"Rescued" M816 Wrecker

Hello 5-Ton Forum!

As the saying goes "Long time reader, first time poster" - or something of that flavor. I have a 1972 AM General M35A2 and I just picked up a 1972 AM General M816 Wrecker. In my opinion, think of a truck where the previous owner never did their PMCS (Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services), and you'll have my "new" truck. I call it "rescued" from neglect and mistreatment. The "rescued" is in quotes as I might be over my head, both in ability and financially... I have much reading and research to do as I figure out fix/replace the fuel, prime system, preheat, and many, many other parts so it actually starts/runs/drives. The crane is also non-operational (doesn't generate hydraulic pressure) as probably a very expensive part in the PTO shaft is broken - according to the previous owner, it's right below the crane, and something I'll likely have to pay to fix, if possible/reasonable. And to top it off, the cab leaks like a rowboat with a screen door for a bottom: windows front and sides, into the doors, and through the hard top where the operation strobe light is mounted.

She has Michelin XL 11.00R20's all the way around, and even a matching spare. Sweet tires with plenty of tread left. But remember the part that I said neglect and mistreatment? The tires were not exempt. They're all very cracked. I don't know about you, but I call all the exterior ones un-road worthy - especially the single front steering ones. I couldn't see the inside of the duals very well, but I did see some cracking, and I didn't crawl underneath to look at the inside of the duals.

You be the judge, let me know what you think (Don't mind the water, it was raining)


Passenger's Side Front:


Driver's Side Front:


Spare:


Driver's Side Center Axle:


Driver's Side Rear Axle:

Passenger's Side Rear Axle:


Passenger's Side Center Axle:



I was charging up each battery individually, but instead of 4 this truck only has two.


Slight bend to passenger side front bumper, but that's pretty small.


The cable here has been expertly wound for sure.

More detail shots.


Little things, going to need a latch for the driver's side below-cab tool box. The good news is that in the box I found the 2 original in-series battery cables with terminals (not pictured) for a 4-battery setup.

I'm calling it officially winter now, and I'm going to procrastinate most of the work to be done to the truck until February/March if winter abates enough by then. This is nothing of a snow like some of you've already gotten, but I prefer not to work on my hobbies in the ice and wet.

I threw my only spare tarp over the cab. Probably should have done it in the morning instead of evening to avoid the water that leaked in. This will probably still allow water to leak in from the windshields, but it'll keep most of the water out, off the seats and in the doors.


I think with the fuel system I'll start all the way at the source: draining and cleaning both fuel tanks. So even though it's down at least 120 gallons of the possible 133 gallons, maybe that's a blessing as far as draining/cleaning is concerned.

I wouldn't drive on those tires. Especially in something that heavy. That's just asking for disaster. I have a pto shaft style pump from an 800 series dump truck I'm not sure if they are the same though. The wrecker body looks the same as the 939 so it may be that style setup.

Welcome to the world of wreckers. When you own a wrecker, there is ALWAYS something that needs attention. Since it does not run, I wouldn't worry about the tires just yet.

A guy I work for once in a while won't even try to start a 250 till he replaces the fuel line from the wheel well filter to the IP. You might want to start there.

Very nice, But with a wrecker (heavy) I would run good tires on it.
I have a story about running a M936 with lower then 90psi in the tires and ruts in the road.

Run good tire and full psi!!!!

gimpyrobb said:

Welcome to the world of wreckers. When you own a wrecker, there is ALWAYS something that needs attention. Since it does not run, I wouldn't worry about the tires just yet.

A guy I work for once in a while won't even try to start a 250 till he replaces the fuel line from the wheel well filter to the IP. You might want to start there.

Click to expand...

Thanks Gimpy, I will do that.

Well, it is possible to get it to run, it was actually driven off the delivery trailer to where it sits now. But I wasn't able to get it started the next day. I'm obviously very new to it, but I'm pretty sure that fuel isn't supposed to gush from the primer pump lever.

Cab Interior photos.


And for some reason it appears that a slave port cable is cut on the interior.

Here's some up on the crane deck.

I think it might need a new operator's seat and back rest.


I found an antenna tie down (not pictured) just lying in the foot well of the crane operator's bucket. Obviously part of the removed (at time of DRMO I'm sure) radio equipment. As seen in the previous post there still is a tray below the passenger seat and the antenna mast is still bolted behind the cab with the coaxial cable dangling out of it.


Storage boxes - unfortunately they only came with dirt and a few loose miscellaneous bolts/nuts. In the out-of-focus picture you can tell the passenger's bin lid rubs on the hydraulic hose on the crane.

You are to a good start you do have a Vice and working level winder! They are great trucks to play with and useful too! Welcome to the club!

I would replace the front tires atleast, blowout on the front is bad! The rear duels should hold up for awhile.
Nice looking truck though!
Looks like the body's straight!

Suprman said:

I wouldn't drive on those tires. Especially in something that heavy. That's just asking for disaster. I have a pto shaft style pump from an 800 series dump truck I'm not sure if they are the same though. The wrecker body looks the same as the 939 so it may be that style setup.

Click to expand...

Thanks Suprman. I'm not sure about anything that's wrong with the crane. I will be focusing on reliable running condition first then I'll get back to you on the pto shaft items, but don't "hold onto" anything for me.

That truck has found a good (loving!) home. And now the "fun" starts. Take it one (do-able) job at a time. Onece you get started and stuck in to the tasks, and overcome each asignment, you will gain satisfaction and encouragement to proceed onwards. So good wishes for you in the eventual completed result. I sure wish I had that (type of) mounting plate and original vice on the front bumper of my M62. Wrecker. (It was fitted orriginally, was seen in the pictures of sale, BUT! removed before collection (at night and unoticed by me unfortunately at that time)) Some people can be real deviouse. but that's another tale.

dmetalmiki said:

That truck has found a good (loving!) home. And now the "fun" starts. Take it one (do-able) job at a time. Onece you get started and stuck in to the tasks, and overcome each asignment, you will gain satisfaction and encouragement to proceed onwards. So good wishes for you in the eventual completed result. I sure wish I had that (type of) mounting plate and original vice on the front bumper of my M62. Wrecker. (It was fitted orriginally, was seen in the pictures of sale, BUT! removed before collection (at night and unoticed by me unfortunately at that time)) Some people can be real deviouse. but that's another tale.

Click to expand...

I have noticed that the front vices seem to always bee missing or in-demand, sorry you had to deal with such dishonesty.

Thanks for the words of encouragement dmetalmiki, they really do help.

Here's some shots of the rear end. Notice the wiring to the spot light by the operator box is ripped and dangling, and the spot light itself is loose and flopping around.


And some mirror/glass work needed apparently.

And finally, the engine compartment. Boy, that is one HEAVY hood! Where is BBQROD, I need him to design a gas-shock hood lift for the M809 series like he did for the M35A2!

Wish this thing had a cab heater...

You have your work cut out for you there.

Congrats though. I would tackle one if I had the chance too.

If you can show me a picture of the "pump" that needs replacing on the boom I can probably get you a replacement from some wreckers they are going to scrap in the next few weeks. This is an opportunity to get it cheap since they are scrapping, not parting out. PM me if interested.