Quick questions on M35A2

unionpacific17 · May 21, 2013

Howdy,
I would like to start off with I am new to this forum, and am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

On to the questions. I am looking at getting a M35A2 multifuel, I just have a couple questions before I jump all the way in.

1- Are they reliable enough for a daily driver? My commute is about 30 miles a day, and I want to make sure I am getting to work five days a week.

2- How do you heat the engine and the fuel tank in the winter? I am looking at running almost 100% "free" fuels suck as WMO, MVO, transmission fluid, ext. and I don't want to not have my truck start up in the morning.

3- Is there any way to lower the noise in the cab? Personally I would also rather not have to wear hearing protection whenever I drive it, but if there is no way to prevent the noise that wouldn't really change my opinion.

Finally 4- How do you speed it up a bit? The road from my house to work is a 60 MPH road, and I don't want to be that guy that can't even do the speed limit. If there is any way that i can make it do 60 or 65 that would be amazing.

Thank you everyone who responds. If you guys also have any help for me on what to look for when buying one that would be even better. Thanks!

FireFighterHill · May 21, 2013

1. they are as reliable as you make them. you can replace every wearable component but they are still a 50+ year old truck in some cases. So if my job depended on it id find something else.
2. They have a flame heater that heats the intake, but it can be prone to leaking, you can also install a block heater and a coolant heater. For the fuel tank, id insulate it and use a stick on heating pad. You may also need to warm the batteries.
3. You can install a muffler and insulate the cab.
4. Bigger tires and new over drive gear. The problem is though you are driving a huge truck with single circuit drum brakes, so safety becomes a huge factor. Id leave the gearing alone, go alittle slower and just leave for work earlier.

steelandcanvas · May 21, 2013

FireFighterHill is right on the money with his answers. As far as using the truck as a daily driver, you might want to consider the fuel economy of a Deuce, or lack thereof. Also, I live out in the Plains, just South and East of you. If you can keep the truck garaged, a block heater and battery maintainer may be all you'll need through the Colorado Winters. Download one of the Operator TM's and do some homework before you buy. Welcome to the Site!

SETOYOTA · May 21, 2013

The truck is not suitable to most people and most occasions as a daily driver . Your mileage may vary. You also will eventually encounter problems running your "free" fuel.. If you stick with ndt tires you will run through them rather quickly.

hunderliggur · May 21, 2013

If you follow the TM and warm it up to 120 before heading out, and then cool it down when you arrive, all to save the turbo, you'll need to plan more time for your commute. 5 to 10 minutes on each end. With free fuel mileage is less important, but you still have to change the 5.5 GALLONS of oil. Of course you can filter it and burn it when you are done.

Warthog · May 21, 2013

One thing to think about. Speeding the truck up isn't the problem. Slowing it down is the issue.

m16ty · May 21, 2013

IMO driving a deuce as a DD will get old fast. They can get maintenance intensive if you drive them every day and have to depend on it to get to work.

The "free" fuel idea sounds great on the surface but running alternative fuels isn't as easy as pour in and go. To feed a deuce that you drive to work every day will require quite a bit of fuel. You'll spend a lot of your off time acquiring fuel, filtering fuel, and storing fuel. I guess you could just pour in and go but you better start buying filters by the case.

hunderliggur · May 22, 2013

m16ty said:
IMO driving a deuce as a DD will get old fast. They can get maintenance intensive if you drive them every day and have to depend on it to get to work.

The "free" fuel idea sounds great on the surface but running alternative fuels isn't as easy as pour in and go. To feed a deuce that you drive to work every day will require quite a bit of fuel. You'll spend a lot of your off time acquiring fuel, filtering fuel, and storing fuel. I guess you could just pour in and go but you better start buying filters by the case.

I agree, free fuel is not free. You really have to spend the time and set up a good bulk filtering system (off truck) and probably invest in the spin on fuel filter mod for the truck too. Sourcing free fuel is not easy. The regional fat processors are paying restaurants for their WVO. I have a friend in the marine business that is working on sourcing old gas from marine salvage and repair.

Kohburn · May 22, 2013

if you want a daily driver that can use the same free fuel as the deuce then look into an older mercedes turbo diesel like a 300D - I've got an 87 3L and it will run all the same blends as the deuce (except straight gasoline, which is emergency situation only) (if you get one, get a 2.5L they are much more common with more replacement parts available, recommend an early 90's)

JCKnife · May 22, 2013

I have had mine for 3 years and I am really not comfortable going over 45MPH with it, both because of the single-circuit brakes and also the many ventilated blocks we've seen from members here (some of whom didn't even push it to extremes). You've got to remember this engine, this truck, was never designed for speed. Also as stated above the NDT tires do seem to wear rather quickly.

91W350 · May 22, 2013

I drove mine as an only vehicle for a couple of years. I cruised the highways at 42 mph and 2000 rpm. It was a fun ride to drive and I did not mind the extra time driving. I wore ear plugs, mine was a D turbo (non-whistler)... I ran drained fuel from five ton scrap vehicles. Get used to the idea of thoroughly checking that truck daily because it will be high maintenance. There seems to always be something that needs worked on. Not that you have to buy parts every week, but there is always an adjustment or something that needs you attention. I was especially wary of the entire braking system, one wheel cylinder and you are a rolling threat to society with and emergency brake that is a single drum on the transfer case. Like the others mentioned, they are rough on tires. They constantly scrub the tires, they are short wheelbase for a 6x6 and the rear tandems do not unlock. Generally speaking, if it rains or snows outside, it will inside as well, dress for the weather. If you are set on running 60, pick a different vehicle.

clinto · May 22, 2013

All of you longtime members need to be helping new guys find the threads they need and directing them there verus just regurgitating the same info, over and over again. See what I did below.

unionpacific17 said:
Howdy,
I would like to start off with I am new to this forum, and am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Welcome to the site!

You'll find that we've answered 99.9% of all deuce related questions, so spending a few weeks and reading up on older threads and learning to use the search feature will get you off to a great start.

unionpacific17 said:
1- Are they reliable enough for a daily driver? My commute is about 30 miles a day, and I want to make sure I am getting to work five days a week.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?24469-Deuce-as-daily-driver

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?57896-Deuce-for-every-day-driver

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?76911-bought-a-deuce-possibly-a-daily-driver <tangential

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?51168-daily-driver

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...riously-considering-buying-a-deuce-am-I-crazy

unionpacific17 said:
2- How do you heat the engine and the fuel tank in the winter? I am looking at running almost 100% "free" fuels suck as WMO, MVO, transmission fluid, ext. and I don't want to not have my truck start up in the morning.

unionpacific17 said:
3- Is there any way to lower the noise in the cab? Personally I would also rather not have to wear hearing protection whenever I drive it, but if there is no way to prevent the noise that wouldn't really change my opinion.

Cab insulation:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?46452-Aircraft-Insulation-in-the-Deuce

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?87560-Mud-Guards-and-Step-1-on-Insulating-Cab

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?88782-Step-2-Insulating-the-Cab

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?86442-Deuce-Floor-Insulation

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?90617-Hard-top-interior-insulation

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?48097-Insulating-the-cab

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?28885-M35A2-Sound-Deadening-Project

Mufflers:

So many threads, I don't have time to post them all. Try this:

http://bit.ly/16OiEkj

unionpacific17 said:
Finally 4- How do you speed it up a bit? The road from my house to work is a 60 MPH road, and I don't want to be that guy that can't even do the speed limit. If there is any way that i can make it do 60 or 65 that would be amazing.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?3788-M35-Top-Speed-increase

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?43715-For-anyone-wanting-more-speed-for-your-deuce

Ultimately, this is what you want: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?106800-M-35-overdrive-kits&highlight=

More info: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?69245-M108-gets-overdrive-gear

unionpacific17 said:
Thank you everyone who responds. If you guys also have any help for me on what to look for when buying one that would be even better. Thanks!

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?57755-What-to-look-for-when-buying-Deuce

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?44493-What-to-look-for-when-buying-a-deuce

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...r-when-purchasing-a-fully-restored-1969-M35A2

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?18359-Buying-a-M35A2-quot-Deuce-quot

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?20787-What-to-look-for-when-buying

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?51499-buying-my-first-deuce

kawkev · May 22, 2013

Excellent advice from Clinto!! I also suggest learning to set up the forum posts that you can subscribe to under your "Settings" tab above. You can create folders for each subject and save threads in a manner that makes it easy to find them later. For example, I have a few folders I created such as Deuce Mods, Deuce Repair info, Parts Wanted, ect. Hopefully you get the idea. When a thread comes along with info you want, just subscribe to the thread and locate it in the appropriate folder for future reference.
Spent alot of time reading through all the old threads and you will find lots of great info and ideas. Also read through the TMs. If all else fails, ask. Just make the effort to find the info yourself first. Good luck and welcome!!

uriss · May 22, 2013

Wonderful Idea. But there are more than myself (I suspect) who has failing eyesight able to spend more than ten to twenty minutes a day reading. My problem is I have floaters. So if I can help another I shall. And thanks to all the great folks that helped me on my issues. Greatly appreciated!

Warthog · May 22, 2013

uriss said:
My problem is I have floaters.

Sorry but when I read this, I immediately went here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxiXGr9nFM

Adrian A · May 22, 2013

My truck is stock and i run wmo and it'll do 62 mph at 2600 rpm. Fuel filters are cheaper than a tank of diesel and not terrible to install. The heater is ok for winter in california. Hearing protection is recommended at higher speeds for sure. My truck handles nicely, and stops well with maintained brakes. I like to tinker so the maintenance is good therapy for me.

welldigger · May 23, 2013

Adrian A said:
My truck is stock and i run wmo and it'll do 62 mph at 2600 rpm. Fuel filters are cheaper than a tank of diesel and not terrible to install. The heater is ok for winter in california. Hearing protection is recommended at higher speeds for sure. My truck handles nicely, and stops well with maintained brakes. I like to tinker so the maintenance is good therapy for me.

Injector pumps and hydraulic heads are not cheaper than a tank of diesel. The stock fuel filters are at best 12 micron and the spin on conversion kits are at best 10 micron. This is NOT good enough to just dump dirty fuel in the tank and go. The trouble with alternative fuels is the time it takes to gather them and properly prepare them. The equipment to process dirty fuel in a timely manner can get expensive also.

Adrian A · May 23, 2013

I keep the wmo reduced with about 20% gasoline. I pefilter fresh oil that is recovered from oil changes.

91W350 · May 23, 2013

Maybe you will be the lucky one with the magic engine that takes on the governor running repeatedly. The are a lot of threads here about the slotted Multi fuel blocks. The slot being where the rod exited. I really do not think they were designed to run flat out for an extended period. At least their history does not reflect that.

welldigger · May 23, 2013

91W350 said:
Maybe you will be the lucky one with the magic engine that takes on the governor running repeatedly. The are a lot of threads here about the slotted Multi fuel blocks. The slot being where the rod exited. I really do not think they were designed to run flat out for an extended period. At least their history does not reflect that.

To be honest I don't believe this is the case. We don't know what has happened or been done to these trucks prior to us owning them. Now I'm not saying its a great idea to run an engine at red line all of the time but they govern these engines for a reason. Most of our trucks engines have probably been rebuilt at least once. However, we don't know how good of a mechanic rebuilt the engine and which parts they reused.

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