Looking for Tips

[David]

First time halftrack owner here. Just got an M2A1. Still needs a lot of work in the back half of the vehicle. Anyways, attempted to drive it to my storage unit about 14 Miles away and ran into a few issues. Ran strong for the first 5 Miles or so then died constantly and really wouldn’t ever let me get out of first gear. Floor board got extremely hot.  Hot enough that my bottle of water couldn’t be held bare handed for very long. Lots of back fire etc.

All that said, a wrecker got it to my storage unit. My current plans since I really don’t have a whole lot of an idea of what was done with it in the past. I will be rebuilding the carburetor, replacing fan belts, new/rebuilt fuel pump, new repro gas tanks, rebuilt water pump, thermostat, new plugs, oil change, grease moving parts.

Any other tips on areas to hit?

[steve-0]

one big issue I have seen many times that may relate to your halftrack is

the water jackets in the block fill up with junk and cause overheating

pull the head, oil pan, water pump
stand on top of the engine and using a pressure washer blow out all the water ports under the head.

[Robert Cassin]

How much was the tow bill? That is something I often worry about, A monster
 tow truck bill!

[David]

How much was the tow bill? That is something I often worry about, A monster
 tow truck bill!

$200. At least they backed it into the bay.

[beerman]

Welcome, to the world of halftracks. Please post some pictures and your location.We all like pictures
Thanks

[David]

Nothing spectacular. Wasn’t wanting a museum piece but something I could play with and shoot machine guns off of. Rear armor is reproduction. Original pulpit and ring. Have 2 repro fuel tanks and PS small ammo locker on the way. Looking for a DS ammo locker. Hopefully one day it’ll look somewhat correct.

[8683jb]

Very nice David!

[col.halftrack]

David,
 Welcome to tracks!
 Several things.
 Email me for a parts list kplockwood@cox.net
 Half-trac floor boards do get very warm/hot. If your exhaust is not original it may be routed too close to the floor. I repro the original and a ceramic heat wrap was original to shield this area. That said it does seem as though your trac may be vapor locking when hot. Could be a blockage in the fuel system though.
 I own (and it is for sale) M2-7392 and I will add your trac to the list I maintain on G503. What state are you from?
 All the best
 Kevin

[David]

In the great state of Texas.

Was thinking about doing some exhaust/header wrap etc. just to block some heat. DONT know if exhaust is original or repro.

[Outsider]

Check you timing and also check the distributor timing advance weights to make sure they are installed correctly. Either one will make the engine run very hot.

Steve

[bright87]

pull the head, oil pan, water pump
stand on top of the engine and using a pressure washer blow out all the water ports under the head.

Steve- Just wondering why you need to drop the pan for this?

[steve-0]

you may not need to but I did it once without pulling it and had water in the pan. then when I pulled the pan I found a bunch of sludge about 4" thick.
if you have tight piston rings and you plug the one passage that if I remember correctly is a vent for engine fumes you should be ok.

I just cover all the bases on the old engines I have started.

David has a very nice looking halftrack and I would guess the  previous owner took good care of the engine also so this may not relate to his halftrack..

I always start out with junker halftracks. 

[Hammerhead]

GREAT looking Halftrack David! 
Another thing to check is the Fuel.  It might be old, crappy fuel if it has sat in the fuel tanks for a while.
BTW, if you do need a replacement exhaust system Col Halftrack's was a great fit and a spot on reproduction.  I have it on my Track and an very pleased!