This is our latest acquisition on the vehicle front. This is the five quarter ton M715 based on the civilian Jeep Gladiator pick-up. It was mainly used on the US bases around the world rather than as a combat vehicle. It was only produced from 1967 to 1969 and 30,500 were manufactured.
This particular truck was built in Toledo Ohio in May 1968. It was released by the US Army in 1989. We acquired it at the beginning of May 2021. Since it's delivery to unit up north we have been assessing the work required to get it running once again after having been stood for two years.
Firstly no fuel was getting to the carburettor so the fuel pump was removed and found to have a perished pump diaphram. A rebuild kit was order and the pump will be rebuilt using ethanol resilient materials. An electric pump has been fitted in the meantime to get the engine running. During this check up a broken throttle cable was discovered and the choke not working properly. So choke rerouted and a temporary throttle cable attached we attempted to start the engine. Hey presto it ran, however no oil pressure. We will get the throttle cable repaired and refit it. With the oil pressure being an electrical system we replaced it with a good old fashioned mechanical gauge and a healthy 40 to 45 psi pressure was showing. Now we have to work out if it is the sender unit, wiring or the dash gauge that is at fault. Replacement parts already waiting to be tested so hopefully an easy fix, or have I just spoken too soon? Plan B is to fit a conventional oil pressure gauge somewhere less obvious in the cab.
Next job is to change the engine oil and oil filter (available at a local motor factors) so we know we have got good clean uncontaminated oil circulating. Then there is the matter of the brakes. We have a pedal, which is a good sign that something is working, we'll just have to check how well. So the recommissioning is coming on a pace. Once we have got the mechanicals sorted we can turn our attention to some minor bodywork that needs attention before a repaint and markings are applied. Watch this space.
