Good morning! A local starter builder built me a starter for my D4 7U. It works great! because I am leaving the pony set up on, my starter's solenoid is sticking out the side. I will need to build a cover for it and attach it to the lower side cover. Does anyone here have a picture or two of the modifications to the side cover or at least a description of what they did? I know I can't be the first to do this. If interested, once I am done I would be happy to post a picture of my creation. Thanks all! Elton

If the conversion is done with the correct parts the solenoid does not hang out the side.
OK, even with the best fit there is a slight protrusion of the solenoid housing. Here's one solution. Also have used a section of thin wall pipe/tube to form a blister.

Thank you Old Magnet for your picture and your help. I did not use original spec parts but a local shop built for me a powerful 12 volt truck type starter that has plenty of power for what I want it for. My intention is to use the pony for cold start ups and use the electric starter for hot restarts. I went for the 12v mostly because of where to put the second battery. My group 31 is in a custom box on the left fender like the original, just a little bigger. Thanks again! Elton

the piece of rhs idea looks really neat and side bonus even looks like it belongs there also it would stiffen that panel a bit too and its easy to source and cheap.

OM's job is very neat and effective. My 12 volt truck starter solenoid sticks out more than that so I'll make a deep D shape and I think it will work ok. Elton

Looks like there might be enough room to reclock the starter motor on the nose cone and put the solenoid straight up. Not sure if you're motor will do that but a lot of the ones I've dealt with don't have to be in any certain position. Clearance with the starter pinion might be a problem also, but could be worth checking into.

With the right lever housing and drive end housing the solenoid clocks in the verticle position.

If your tractor has an oil clutch make sure the end housing has the rubber plugs in it to keep oil out of the starter.

There is just not room to reclock the starter, either it interfers with the bolt or stud on one side or the pony clutch. VERY close but just didn't fit. Also if it went straight up then it would be really hard to drain the pony clutch at service time. I tried all I knew to try without cutting sheet metal. I do have a dry clutch so no plug required. I really hate modifications that look like modifications, so I hope I can make a nice bubble that will work well and be strong too. I'll post a picture when I get it all sorted out.

Sitting in the garage, the starter I have really spins the engine around, even on compression. My pistons coming from Australia for my pony have been turned over to the airlines, but the tracking does not reveal if they have left Australia. I don't know how far Aust Post Tracking will follow the package. Hopefully in another month or so, the pony will be running and I can try out my machine. I have never driven it, so it is exciting to me. I do have a lot to learn though. The only tracked machine I have ever operated was a 450 Case loader with a hydrostat. I have a lot to learn! Elton

have you tried turning it clockwise so the solenoid is on the bottom of the starter?