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Simp's M915A1 Build Thread

Hammer

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Have you thought about mounting a second fuel tank where the battery box is now?
I have one I want to put on my M920, but I need to relocate the batteries, air tank and move the exhaust to make it work.
 

simp5782

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Have you thought about mounting a second fuel tank where the battery box is now?
I have one I want to put on my M920, but I need to relocate the batteries, air tank and move the exhaust to make it work.
The air tanks could stay there. I ran dual 915a1 tanks on my m923. It would go along way. I will probably just mount a 55gal that will draw 50gal from a 931. Then a toolbox above it. Not sure yet.

5mpg x 150 = 750. Even at 4mpg that is still 600mi.
 

Hammer

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There isn't enough room to put two Air tanks above the fuel tank on the passenger side when using the big round tank. Definitely would be using the smaller square tank though.
I like the look of dual round tanks.
And 236 gallons is nothing to sneeze at!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 

simp5782

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There isn't enough room to put two Air tanks above the fuel tank on the passenger side when using the big round tank. Definitely would be using the smaller square tank though.
I like the look of dual round tanks.
And 236 gallons is nothing to sneeze at!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
There actually isnt enough room unless you relocate the exhaust as well. The tank would be well past the exhaust even with it up against the cab mount setup.
 

simp5782

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Got bored today. Pulled the turbo off and the exhaust manifold due to a leaking gasket and donut.

Was wrong in the turbo. Engine had a T46 turbo which is a 360hp unit according to the numbers on it rather than the usual 4LHR. Swapped on an HT3B i had laying around NIB. Removed the stock oil return crap and went with easier stuff to replace.

Went ahead and changed the oil as well. Going to install a manifold to add a shut off valve for the fuel heater as well.
 

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Hammer

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There actually isnt enough room unless you relocate the exhaust as well. The tank would be well past the exhaust even with it up against the cab mount setup.
You are correct, the exhaust has to move back further to clear the back of the tank.
It would add a couple bends, but it can be done, and still mounted in the stock location.snowcat 2008-09 050.jpg
 

NDT

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I don't know about you guys but I am LOOKING for reasons to stop for fuel after 8 hours behind the wheel of a 915.
 

Hammer

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Haha, yeah, I don't want to drive that long without stopping.
BUT, I want to get fuel when/where I want to.

And yeah, Soni did a lot, but I have the extra tank already, I just need to get started doing it.
Honestly, my wife HATES climbing down the passenger side with the air tank and goofy steps. The fuel tank is a safer climb when getting out of the truck, and that happens to be a big factor if I want her to ride with me.
 

simp5782

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I don't know about you guys but I am LOOKING for reasons to stop for fuel after 8 hours behind the wheel of a 915.
I liked the dual tanks on my 923 cause i could get cheap fuel in TN and make it to Mass or NH where its cheaper. Fuel up and be able to get down south again. Rather than expensive new york and Pennsylvania fuel. PA is around 60 cents higher a gal than everywhere else
 

Another Ahab

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Was wrong in the turbo. Engine had a T46 turbo which is a 360hp unit according to the numbers on it rather than the usual 4LHR. Swapped on an HT3B i had laying around NIB. Removed the stock oil return crap and went with easier stuff to replace.
I confess to not knowing much:

- So the turbo you had worked fine (or, "god enough"), but a real match (of turbo-to-engine) is what should be done

Is that for peak performance? Fuel efficiency? Any other reason?
 

simp5782

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I confess to not knowing much:

- So the turbo you had worked fine (or, "god enough"), but a real match (of turbo-to-engine) is what should be done

Is that for peak performance? Fuel efficiency? Any other reason?
Big cams generally have HT3B or equivalent. Like an HT60 that comes on the N14 engines. H3b can handle up to 600hp . Most military units are detuned with like an HT46 or ST50 so it moves less air for less power.

Turbo was fine. Had a little leaking oil seal. I have had that HT3B in a box for over a year. Turbo company shipped me the wrong turbo so they sent me the correct turbo and never sent me the return label. After 6months they emailed and said to not worry about returning it. So there it goes
 

simp5782

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Went ahead today and took the 45k winch off the 920 to swap it to the 915. Was able to swap it all without unhooking any lines. Swapped outside frame mounts as well.

Needed the stronger winch for the folding gooseneck similar to the 870. The 5 ton winch even double lined would have not liked it. Gotta drill a few frame holes and modify the drivers side frame rail bracket for that. Will be modifing the frame of the winch as well.

As far as powering it, i am checking on a few PTOs with single stage pumps. I dont like that route so i may go with a Hatz Z790 diesel engine that is laying around with a 30gpm pump. Mount it beside the winch on the passengers side since they are not very big either. Should be able to mount it above the toolbox. Or i may make a over bracket fornit to sit above the hydraulic tank.

We will see what it comes down to on that.
 

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Lukes_deuce

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I searched for months to find a PTO, could only find a new one from Chelsea - # 272XAAJP-A5RK That is an air shift unit to fit on the 6 bolt opening on the drivers side. It lists for 2200 and you need an oil fitting as well #378897
 

simp5782

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I searched for months to find a PTO, could only find a new one from Chelsea - # 272XAAJP-A5RK That is an air shift unit to fit on the 6 bolt opening on the drivers side. It lists for 2200 and you need an oil fitting as well #378897
I actually found one off an HT740 with a pump for $750 from a truck yard. 740 from a 916A1 915A2 and 754 from the 915a1 are the same transmission just one starts in 2nd gear. I assume it would work perhaps? It is an air shift unit as well.
 

Another Ahab

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Needed the stronger winch for the folding gooseneck similar to the 870. The 5 ton winch even double lined would have not liked it. Gotta drill a few frame holes and modify the drivers side frame rail bracket for that.

Must be close to some 3/4" holes through what must be about a 1/2' steel frame:

- That is some serious "off-hand" drilling

What are you planning to use to drill those holes?
 

simp5782

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I never ran into "frame reamer" bits before.

A good item to know about.

Where do you pick them up?
Local fastener shop carries them. They are good quality drill bits. Little pricey though. A frame reamer in 5/8" will cost around $40. The one i have had for over 2yrs and its probably done 30 holes in frames or more

Amazon, ebay or home depot can special order them.
 
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