Starting Wain Roy Backhoe

My wife's grandad left us some equipment to use on 100 acres of mountain property here in rural Virginia and I need a little help figuring out how to start it....

I'm planning on replacing the fuel filters - he was running it up until last year....should the diesel fuel still be okay?

On the starting part, there are three components on the right hand side, above the foot rest - a push button for the starter, a key switch, and a push pull knob - I swear it looks like a shotgun shell - the brass part. You can either push it in or pull it out. I have no idea what it's use is.

The key switch has three positions - off, on, and momentary....any idea on the momentary part is for?

The fuel bowl on the right side has a lever - maybe to prime it?

The only markings on the whole machine that I have seen so far is the serial number 1137 or 1157, it's kinda hard to tell...

It starts up when you give it a shot of starting fluid, but won't run beyond that....

Suggestions for a dumb engineer like me?

Thanks!

Brian

You mentioned its a diesel, which means it may have glow plugs. If that's true the momentary position on the key switch may be sending power to the glow plugs. If they are there, you should be able to see the glow plugs(one per cylider). IF that's true, turn the key to the momentary position. There may be an ammeter gauge on the dash that will show voltage going to the glow plugs if they are there and if they are working. Usually, they are wired in series, so if one is out, none will work. You can check them with an ohmeter and replace the bad ones.

If they are there and working, turn the key in the momentary position of about 30 seconds to give enough time for glow plugs to heat up. At the end of the 30 seconds, push in the starter with the throttle open about 1/2 way.

Assuming that fuel and air are going to the cylider and you have adequate compression, you should be able to start it.

Good luck.

I'd discurage the use of ether. Could cause some bad problems.

I would lossen a fuel line at one of the injectors and crank it over. See if any fuel seeps out. If not you have a fuel supply problem. try pumping the priming lever several times and see if you get fuel. If not post back and we'll go from there.