sorry new member here and I am trying to navigate through it. I have 1959 d4 dozer that pup motor had finally failed on me. Its a model CR.DO.D0 Ser. 6259. I am looking for help or information on changing pony to a direct start .Can anyone point me in right direction

Check for a Cat serial number plate on the left side of the engine or the back left side or the transmission case, It might say 7Uxxxx

Pictures also help

Serial # tag may also read 6Uxxxx . 6U is a narrower tractor than 7U

That late a model should already have provision to mount a starter, having the required access hole in the flywheel housing. That's the biggest hurdle then comes acquiring the correctly configured starter plus associated battery locating, cables, switches, etc.

Where do the letters CR.DO.DO appear on the tractor?

Maybe cast into the side of the block?

Narrow gauge or wide?

Old Magnet, I have a D4 6U that I think is 1961 serial # 6070 and after reading your post about a starter access point I looked at mine and the bell housing has a boss but no hole for the starter. Was there some point that they started having an access opening for a starter and is there any template for drilling/boring the boss? I am not a fan of pony motors and would consider going electric if it was not too hard and expensive. Thanks, Grant.

"GrantJ" wrote:

Old Magnet, I have a D4 6U that I think is 1961 serial # 6070 and after reading your post about a starter access point I looked at mine and the bell housing has a boss but no hole for the starter. Was there some point that they started having an access opening for a starter and is there any template for drilling/boring the boss? I am not a fan of pony motors and would consider going electric if it was not too hard and expensive. Thanks, Grant.

unless i am mistaken that serial number would be for a 1951 model

"GrantJ" wrote:

Old Magnet, I have a D4 6U that I think is 1961 serial # 6070 and after reading your post about a starter access point I looked at mine and the bell housing has a boss but no hole for the starter. Was there some point that they started having an access opening for a starter and is there any template for drilling/boring the boss? I am not a fan of pony motors and would consider going electric if it was not too hard and expensive. Thanks, Grant.

Steve F. over in Princeton, CA has done several DE conversions over the years. I had him bore and tap the starter holes for me on some take off housings. He could probably do an entire conversion for you, after he finishes with other jobs? Myself, I like having both options when possible. JM

Better to sell it and get a newer machine with electric start.