I purchased a late model D2 (5U 17,000 era) that has a 24v direct diesel engine start. I am going to pick up the tractor tomorrow, but I took inventory of the tractor's condition yesterday. The main clutch is stuck in the engaged position but otherwise the tractor appears to be in decent shape.
I can't identify a couple of features on the dash. The black knob is connected to what appears to be a pump. The "pump" is attached to the small steel drum on its right via the copper line. There is a line that extends from the "pump" and connects to the intake manifold.
Does someone know what these are? I can't find a diesel priming pump on the tractor... is that what this is?

That appears to be the makings of a manifold heater. Tank for fuel, hand pump for pressure, should be a spark maker (electric or igniter connected to magneto at intake manifold. Not a Cat version that I can tell.

I basically asked the same about the 18,xxx tailseat that I “inherited”. I have the canister on the “Dash” and a hand primer pump (similar to one’s used to prime a fuel filter) at the right side of operators station.
No source of ignition; I do have glow plugs. Would this actually hold a little bit of gasoline to give the tractor a whiff? Or actually for ether?
Looks like Delta’s has a gasoline filter/bowl on his?
Don’t tell me you have been stumped Old Magnet!!!

I will add some photos to jog memories here.

looks similar to the cold start device i had on my old cummins NH262. that one used a flame.

Yes, another version of thermostart. Need to see the intake pipe as I can't see any extra connection on the intake manifold. They use diesel fuel, not gasoline.

Delta KJ: please share photos of your new D2 when you get it please? Sounds like you scored a nice one! JM

These are photographs for the back side of the pump and the intake manifold inlet. The line on the bottom side of the pump is the intake and the line on the top of the pump leads to the intake manifold (outlet).
It's obvious that this was used to pump some kind of fluid directly into the intake manifold, but what kind of fluid... surely not gasoline!
I can't find a priming pump for the diesel fuel housing. Could this setup have been used to temporarily start the engine to prime the diesel system?

"Nitrous oxide! to climb those steep hills! Great Scott!"

i am not sure if i remember correctly but the one on my cummins used gasoline but you had to light it i think with a match. not sure i remember correctly though. my dragline has a pump like that on the detroit engine but it used an either ball and then you pumped the either into the intake while cranking the engine. so it is possible that was used to pump some gasoline in as you cranked because i don't see any way to light it.