I need help with ID of this old Cat Blade. The only tag I could find was at the front of machine with number 71D574. Is this a Cat #12 Blade? I know it has an 6 cylinder diesel engine. Were they originally pony start? This one has a 24 volt Bendix starter with 12 v dc alternator conversion. Does someone make a 12 volt gear reduction starter that will work?
71D574 is a 1958 #12 Grader with 6-cyl D318 engine. 71D's are factory Direct Electric Start. (70D's are pony start). To my knowledge no one makes a RH helical drive gear to mate a gear reduction starter.
Do they make a newer style starter direct drive that would work?
Yes they do. A conversion starter based on the Delco 40, 42 or 50MT lever type starter with direct mount solenoid. Requires changing the drive end housing, a helical drive gear and having the preferred lever housing.
So you use part of the old and new starter to make it work? I am confused on the helical drive gear. Is this the gear that engages with the flywheel?
Yes, that's the drive gear. The early cat's used the same flywheel ring gear for direct electric start as the pony version. Later units have straight cut teeth.