How safe to tow a Deuce with another Deuce?

[Keith_J]

Well, Andy is still on the road back to home but I got back (from another member's house, fixing his MEP003A) so I guess I can spread the great news and gloat .

I got to DRMO around 0745 with parts from Home Depot. This was a 25' length of 1/4" polyethylene tube, a 1/8 NPT 1/4" compression tube fitting and 2 1/4 NPT 1/4" tube compression fittings and a cheap 0-120 PSI air pressure regulator.. Since the deuce has dead batteries, I didn't expect to run the engine and had a little battery powered tire inflator.

I checked the brake fluid level, looked for leaks and topped it off with DOT5. Then I pulled the breather off the MC cap, installing the 1/8 NPT fitting and a length of poly tube. Put the regulator in line, then connected it to the inflator. Turning on the compressor, I noted a good flow of air into the MC. I tried the brake pedal and SUCCESS!!!!!!! Properly firm and PERFECT IAW the -23. I then relieved the pressure AND THE PEDAL STAYED FIRM AND PERFECT. There was a little drop in the brake fuid level so a top off and put it all back together.

Now for the hypothesis. When I took the breather fitting off, I noted it took a bit of mouth pressure to pop off but functioned perfectly as a check valve which would create a VACUUM in the MC which could retract the pistons at each wheel cylinder. When some bidders tried to fix the problem by bleeding the brakes, they only made it WORSE, meaning only a pressure bleeding would fix it. Or my Dr. Frankenstein fix.

We spent a bit more time, jump charging (off my car with jumper cables direct to the batteries) and even got it STARTED! Runs great, got it up to temp, drained the air tanks (dry) and checked for charging (28.1 V). Batteries even look like they are going to take a charge.

So, to sum up today? Perfect success. And the original problem of Andy? GONE!!!!

Edit to add: When did I go before the promotion board and become a junior NCO (Corporal).????

THANKS! But I would rather be a specialist as my leadership skills are less than optimum. Send me to PLDC, please.

 

[TexRdnec]

nice to hear somebody has some luck with the dueces

 

[Keith_J]

nice to hear somebody has some luck with the dueces

Patience, grasshopper. I now have to work to get YOU into a working M35. It will happen, quit beating yourself up

 

[TexAndy]

Yep. It pretty well worked like magic. Keith is one smart cookie!

 

[Keith_J]

Well, today was the day to get this now repaired M35A2 off the DRMO lot and to its new motor pool, some 100 miles to the south. It started fine with a M1009 jump, brakes worked and tires topped off to 50 PSI.

It was a double day as I assisted mkcoen get his new deuce off the same lot, only having to drive it 40 miles north. Those batteries are heavily sulfated, the voltmeter was on the line high even with lights on for safety.

Andy's will rev to 2800 no load so he is probably enjoying a 65 MPH top end, if it holds together. So far, no calls so he should be home.

And it was a banner day to do this, overcast and in the low 80s.

And yes, I had to drive mkcoen's. It had a little idle issue, probably fuel filters. After the Italian tune-up, it is running nice and will bury the speedometer on level highway.

Thanks to all. This is really fun stuff. Cannot wait to help with the wheel bearings, looks like we need a 5 gallon tub of GAA.

 

[TexRdnec]

did you get a chance to mess with mine?

 

[Keith_J]

Shoot, might as well spill the beans. DRMO has MOVED your truck, it is SOMEWHERE on the lot so it starts and has brakes. But since I only had the lot and item numbers and SOMEONE pulled these off, I couldn't find it.

Rest assured, it runs and brakes are serviceable. I am starting to believe in your bad luck. I will get this straightened out before the EUC clears. Get insurance ready, we will have one to transport.

 

[TexRdnec]

typical.

well if you go out there again for any reason before everything clears it's the one with the left fender damage repair

http://i26.tinypic.com/1z4fzv8.jpg

 

[Keith_J]

typical.

well if you go out there again for any reason before everything clears it's the one with the left fender damage repair

http://i26.tinypic.com/1z4fzv8.jpg

They ALL have that damage...well most of them. I was looking for the missing intake cover and the slight ding on the tail gate. The beast starts and runs, bet it is the only one on there and they needed it to transport something. You need to watch those DRMO guys .

 

[TexRdnec]

greeeeeeat......

 

[TexAndy]

Got back awhile ago. Unloaded and sorted half the boots, got too hot, came in, filled out and sent in an EUC *wink wink*.

the DRMO people were giving away army boots, so I did them a favor and let them fork in 3 pallets to the back of the deuce before I left. *kidding* but yeah, it feels like I got them for free they went so cheap.


The clutch on mine seems kind of worn out. It's alot less forgiving than my first deuce as far starting out goes. I looked like an eedjit stalling it a couple times off the lot.

Brakes were fine. Although the parking brake isn't very effective. Not sure what the deal there is.

Yeah, sorry about the truck jarret. We looked at every single truck on the lot and it was not there, so yeah. You get the extra patriotic truck. Look on the bright side... you know it runs for sure, now. Maybe they'll charge the batteries up, too this way.

Driving deuces in south texas summer sun without a cab top is a great way to get a tan. or burn

Oh yeah, and my dad and I met an old geezer retired army rotary wing pilot in the Floresville HEB parking lot in front of the whataburger. The guy was quite impressed with the truck and wanted to know where he could get one.

Another victim of OD Green truck disease infected...

eta: Oh yeah, and I think it would have gotten to 65 if I'd pushed it. But I didn't want to push it too hard. Cruised home at 55-60.

Many thanks to keith_j and mkcoen for helping to get me on my way. Thanks for the air hose, mk!