M109 no longer an Emergency

[Steve92307]

Between Kingman and Flagstaff is a bunch of hills. That's going to be a handful in a slower than anticipated deuce, especially with someone not used to the peculiar skillset these trucks demand.

He should fill up in Kingman, and fill up again in Seligman to dilute any badness. He may very well notice an improvement in performance with further driving.

@Mos68x is in Seligman, with knowledge and a 939series 5ton.

Albuquerque and surrounding area is going to be another high stress, traffic and hill infested mess.

I told him to take it easy, buy some extra fuel filters and drive at night as much as possible.

 

[98G]

I told him to take it easy, buy some extra fuel filters and drive at night as much as possible.

Driving at night has its own set of risks. Driving 25mph slower than everyone else in a vehicle with poorer lights and a color that's difficult to see runs a good chance of getting rear ended.

I've done it both ways, and after much consideration I've decided the right lane on the interstate during daylight hours is the least risk. They have enough light to see you, and a whole other lane to go around you with.

 

[Steve92307]

Driving at night has its own set of risks. Driving 25mph slower than everyone else in a vehicle with poorer lights and a color that's difficult to see runs a good chance of getting rear ended.

I've done it both ways, and after much consideration I've decided the right lane on the interstate during daylight hours is the least risk. They have enough light to see you, and a whole other lane to go around you with.

Very true. He does have a chase vehicle behind him, so that may help a little.

 

[Mullaney]

Very true. He does have a chase vehicle behind him, so that may help a little.

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Chase Vehicle...
On long slow hills - if the traffic is roaring up behind them (or heavy traffic) - turning on the flashers to warn of the slow traveling truck.
Heck of a good plan!

Glad you were able to plan ahead ahead to have a second vehicle to gather parts and run interference as required.
I would also agree with 98G 's comment about topping off the fuel tank to possibly dilute any "gunk" that might have been dislodged...

 

[davidb56]

he should buy another set of filters too. He may be changing them again if he's got crap in his tank.

 

[TheWolf]

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Be sure to check for heat coming off the brake drums (Looking for dragging shoes).
I updated my original post but just in case you missed that...

I looked at the brakes and parking brake, didn't see any signs of dragging. Thought about that too, perhaps my brakes were dragging no heat.

 

[TheWolf]

It started about 150mile into the trip and the fuel filters have not been changed.

Yes the problem did start after full fueling. Primary filter was nasty. Secondary and final better but changed them anyways.

 

[TheWolf]

.
Chase Vehicle...
On long slow hills - if the traffic is roaring up behind them (or heavy traffic) - turning on the flashers to warn of the slow traveling truck.
Heck of a good plan!

Glad you were able to plan ahead ahead to have a second vehicle to gather parts and run interference as required.
I would also agree with 98G 's comment about topping off the fuel tank to possibly dilute any "gunk" that might have been dislodged...

It was very beneficial in having the chase vehicle with, being on the side off an exit in 115 deg. We ran out of water real quick. We crawled and found an old truck repair shop with closed BBQ stand a starving for shade. Did the filter change out took me about an hour and half to change the three filters. By then we were well into the noon heat. Our wives not made for the heat. We had to stop in Kingman AZ.

 

[TheWolf]

This is all very helpful information. This is our first military vehicle experience. I have driven rigs, tractors and dump trucks. But this is a first for us.

 

[Mos68x]

Have they made it home safely? I just returned from a 5k road trip up to the chicago area, first time I saw the email. Apologies for being late to the party.

 

[Steve92307]

Have they made it home safely? I just returned from a 5k road trip up to the chicago area, first time I saw the email. Apologies for being late to the party.

The previous post to yours is the owner. He left it behind because he had a wedding that he needed to be at but will be back to get the truck.

 

[TheWolf]

The previous post to yours is the owner. He left it behind because he had a wedding that he needed to be at but will be back to get the truck.

We did make it home safely. Had to make a decision in leaving my truck. One of the hardest things to do but a choice made easily, for my daughter. I made it within hours of the wedding.

 

[TheWolf]

Heat gun = temperature measuring device to check temp of bearings and drums without having to touch them.

What is nominal operating Temps for bearing? Will bring thermal gun with, when I return.

 

[TheWolf]

Mildly. The logistics probably make it cheaper to just have it transported.

First off, deuces have a tendency to sometimes behave poorly on towbars. So we run the risk i get there and hook up to it and it won't tow. (And sometimes they tow fine. You don't know til you try.)

Secondly, I'm in KS at the moment with next trip west not beginning until 15 July. My truck and towbars are in Mountainair NM. So earliest starting point would be Mountainair NM around the 22nd.

Third, it's probably fixable where it is and can be driven. If it's a time constraint thing, I'm willing to drive it for him once it's fixed. (Cheap, but not free.)

If all of the above doesn't kill it, I'll crunch numbers and give you a cost for me to go get it with towbars and take it to MI.

I sent you a text.

We are returning by the 13th to retrieve our truck. Bringing temp gun, extra filters and I was told straight 30 weight oil for the tuck. Have an extra wheelbearing and some other parts I was given when I purchased the truck. Is there anything else I should bring?

 

[Mullaney]

What is nominal operating Temps for bearing? Will bring thermal gun with, when I return.

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Hubs will typically run 120-130F after a little highway driving.
They shouldn't burn you if you touch them.

 

[98G]

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Hubs will typically run 120-130F after a little highway driving.
They shouldn't burn you if you touch them.

Agreed, and more importantly, they should all be about the same temp.

 

[98G]

We are returning by the 13th to retrieve our truck. Bringing temp gun, extra filters and I was told straight 30 weight oil for the tuck. Have an extra wheelbearing and some other parts I was given when I purchased the truck. Is there anything else I should bring?

I'm a minimalist. I carry two jacks and a lugwrench, a towbar, and a basic set of tools.

Your chase vehicle means you can fetch anything you need. A chase vehicle and an extra person covers pretty much everything.

I use 15W40 in everything diesel.