Another test drive...

[Cal_Gary]

Saturday offered the chance to take a leisurely drive to stretch the M again. It promptly died as soon as I backed it up out of its parking space, so after 15 minutes of adding the jerry can of gas, checking fuel flow and spark (all ok) it fired up again. I took it to a gas station that has a down-hill exit (my starter is dying) and put $40 in can and tank, then made a 15 mile round trip up to Fort Ord and back. The trip was nice and has plenty of power but I still get the jitters that it will die in the turn lane while waiting for the green light. It also showed me that it's time to replace the rear diff input seal, as it marked its territory after we got back home and I did my post-drive inspection. Guess I'll be parts-shopping at the Tower Park Spring meet next month....
Gary

[rixm37]

Hi Gary I know what you mean. It's kind of a what the heck is gonna' happen next feeling. Makes driving a little edgy!
I've been tryin' to eliminate that feeling. Trying to find all those gremlins and get em' ! It ain't easy!!!
I've had my truck off the road since Sept. 09 trying to kill em'. Whole new electrical system and eng and tranny. Just started to drive her again and after the first 20 mile run BOOM there went the almost new rear pinion seal NASTY GREMLIN !! Put in a new one and drove 30 mile round trip to my first display through stop and go city traffic towing my M101... and well them gremlins stayed away the whole time. YIPEE!!

[Carter]

The Germlins got mine Saturday while I was on a drive, the underside of the oil pan and the front axle were covered in engine oil when I returned. I don't believe it's the pan gasket or the timing chain cover and I suspect it's the crank's front seal. Going to run it at idle this afternoon, lay under it and try to see where the leak is coming from. I installed the seal 20+ years ago and it's been OK 'til now and was not a NOS one, the engine only has a little over 2000 miles on it so maybe it just dried out and went south? More later when I have something to report.

[MikeOneSix]

Saturday offered the chance to take a leisurely drive to stretch the M again. It promptly died as soon as I backed it up out of its parking space, so after 15 minutes of adding the jerry can of gas, checking fuel flow and spark (all ok) it fired up again. I took it to a gas station that has a down-hill exit (my starter is dying) and put $40 in can and tank, then made a 15 mile round trip up to Fort Ord and back. The trip was nice and has plenty of power but I still get the jitters that it will die in the turn lane while waiting for the green light.
Gary

My First M37 snapped an axle while slowing down for a red light, I heard a loud "bang" from underneith the Dodge. It was stop & go traffic as school had just let out so the road was quite busy. The engine was still running so I knew it wasn't the motor that blew, got out real quick (had pulled into the turning lane) and checked underneith the truck-everything still in place but the beast wouldn't move. Thank God for 4WD! I engaged the front axle and drove home the last couple of blocks! Once home, I was able to figure out what happened with the help of the manual and a friend and repair the truck.
Matt

[Cal_Gary]

Well at least I am not alone in this feeling-a little fear is a good thing-keeps us from doing something stupid like going too fast, or not paying attention. My wife was also present with her cell phone, just in case I couldn't keep it running. Funny thing, I am confident in all those things I've gone through and feel all are ok, but the unknown is a big question mark for me. With time and effort, I'll have to finish the unknowns-starter, water pump, rear diff seal, rear springs, reposition the oil pump, align the timing marks, and on and on and on....

Carter, I also have the front main to do-can it be done w/o pulling the radiator? It appears so, but I'd like input please.
Thanks to all for the encouragement,
Gary

[MSeriesRebuild]

Well at least I am not alone in this feeling-a little fear is a good thing-keeps us from doing something stupid like going too fast, or not paying attention. My wife was also present with her cell phone, just in case I couldn't keep it running. Funny thing, I am confident in all those things I've gone through and feel all are ok, but the unknown is a big question mark for me. With time and effort, I'll have to finish the unknowns-starter, water pump, rear diff seal, rear springs, reposition the oil pump, align the timing marks, and on and on and on....

Carter, I also have the front main to do-can it be done w/o pulling the radiator? It appears so, but I'd like input please.
Thanks to all for the encouragement,
Gary

Not quite so easy, the seal comes out from inside the timing chain cover, so the radiator, front engine mount, crank pulley and hub must go, all to be able to remove the cover to access the seal and gasket that goes in the cover ahead of the seal. This job will also call for a timing cover gasket kit. Don't forget to check that crank hub for grooving and rust pits on the seal mating area as that very possibly may be the real issue causing the leak. Good luck.

[Carter]

Charles, as usual, has provided the correct info. to correct the leaking front crank seal problem. Mine is leaking, I discovered yesterday, so the wrenching will begin today after I drain the cooling system. I also found the fuel pump gasket is weeping so while I am working I'll take care of that also. I've been trying to make some progress on the red truck but it seems that the other one is jealous and is demanding more attention.

[Cal_Gary]

Thanks for the wealth of information Charles and Carter! I'm so glad I asked before tackling this! If I have to go that far I might as well consider the rebuild down the road, and carry extra oil in the meantime.
Gary