HUMVEE Driver wrote:Not really. I'd say the rear is 90% complete, but I still have to take apart the entire front cab. Aside from the three big hurdles ahead of me (moving the shifter, steering wheel, and brake and gas pedals) the truck may have some mechanical problems. I haven't REALLY investigated these problems yet; just looked around a bit. I'd appreciate any input about all of this:
1. Oil dripping/leaking onto one of the headers, causing smoke in the engine compartment after it warms up. I'm pretty sure it's a loose valve cover or a bad valve cover gasket. I bought some rubber gaskets and I'm going to try and fix that myself.
2. Power steering whines when I turn at slow speeds, especially when cold. I've checked the power steering fluid and it's ok. Ideally it just won't be a problem and I'll leave it as-is, though I hate it sounding like that. Worst case, I replace the power steering pump. (That's the problem, right? I think I can fix/replace the pump, but not sure if I can replace the gearbox.)
3. I get some kind of hissing sound from the brakes except when I apply the pedal. Not sure what that means, or what do about it. The brakes still work fine, but that can't be good though.
4. Some kind of fluid is leaking under the radiator. I know a transmission line runs up there, and of course the radiator is right there. I checked both fluids and they were ok. Again, I haven't really gotten in there and looked around. Just been too busy with the other stuff. Hopefully its just a loose hose or line.
Good thing I've been working a lot of overtime to pay for some of this stuff. I'm considering taking the truck to a mechanic I trust and just asking him about those four things and getting them fixed in one fell swoop.
Big thanks for all the support! I really appreciate it.
HUMVEE Driver
Ok, Dave. My thoughts on your problems.
1. Most likely just a valve cover gasket. easy fix.
2. Steering whine at low speed. Common to Ford. As long as steering assist still works, I'd leave it be. Make the exhaust stacks loud and probably no one else will notice either. I think that most spectators will be so blown away with just seeing the beast up close that no one will care about a little whining noise. Besides, the noise will fit in with the whole post-apocalypse, pieced together thing.
3. Sounds like a vacuum leak from the brake booster. You can eliminate the booster when you relocate the master cylinder. I seriously doubt you'll be driving it fast enough to need power brakes anyways. Just get a non-assist master cylinder.
4. What color is the fluid? If it's red it has to be tranny. It's common for Fords to leak at the fittings because they use a quick-disconnect fitting. Green color of course is coolant. It may be overflow or a hose. Again, not a major deal to remedy.
Overall the project is awesome. I think I speak for everyone when we can't hardly wait to see it completed.
You've done most of the hard work already. Relocating the steering and brakes will be relatively easy.
"There are over 550 million smallarms in worldwide circulation. That's one weapon for every 12 people on the planet. The only question is: How do we arm the other 11?"
"The Teutonic reputation for brutality is well founded. Their operas last for 3 or 4 days and they have no word for 'fluffy'."
I just finished them tonight.
