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Getting a Caterpillar Twenty going again

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2 years 11 months ago #227741 by burtman
Just wanted to introduce myself as I will most likely be asking lots of questions and looking for advice as I go through getting this caterpillar Twenty running again.    I have wanted to get it running for a few years now and finally decided its time.    The machine I have was purchased used by my Grandfather in early 40’s from Beckwith Machinery in Pittsburg.    At that time Beckwith refurbished the machine due to some damage from a barn fire or something.   They put a TwentyFive radiator on it which it still sports.     According to the serial number I think it’s a 1929 model Twenty.    The last time the machine ran was in the late 70’s.    The pinon broke in final drive on the left side and it has sat since.   I have a replacement pinon.    It has been stored indoors all these years at the family farm near Wheeling,  WV.   The motor is still free and easily turns over.   My first task is to get it to my place near Annapolis, Maryland.   I plan to take my heavy duty skid loader trailer up to bring it home.   Hopefully sometime this May.   The only thing I think is missing is the magneto.   I have most of the original Eismann one that went bad in early 70’s.   My dad put a different style mageneto on and made a bracket for it then.   That magneto is missing and I can’t find it.   I am not sure exactly what I have and what I need in order to get the Eismann back on it.   I do know I will need to get it rebuilt by someone.  My dad passed in the early 90’s so I can’t ask him.   My goal is to get a running machine that I can drive around my place and enjoy.   Sorry for the long time first post, but wanted to give a good introduction and some background.      
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2 years 11 months ago #227743 by neil
That all sounds good. There are a couple of reputable outfits that rebuild mags. The one I've used a couple of times is Mainely Magnetos to rebuild an Eisemann and an American Bosch, both two cylinders, but I know he does four cylinder mags too. They come back brand new. You send him what you have and he replaces what needs replaced, and will add any missing parts. You can't go wrong fitting new bearings to everything you replace, such as that pinion.

Cheers,
Neil

Pittsford, NY

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2 years 11 months ago #227745 by Steve A
The Twenty is a neat tractor, I did major work on assembling a nice wide gage Big 20 from a collection of parts during the onset of covid as I had time at home. I have lots of parts if your in need, Were ready for questions, bring em on.

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2 years 11 months ago #227751 by burtman
I saw another post on here about Mainely Magentos also. I plan on contacting them this week to get that started. I was concerned that gas had been sitting in it over the years, but when I looked inside the gas tank it was bone dry clean. Someone must have drained it at some point, which made me happy not to have to deal with gas varnish. Not sure about the carb yet.

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2 years 11 months ago #227752 by neil
It was probably me that mentioned that magneto shop but there are others that people sing the praises of. I just can't remember what the others are called but someone here might. For your tank, just need to verify that the fuel flow out of the outlet is adequate and sustained, and that it doesn't leak.

Cheers,
Neil

Pittsford, NY

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2 years 11 months ago #227755 by side-seat
Plan on getting it loaded up and stop at the National Pike Show Brownsville PA May 22nd 23rd on your way back to Maryland. Would like to see it. You never know , there maybe a mag in the flea market that will work.

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2 years 11 months ago #227759 by burtman
I will have to look at if I can work the National Pike Show into my trip. Will depend on work timing availability. I like the idea. I attended that show in 2016(I think) when ACMOC had the event there. Walked around and took a bunch of cat pictures. Was a great show.

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2 years 11 months ago #227762 by burtman
Is the GV-4 or G-4 the correct magneto for the twenty. I have both, and thought the GV-4 was the one that came off of it with the press in style plug wires. The GV-4 I have needs parts though. The G-4 I have has the wires attached to back. I emailed Mainely Magneto's and plan to call and talk to him soon.

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