How to start a 1940s TD8 International bulldozer

HI,
I am a writer and need to know how you would have started a 1940s TD8 International bulldozer. Did it have a crank? Was there a key?

(FYI - the book is about Norman Borlaug and his work with wheat in Mexico.)

Many thanks!
Peggy

TD tractors were a part of the IH Gas-to-Diesel machines. These used an
electric starter to start the motor on gasoline, and once warmed up,
the operator would open up there throttle , push the diesel lever
forward, and the motor would switch to diesel. I can?t remember
exactly what the diesel lever did off the top of my head, but it had
something to do with increasing compression in the cylinders


So there you go,

Mr.Ferguson

TD-8s weren't made till after the 1940s. Did you mean TD-9? A 1940s I-H diesel would have started on gas. Ones made after 1958 (like the TD-8) would have started directly on diesel. Need to know which you have exactly. Brian

TD9 can be hand cranked, or electric start.
Turn on the gasoline and diesel fuel stops at the tanks.
Set the diesel engine speed at 1/4 speed.
Move the Gas/diesel lever to gasoline. (this opens the compression release valves in the cylinder head, and forces air to be drawn through the carb by using butterfly valves in
the intake manifold. There is a spark plug in the compression relief chamber to ignite the gasoline.
Pull out the mag Kill button to allow it to run.
Pull out the choke knob.
If hand crank, put the crank in the crank slot and push it into the crank drive coupler positioned at 6 o'clock.
With all fingers and thumb on the outside of the handle, pull up on the crank, 1/2 turn.
If it starts, reach to the carb and adjust the choke o keep running on gasoline.
If electric, engage the starter button to crank, while holding the choke on.
As it starts adjust the choke to keep it running on Gasoline.
Allow it to run on gasoline 2 minutes when above 40 degrees F. 3 to 4 minutes below that.
the engine will run at a set speed (no throttle plate, just a small carb big engine)
Switch to diesel by rapidly movine the Gas/diesel lever to diesel.
This lever action closes the compression relief valves, and open the intake to pure air.
It also grounds the mag, keeping it from firing while running on diesel.
Allow a minute or two to assure clean running on diesel and head for the work site.
To shut it off (not in the book) the engine is idled for 4 to 6 minutes on diesel, then the diesel speed lever is moved slower and it stops.
Be sure to shut the mag button is off.
Close the fuel valves under the tanks. I used to own one.
Jim

if it is a TD9, lots had the hyd. pump running off the front of crankshaft. those you were not able to hand crank.