Satoh ST1440 Checklist for startup

roverfanatic · Oct 1, 2024

I just bought this ST 1440 with a 3 cylinder 14.5 HP diesel. It's been outside for years.

Is there a thread for checklist for bringing a tractor like this back to operational?

I have restored many gassers & a couple of Yanmars but they were not in that bad of shape.

I read that I should:

1. Remove glow plugs before attempting to start in case of water in cylinder. The exhaust manifold is broke off where the muffler would normally turn 90%'s

2. Change oil.

3. Pull transmission plug in case of water in transmission case....the gear shift boot looks to be in tact.

4. New Diesel

5. New oil filter

6. Clean replace tranny filter

Thanks for any direction or advise

Roadworthy · Oct 2, 2024

I'd replace all fluids and filters. When you pull the glow plugs to check for water squirt an ounce or so of oil into each hole then turn the engine over a few times to spread the oil on the cylinder walls. If you have a standard transmission your hydraulic oil is also the gear lubricant so get a universal transmission fluid that does both. Drain and flush the cooling system - even reverse flushing it to get as much gunk as you can out. Flush it again with distilled water then refill with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Good old ethylene glycol antifreeze would work with your tractor though there are some newer universal fluids out that are supposed to work with anything. A new battery is probably in order and be sure connections are clean and tight. Do not neglect the ground wire where it connects to the frame. Good luck. Satohs and Mitsubishis were great tractors - I had one for about fifteen years.