" I'm pretty sure the machine as a whole isnt even worth that much. This is why I stick with gas engines...if my old Chevy needs a new mechanical fuel pump it's like $12 or I might even find one in the ol garbage pile."
I am not so sure about that.
I paid $9500 for my 1973 Case 350 dozer last summer and I was happy to do so, To find a small dozer with 6 way blade and metal tracks that runs and drives under $10000 is not an easy task, I looked/researched and shopped for a long time before I found my unit. Of course mine starts, runs and drives, but it still needs some work since its from 1973! There is no 4 cylinder gasoline engine of this size that will do what this little case diesel will do....no way no how. I work on both gas and diesel, diesel is worth the extra $$$ for parts....its the labor that is expensive, which is why we learn to DIY
Injection pumps can be intimidating but often you do not have to do into the pump very deep to find your issues (air leaks) Many times it is just old cracked and worn out O rings at the connections leading into the pump.......
I can sell my Case 350 for more then I paid for it if I wanted to........these machines will always be valuable
That is why there are so many members here watching this thread. You saved this machine a few times already, what is once more? She will run and when she does this will all be worth it.