on that cylinder.

[@njh4473]

I would say based on what you showed us that the trailer should go to the scrap yard.

[@WTC_2U]

Great video - can we expect a Part 3? Would LOVE to see this guy running like it should be.

[@thomasbradley4868]

You don't need the dump truck bed !

[@SUBZEROinfinity]

I think that trailer Is worth nothing but scrap myself. Nice job on getting that Excavator moving. Nice video man!!

[@garyfeltus9801]

Great video. As you said they don't build I'm like that anymore. Hope to see the rebuild of this ole girl . If I was you I would not get that old TLR. I believe there was to much work to fix it up.

[@paulpedersen6904]

That pinhole that is leaking on the drive hard line... You might be able to either solder or braze up the hole... Or even weld on a steel patch with the tig torch right on the machine... Instead of taking it off or replacing it... Awesome save, great video thanks..

[@woodrowwilliams1812]

Looking forward to seeing the engine running as it should then seeing what it can do as a digger.

[@petermccall9354]

good job of saving another giant piece of iron. will watch parts 3 and 4 or how many more on "JOHN STEEL" ., and any other projects you got in the Pipeline, Thanks-you for the Entertainment Sir.

[@keithparady2594]

That’s just how I feel about stuff too we live in a throw away society

[@brianelliot2719]

Thanks for showing us and getting Jack Steel started in its rejuvenation. It’s a bit of a video content volcano and in the end you’ll have a very useful machine. Your intros, outros and dialogues in between are becoming some of the better content on KZbin. I very much enjoy this although I did like your silent tool and machine refurbishment from long ago.thanks! 😊

[@johnreecer6839]

I’d leave the exhaust out the side less chance of water getting down into engine

[@minbari001]

You know! I thought that was one of the most genuine sum up Speeches ever Matt, spoken from the Heart. as for the Trailer, It's going to cost you more than it's worth, best case scenario, dump the alloy top and rework what's left as a Bed Trailer, anyway, Looking forward to seeing you tear into that Detroit, best wishes from the UK ole Boy.

[@TestECull]

1:18:32 My thoughts? Any old machine, car, whatever, that is willing to wake up and drag itself out of its own grave under its own power, no matter how smoky and clattery it is when it does so, deserves to stay safe from the scrapper's torch. If it will do that, it isn't ready to go quite yet. It still has life left in it. This machine was none too happy about the alarm clock going off after a 25+ year slumber, but it did wake up, and with a groan, a lot of diesel knock, and a billowing plume, it clambered out of its grave. It isn't ready to go. While you may not be able to save them all, this one is saveable, and you got to it in time.

[@terryhalse3405]

Looking forward to seeing the ongoing work on this machine. Appreciate your energy and enthusiasm, well done.

[@NMKnuckleHead]

I love the mosquito eradication attachment.

[@chipsatterly4902]

Look at the CO$T of "new" excavators or even , "good used ones," and you begin to see why restoring Jack Steel would be of great value. In the end, the excavator is able to do a "job" that other big machines can NOT do, right?? Yes, capital will be required to restore this big machine to "fighting trim," but....What The Hell?? Think of it as an investment that will pay off down the road a bit. Not to mention that you have a lot of content that can be created here. It's all in the LABOR that you are willing to expend while having a LOT OF FUN along the way. Again, many thanks for producing this Saturday morning entertainment!!

[@kerryevans7413]

Great two part video Matt. I think Jack Steel is well worth saving just a little more TLC and it will be back in service. I don't know about the dump trailer.

[@jonathansullivan1756]

As someone who works on semis and trailer on the daily you are looking at 20 plus grand to get it back on the road

[@nickm9123]

I really hope you re sleeve that one cylinder. She wont run long like that, and she will lock up if you dont fix it.

[@enwri]

Must be enough piston left to keep the rod swinging the right direction, that bore is a cheese grater, cant have rings anymore surely..

[@russellgier5489]

Are you talking about #2 with the broken intake ports in the liner?

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Loved it when you say " size does matter." 😊❤Thank you for sharing 👌 😊

[@RayScrafield]

Another very enjoyable video series. I loved every minute of it. NOW, go back and get that track loader. It deserves to be with "Jack Steel" for the rest of it's days. Please go back and get it. Thank you so much for doing what you do and sharing it all with us, your loyal watchers. I can't wait for the next thing you put out. GREAT STUFF!

[@stevebeavers3754]

Great save! Engine overhaul, cylinder rebuild and the lines. Poof, she's a beast again.

[@scudderville]

American steel back when a machine was built to be mighty. Looking forward to watching it come back to its mighty ways.

[@darylhudson777]

3/8th angle iron that holds cylinder up. Old inner tube instead of pig mats.

[@johne189]

Slightly older than this machine, but a guy with lots of Insley seat time -and fuzzy memory- 😅 checking in. You're probably getting more familiar with it by now, but I'll mention that the track drive is an "all or nothing" dog clutch arrangement, per track. So there's no "feathering" or "slipping" one track vs the other. The trouble at 1:06:46... the tracks have a 2-speed drive, it was probably in high speed position. This is a bit fuzzy now, but it seems like the low-high shift was made via a lever-actuated hydraulic master cylinder located just behind the engine throttle control. I'm not positive on that without a glimpse at the controls, but fairly certain. Thanks for the show. Good luck with the project.

[@RMSadventures-ie4fr]

if it was me, that dump trailer i would cut up and haul off for scrap. the aluminum would be worth doing that. trying to repair and get it usable, forget that LOL

[@heliarche]

I wouldn't be able to hardly breath for nerves until that thing was home and off the trailer and at least out of everyone elses way. I'm with you that it was parked for engine issues. It seems gutless and it's blowing smoke like spraying for mosquitoes. Can a decent running engine be had for not too much? Looks like it shouldn't be too much of a bear to swap it out. I think that engine was run to it's absolute limits and the fact that it managed to load and unload itself after all that speaks volumes for what a Detroit can deal with. Maybe find one from an old generator that doesn't have a lot of run time on it. Far as that trailer, I guess for $1800(?) all in a guy could probably scrap that aluminum body, repair the chassis and build a new body for it. That aluminum is bound to have all manner of fatigue everywhere. I wouldn't even trust it for off road use even if I repaired all the visible damage. Lots of work and money either way you go but if you could end up with a working dump trailer that'd be something.

[@jeeperzcreeperzz]

That dump trailer is the absolute worst thing you've ever considered buying on the channel. Piece of junk!

[@russwabuda1556]

happy thanksgiving, i'm thankful for your videos

[@richardsurber8226]

This is amazing. Thanks for bringing your family into your projects. Everyone does a fantastic job

[@MsJon52]

another cool vid, looking forward to see it repaired and working.

[@garymessina1609]

I ran one for several years was a great machine great video thanks changing the oil might cut down on smoking

[@dale5898]

On the aluminum trailer run like Richard Pryor when his crack pipe caught his hair on fire

[@clintkoelbl6481]

Don't listen to the nay sayers. From what I can see, except for the cab, the rest of it is in really good shape. As far as the engine goes, I agree with the guy who commented about getting another 471 and do a swap. And if you can't then maybe salvage a Cummins of equal or more HP out of another escavator and swap that in its place.

[@Elyjah1]

I agree, you can also just do a top end on the engine depending on how bad the head is, as he suggested it may be cracked. I noticed the last video when he took off the port inspection covers he pointed out a missing piston ring and I noticed that the horizontal cross members in the exhaust port on one of the cylinders may have been broken off or removed at some point. The piston ring can easily catch a burr on that damaged part of the port which might be why its missing a ring.

[@donbaker9715]

The dump trailer was not worth reparing in 98 and it was not in any better shape now.

[@jinan0014]

hurry to make the next one about this machine.....can't wait

[@ClintsHobbiesDIY]

It is worth saving by someone like you that appreciates old American made iron. From Clint in Virginia.

[@robertmorin6495]

You did it! Had my doubts that the new injectors would get you onto a trailer. Great job getting that out and home.

[@justnotg00d]

My whole life I wanted to run equipment like this, but it never happened. Being an old fart, I am glad to see an old machine brought back from the dead. Great video.

[@andyloebrown8250]

Wonderful, you've saved a piece of Americana. And it's a future content generator. Awesome!

[@rodneyreed9132]

Love the video and i love old equipment too they know how to build them to keep them going

[@TestECull]

1:16:40 As well as built with quality. It's part of why my daily driver is a 71 Chevy C10 instead of anything from this millenia. I get the same things from grampa's old truck, that same air of overbuilt ruggedness, simplicity, longevity, serviceability. Why I feel old stuff is better than new stuff as a rule.

[@bborkzilla]

Detroits are tops at turning diesel into smoke and noise!

[@b.abrackus6403]

Well said 😊

[@Anony___mous]

I was in the "walk away" camp on the last video. After watching you get it out of the woods, it does seem like a pretty good machine overall. I hope there is more to come soon! I would love to see more on the carry deck crane as well.

[@TestECull]

1:04:21 if nothing else, you'll get a good set of tandems. Brakes aren't applied. No springs in those chambers. It should roll just fine. Like I said, just get it on the back of your tractor and drag it home that way, save yourself a fortune on transporting it. Once it's at the shop you can further dig into whether to save it or scrap it, but hell, consider it buying a set of salvageable trailer tandems that might have a dump trailer attached. Besides, if you're not gonna use it on highway, it's in good enough condition to use as-is. Just has to make it from here to there empty.

[@tonymorton1558]

I think the dump trailer is to far gone it should go for scrap

[@Calciferzero]

I love your videos and they show a lot of the process of getting old equipment fix and running

[@mikemoab]

Trailer is too far gone, unless you get it super cheap.

[@thegreatchickenoverlord5976]

If youre just going to use the trailer as a site trailer, I would render it functional, and just ditch any plans to put it on the road

[@carloskawasaki656]

Thank a lot for sharing, i am very glad when i see you drop another project, i learn a lot , you are a great great teacher, your explanation and your philosophy are awesome , you are and inspiration 👍👍👍👍

[@barryhayes3328]

Looking forward to seeing a lot more videos on this project 😊

[@LightningFabrication]

I believe this excavator has some engine issues. watching the first video I could see in the intake ports under the covers some damage to the liners. The webs between the ports were missing. I also notice that the blower had some damage to the upper and lower rotor edges. When you were running it it sounded like it was up against the governor and them some. The governed RPM of the 4-71 is 1800rpm. I might be mistaken but oil might be getting into the combustion chamber and the engine is burning that also. Okay that being said, I think you've got one hell of a nice machine. One that was well cared for and is in great shape. You mentioned the undercarriage and I'd have to agree it's in near perfect condition. The body work, doors hinges and latches all function and are in great shape. No dents or sprung hinges. The only thing I saw was, a missing piece of door glass and a lower front windshield that was cracked and some rust in the floor boards. I believe it's well worth going through and making it part of the fleet. On the trailer. A nice aluminum dump trailer would be nice to have but not this particular one. Aside from there being a lot of repairs that need to be done, the design of it isn't a strong point. You'll notice that the fifth wheel plate is attached to a steel frame, if you can call it that and they are known to be a week point while dumping. If you are not on a level hard surface they can fall over. When dumping the cylinder will lift the body and when it gets to a certain point the front axle will lift off of the ground. This is due to the pivot point of where the fifth wheel frame is mounted to the trailer body frame. I would pass on the trailer and look for one with a full frame and pivot point that's behind the rear axle. Do a search for a "Frameless Dump Trailer" and you'll see what I mean about the front axle. A search for frameless dump trailer accidents will also show what happens to them. Which might be a good thing since that frame twists leaving the tractor upright.

[@davidknows3320]

I am really looking forward to this series. Honestly, thought you were off your rocker when I first saw the Insley. Now I am rooting for you and it!

[@scorpion2005765]

At least with all that smoking out that property real good they shouldn't have to worry about mosquitoes for a while😂😂

[@brucefelger4015]

Bill Insley started his business in the early 1900's. Part of what happened to the company was that he passed away, at 93 back in the late fifties. He was an amazing person to know.

[@Unemployed_Jedi]

It's all about holes and hose.

[@alfredomarotta6604]

As he said " the size of the hole matters " 😂😂😂

[@rovhalgrencparselstedt8343]

I think what happened was the owner forgot to check the coolant one day causing the engine to overheat which then cracked the head in the area of the fuel gallery, causing it to pretty much dump fuel into the oil, and possibly cylinders. Though however the bars in the no 3 intake port broke/melted im not sure, but im sure that liner damage is what broke the top compression ring. That engine likely needs all four pistons and liners replaced regardless along with a new head, as im sure rust in the cylinders was the reason it was initially stuck.

[@MrHiball1234]

Drain the water out of the track drives, 1 bearings fails in there will destroy gears & housing, if you can find a parts machine for engine, drive gears, swing box, cylinders, engine, sprockets ,roller s & hydraulic hoses if hoses look newer . Good work, a lifetime project 😅.

[@HighlyEclectic]

Wedge brakes on the trailer are a reason to leave it.

[@Shawn_the_Protogen]

Good ol' Stihl putting in the work, showing why it's the best.

[@brianhayes7618]

Looks like you got a winner there good luck getting it back in shape.

[@philg2281]

Great to see you saving another machine look forward to watching your progress with this and others.

[@DarkFlamage]

Hope you can get a piston & liner in there. That should help immensely.

[@bernardwill7196]

I has to say thank you for that series. I wish you and all you love a good Thanksgiving. Greetings from Germany.

[@1947maco]

That aluminum trailer is way too far gone !! The integrity is gone every place you showed us !! Scrap value for sure !!!

[@brianlubeck4184]

As far as that trailer is concerned I would pass on that unit.

[@n4thb4dc0]

The aluminium trailer isn't worth it, it's so much work

[@michaellynskey7124]

Aluminium is easy enough to mig or tig weld to patch this great trailer up, The axles and tipping gear are more or less indestructible, The other one could be easily used if the right parts were available.🇬🇧🇮🇪.

[@tedohio3038]

Take the loader, leave the trailer.

[@mikebrunner1577]

I think you did good. I would rather have that Insley than a Cat.

[@costrio]

Problem solving at its best. Cool machine. I hope to see the future videos. Your videos are very much appreciated. Thanks.

[@977Hlogger]

Nice save! Love the old iron! I bet once you track it around some and limber those tracks up a bit I'm sure it'll steer and track with a lot more gusto! Keep the videos coming! Cheers from Northern Alberta!