Still working out the bugs...

[Cal_Gary]

Last Saturday we took the M37 out to get dinner and to exercise it a bit. Rolling toward the restaurant was uneventful until the M suddenly died while moving toward a double left-turn lane. Once stopped I first checked the vented gas cap, releasing it with a "whoosh" sound, so I thought the vent was closed-it was not, so I left it loose and continued troubleshooting, all while the Saturday evening traffic continued buzzing by.

Next, I grabbed a flat-tip screwdriver to ensure I had fuel at the carb, since the engine would crank but not run. Checked out ok; plenty of fuel (remember I just fixed the gas gauge, too), and the electric pump was humming.

As I was tightening up the fuel line clamp I spotted the ballast resistor on the opposite inner fender panel with one of the spade terminal ends disconnected-apparently we rambled over enough bumps in the road to unplug it. Reconnecting it, I buttoned up the hood, hopped in, crossed my fingers, cranked the starter, and the M started right up. Woo, my heart started beating again too, and Veronica asked (after patiently waiting while I was troubleshooting) why such things happen when we're out and around in the M? I explained that we've got to drive all the bugs out in order to make it a reliable vehicle since it hasn't been on the road in so many years. That's also why we only use secondary roads-slower speeds and room to pull over.

We had a nice dinner, also picked up some furniture (since the M is the only pickup truck I now have), and made it home w/o further incident. Once home I secured the fuel cap, and instead of using pliers on the spade connectors, will add some shrink tubing over each terminal connection to lock them in place.

Glad it was a minor issue-thanks for letting me ramble,
Gary

[Tom P]

Nice job on the trouble shooting.
Those little issues will pop up now and again, the trick is to keep them
to a minimum, LOL
What's up with the fuel cap vent?
Glad the Mrs. is patent!!ha
Tom

[T. Highway]

Hi Gary,

That is a sick feeling when stuff like that happens. Glad to hear that you were able to figure it out quickly and continue on your way.

Bert

[ashyers]

"I explained that we've got to drive all the bugs out in order to make it a reliable vehicle since it hasn't been on the road in so many years. That's also why we only use secondary roads-slower speeds and room to pull over. "

That is a classic ^^^^^^! I had to read it to Hilde, who has participated in many efforts to "drive the bugs out". I am not sure she saw the humor...?????

[Cal_Gary]

Thanks guys,
Trips like this are why I still carry a full set of tools, jumper cables, tow chains, multimeter, etc. in the M because you never know what you'll need in order to resolve the gremlins.
Gary

[Tuko]

At least all you need is a sae wrench set and a couple screwdrivers!

[just me]

M stands for Maybe.

[k8icu]

Rule #3 of Military Vehicle Ownership

You will spend more time under the vehicle than in it.

Or if you like

You will spend more time turning the wrench than turning the wheels.

[Cal_Gary]

Yeah, and after 10 years it's a member of our family so you gotta love it
Gary

[HingsingM37]

Thanks for sharing that story Gary. I am glad to hear you found the issue and made it home without the use of a flatbed. If there is one thing I am quickly learning about these old trucks working on them daily now is that they can suddenly act up and misbehave like "Herbie" the Love Bug LOL

[Cal_Gary]

Nice of you to check in, David-we've missed you!
Gary

[F18hornetm]

Glad you found another dumb bug and got it fixed. I better do a lot of road testing/bug removal as our M37 is HERS!!!
She wont go on long rides though unless we're all together. Maybe run up to bank, store etc. So not really far from home if something happens.

[just me]

It feels like an expedition to go 15 miles in mine right now. So many little things to do. None a killer in itself, but whe they all add up...
But I am so grateful mine ran and drove (a bit) when I bought it. I just can't fathom doing a start from bits vehicle anymore. That was for when I was 30 years younger. (And bits were SO MUCH cheaper!)

[Cal_Gary]

I should add that I also always have the cell phone for the "last resort" call.... Thanks everyone for your responses!
Gary