Gas station procedures

[Unforgiven]

Remember to Drain The Air Tanks!!

How often? What are the consequences if it is not done? Is it a pull pin?

 

[73m819]

hold on dot 5, depends whats in it now, may be dot 3

 

[M35Brown]

In my group, No one has had brake problems, I think it has mor to do with Neglect, Lack of use, and using the wrong brake fluid.
These Trucks are tough, and very reliable, Most any problem should be minor, and deu to lack of use.

 

[M35Brown]

How often? What are the consequences if it is not done? Is it a pull pin?

1 Drain the tanks daily! For a new truck (new to you) I would drain the tanks before the trip, and again at your next stop.
2 Water gets in the system and at this time of year can cause freezing, along with other problems.

 

[M35Brown]

Take note of 73m819's reply, it should have Dot 5, But he is correct, it could be Dot 3 or others, Do Not Mix Them!!!

 

[Farmun]

Thanks for all the replies. I just downloaded the Technical Manual (both versions) and will print them out later (I just prefer paper to a computer screen). I was unaware of a brake-failure problem. Are these trucks prone to losing the brakes? I thought they had some kind of redundant air system on top of the hydraulics.

On the contrary, Pre-1985 or so M35's have anything but a redundant brake system (unless they've been upgraded). It's a single circuit system, unlike most passenger vehicles with dual circuit system. Meaning that if one item in the single circuit is lost, the whole system is inoperable. With dual circuit systems, you can lose either the front or back, and the other will still work.

The "air" portion of the M35 brakes provides boost to the hydraulic portion. Think of it as doing the same thing as vacuum (albeit completely opposite) as on regular passenger cars.

Good Luck, and be careful !!!

 

[roscoe]

How often? What are the consequences if it is not done? Is it a pull pin?

Very simple to do. Just two valves somewhat behind the spare that you flip up.

 

[73m819]

i may of missed it, (at my age its easy to do) just where are you planing to fly to then drive back from, theres a good chance that there is a SS member close by, he would be happy to go over the truck with you, show you what you need to know and do. this would be a lot better then srarting out cold
by any chance a SS member is selling the truck

 

[swbradley1]

Welcome to the site and good luck.

The brakes went out on one of my trucks while it was parked behind the house. I'm guessing it is one of the wheel cylinders and all 6 need to be rebuilt but it shows that things happen at anytime. That was also the truck I drove 350 miles home in thunderstorms the whole way.

Read the manual and when you get done read it again. Good advice when it was passed to me and I figure it's still a good idea.

 

[Unforgiven]

i may of missed it, (at my age its easy to do) just where are you planing to fly to then drive back from, theres a good chance that there is a SS member close by, he would be happy to go over the truck with you, show you what you need to know and do. this would be a lot better then srarting out cold
by any chance a SS member is selling the truck

Picking it up in FL. I have relatives in Pensacola I was thinking of visiting for a day or two before continuing the road trip. I really have no idea which way back to Vegas I will take. The northern route is shorter. The southern route is warmer. I guess I'll let the weather pretty much decide which way I go. Are you anywhere around the FL panhandle?

 

[73m819]

im in GA. at the moment, though we have a LOT of FL. SS members

 

[emr]

Fast answer, NEVER block a mans business from making his living, If U chose to idle down and shut off, it is your choice, But Use commons sense, Idle it down in an area that does not get n the way of the mans business, I get amazed at how many people pull up to a pump and buy cigarettes, or something as equally as silly, That is a simple and correct answer at the pump. And hey if u are headed towards the pump station, and have the chance not blocking traffic, idle her in from a distance. think about it, and just use your head, I believe we all , like U want to be known as those cool trucks, not why is that guy blocking everything arguing with the attendant,

 

[maxim]

Chock the wheels...chock the wheels...

Do not trust the e-brake....you may be chasing the monster ...

 

[Varyag]

I put a little bolt on each of the air tank valves so it is easier to reach and drain. Saves a couple min when you are putting it away.

 

[4x4 Forever]

See if you can find someone in Steel Soliers or someone who has experience working them when they were in the service. See if you can get them to meet you and go over things before taking off.

I picked up my deuce from San Antonio and drove it back to Lake Charles, approx 360 miles. The ONLY reason I did this was because I had someone with me that KNOWS these beasts. Even with that being said, we got on I-35 in low range and did an impressive 35MPH in a 60MPH zone!!! I also thank Bryan70546 for all of the spares he loaned me as well!

Get as much info as possible, get someone to meet you and go over things, take your time, and if noises and vibrations start all of a sudden-PULL OVER!!
There are several members in Louisiana along IH-10 that would be more than happy to help if you are going that way.

BTW, when you fill up the beast you might find that she likes to burp and be difficult to fill to the top. Just pull the round fuel screen up and you can fill as fast as you want.

Good Luck!

 

[tm america]

i leave mine running when fueling up with deisel. i also installed a keyed switch that cuts out all power no lights no start no dead batteries but if im in a bad area i chain the wheel to

 

[Josh]

In oregon we arnt allowed to pump our own gas, Except at cardlock commerical fueling stations. They wont pump gas if the engine is running. If I know I'm going to the gas station or will have to stop for fuel soon. I will do my best to keep off the RPMs and try to lug her around at around 1500rpm or so, or cruise in overdrive at 35mphs for a few minutes to let the turbo cool down for shutdown.

 

[m16ty]

I will do my best to keep off the RPMs and try to lug her around at around 1500rpm or so, or cruise in overdrive at 35mphs for a few minutes to let the turbo cool down for shutdown.

Accually you're doing more harm this way. The EGT and engine get hotter lugging than they will at high RPMs. You are doing just the opposite of what you're wanting to accomplish. Install a pyro and you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[coyotegray]

I plan on an extra 15 min when I go anywhere, for public relations... I don't think have ever gone to the hardware store, feed store, gas station, etc without someone wanting to ask about the truck or ask about where/how I got it, etc....

Andy..

 

[roscoe]

I plan on an extra 15 min when I go anywhere, for public relations... I don't think have ever gone to the hardware store, feed store, gas station, etc without someone wanting to ask about the truck or ask about where/how I got it, etc....

Andy..

And sometimes they just look at you like you just arrived in a flying saucer. I stopped at a different bank branch a while back and the ladys working inside looked nervous when I walked in. I parked the m35 right in front. The black stocking cap and coat probably didn't help any. I try to stop at that branch more now as its much easier to get in and out of with a big truck.