1942 CAT D2 Starting Procedure (Pony Engine/Diesel Engine)

Rundown of good starting procedure for CAT D2/D4 pony engine/diesel engine setups.

...so, being my own worst enemy, I bought a machine with a pony engine!

I hope this helps some of you out there that have this type of machine or are curious about how high compression diesel engines were started before mass production capabilities of high-torque electric starter systems were available

[fstarockaburns]

Sorry but this is hands down the best video on youtube. Just took ownership of my 50s d4 and needed a very clear explanation as i just got the pony fired up on first crank after sitting for almost 30 years- everyone wiggles handles but doesnt ACTUALLY teach you anything!! Great video thanks!

[timburton]

Thanks for the details; not everyone goes through the procedure like this!

[bundella]

G'day mate, we own one of these - have for 50 years (D4. Process to start is this as per the book which would be same as D2. I think youve mostly got it right but read on...)
- Start pony which you've done no worries.
- Once pony warm, engage main engine - diesel fuel off & decompression lever pulled out = deco on.
- After engine has rolled over for a little while with decompression still pulled out, push in the deco lever to create compression on main engine. You can then let the Pony roll the big motor over in this configuration for quite some time - still no diesel fuel though. (Engine oil pressure should be up now too.)
- in this configuration the pony motor is generating warmth into diesel motor via friction & exhaust gases running through main diesel manifold. Its a very kind and gentle way to start a diesel. heating the diesel motor prior to starting is part of the process.
- When your happy main motor has fuel pressure & heat you can shut off fuel to pilot motor and just before pilot conks out rotate & open the diesel fuel to main engine, She'll start perfectly every time.
- Pilot will stop as fuel is expired, This is important.
- This method is straight from the book and is how it should be done, don't open diesel fuel lever tool early. Good luck...

[npalen]

I noticed the diesel engine was turning also when pulling the rope start for the pony.

[donaldmitchell]

What a process!!

Good demonstration

[davidtrollope]

One of the best i have listened to great job

[kobusdutoitbosman]

great piece of history ~ thank you ⁉️🔥

[efrostrup]

My dad bought five WWll surplus D4 Cats, had lots of engine trouble; the timing gears on the diesel engine were made of Bakelite!

[buddymac]

Cat D2 being a CAT has a KITTEN ENGINE!!! Get it?🇨🇦😄

[ndGenBen]

Wow extensive process to get that started.

Is there any steps that can be skipped or minimized if the diesel is already nice and toasty

[nicholaspratt]

Turn pony fuel off to stop the pony, let it drain carb to stop.

[rvrbr]

Are you really using ether while smoking a cigar?!

[keithammleter]

this guy is using an incorrect starting procedure and is harming his machine. A Cat NEVER needs ether/Easy-start if you use the correct procedure.
Start the pony with full choke and push it in as soon as it starts, which should be no later than the second pull of the rope, no matter how cold the weather is. Using ether instead of the choke is silly.
If the pony won't start, it needs servicing, not ether.
He advanced the "throttle" as he called it, and started the diesel by dropping the decompression. The speed lever should be set to cutoff and when the diesel is turning, drop the decompression so that the pony generates more heat. When the diesel is warm, start it by advancing the speed lever.
What he calls the throttle is not a throttle because a) the air is not throttled on a diesel engine - the rack in the injection pump is moved to vary the amount of fuel injected, and b) these engines are governed so that engine RPM stays constant when load varies - the speed lever does not act directly.
His method of starting causes a lot of unburnt diesel fuel to get past the rings in a cold engine, dilute the oil, and cause excessive wear.

[nwc]

Gotta have a couple puffs of the cigarette while spraying starter fluid lmao safety first