Hi forum, I have a Caterpillar 1948 3T dozer. The pony engine has been removed and the 24 volt Delco Remy MT40 starter conversion kit has been fitted. I am going through a few starter motors at the moment and am trying to build a complete spare out of parts I have but am having trouble sourcing a spare 12 tooth helix cut drive pinion to suit the 19 spline armature. Direction of the starter is clockwise looking from the drive end. Any help is much appreciated.
If you have a good local starter and alternator shop, that's usually your best bet. Or maybe: www.jcrsupplies.co.uk
If you go to the ACMOC site there is a sticky on top that has all the conversion to electric start stuff. A great post in which Old Magnet whom frequents here also has everthing listed, directions on how, and places to buy what you need. There is also a post in the last few days here on converting a machine to electric start that has a source listed. You may want to go to the bigger 50 series starter if the 40 is not holding up.
If that engine has the compression release, use it. Get the engine spinning over on the starter with the compression released, let it spin until you see oil pressure on the gauge, then give her compression first then put the fuel to her. Try it see if you like it, easier on the bearings and easier on the starter and batteries in the long run. My $.02
That is how you are supposed to start them with the pony motor too but I hardly ever see anyone do it that way in any of the videos posted on the net showing the start routine.That is one beautiful system.It was designed to cover all the bases,it even has a transmission so no matter how cold the engine is you can get it warm enough to fire because the coolant from the pony circulates in the diesel too while it is running warming everything up then the normal start routine can be followed to get you up and running while being as easy on the mechanicals as you could possibly be protecting your investment.Can you imagine having to start that engine when it is so cold that you have to use low range in pony motor tranny to get it to turn over?That system is a work of art.Ron G
In the polar regions I've heard of starting a small fire under the belly pan to get everything warm enough to turn. The old bush pilots had to, apparently the thermal shock of lighting off a cold radial engine, if you could get it started, would sometimes crack a cylinder, they couldn't expand fast enough to keep up. But I'm rambling now...