Caterpiller D7-17a pony start to electric start

andy r · Mar 16, 2016

Hello guys. What does it take to make my pony start Cat D7-17a electric start? Is it primarily just the electric starter that is necessary? Does the starter fit right into the casting hole where the pony transmission goes? I really don't need a generator or alternator if I kept the batteries charged. Do I need glow plugs if the dozer is primarily used during warmer months where the temperature is above 50 or 60 degrees? What is a used starter going to cost? Thanks guys. Appreciate it.

Bret4207 · Mar 17, 2016

Go to www.acmoc.org and ask. That's the Anitque Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club. Go to the forum section and do a search. Whats required has been outlined numerous times, but it involves a lot more than just sticking a starter where the pony goes. That's not even close to what you do.

dozerbill66 · Mar 17, 2016

I had two D7 17A Dozers several years ago , I removed the pony motors and installed New Starters , Simple process , you will have to make metals plates to plug the water and exhaust inlets , outlets , wire starter to a switch . You do not need glow plugs , can not remember charging but maybe running a wire to the starter may work . It is all simple , doubt if you find a used starter , it does take a special helical gear on starter , they sell them in Rock and Dirt ,need help , let me know ?

Bret4207 · Mar 17, 2016

Maybe I'm completely wrong, wouldn't be the first time, but it doesn't appear "simple" to me.

http://www.acmoc.org/bb/showthread.php?4953-D7-17a-Pony-To-24v-Direct-Start

http://www.acmoc.org/bb/showthread.php?9438-d7-17a-Electric-Starter-Conversion

http://www.acmoc.org/bb/showthread.php?14648-D7-17A-direct-start-question

dozerbill66 · Mar 17, 2016

Bret , I also converted my No. 12 Cat Motor Grader to Electric start , sure it is work , but not that hard to do .I am not a Mechanic and I did all three machines . You need to pry the pony motor out of housing and lift with a hoist or front end loader . I don't know where you are coming from . :roll:

Bret4207 · Mar 17, 2016

Because I'm told, and have seen the photo progressions, of what it takes to change one over.

From one the links I provided- " The 17A is one of the tough ones to convert....problem being there is no bolt flange arrangement to attach the starter drive end housing to. Also there is no commercially available adapter drive end housing.
To achieve an installation you will have to fabricate an adapter plate to mount the starter to the bell housing....then take a standard #3 SAE nose and grind adapt it to clear the flywheel ring gear....the helical drive is readily available."

Maybe you did it in a way these other guys haven't thought of?

Hoboy · Mar 17, 2016

CC Battery out of Texas used to make a conversion kit. Google them and they should be able to set you up.

Caterpiller D7-17a pony start to electric start

andy r

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Bret4207

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dozerbill66

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Bret4207

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Bret4207

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Hoboy

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