Builds The Mule: My OM617 swap and other improvements (3 Viewers)

[DPV7070]

Fixed the video link...

 

[DPV7070]

I've really slowed down on the build lately, losing motivation along with overthinking the trans problems, etc...

So I decided to plasma out some metal. It's therapeutic for sure. I want to punch the PO in the face for hacking this thing up!!!

I've also been contemplating patching my fuel tank. There's a dime sized hole that needs to be patched. It hasn't had gas in it for almost 8 months and doesn't smell like gas. I've been venting it with a shop vac for a while and it smells like normal air.

Probably a stupid idea...

 

[47coeman]

Don't weld on it till you have it boiled out there have been people welding on tanks after years and they have exploded. Unfortunately death have occurred.

 

[DPV7070]

Oops

 

[DPV7070]

To be clear, I've taken an AVGFE class before...so this wasn't just a, "let's see where this goes."

 

[spotcruiser]

It would be interesting to see what the pickup looks like.

 

[DPV7070]

Isn't that the pickup? It runs to a small threaded bung. It's been out so long I can't remember which is which.

 

[spotcruiser]

I guess it is. That's the earlier, 18 gallon tank, isn't it? I don't really know about earlier tanks. I assumed the pickup would have some type of screen on it. It's a little hard to tell in the photo, but that is the deep part of the tank, isn't it?

Isn't that the pickup? It runs to a small threaded bung. It's been out so long I can't remember which is which.

 

[DPV7070]

I guess it is. That's the earlier, 18 gallon tank, isn't it? I don't really know about earlier tanks. I assumed the pickup would have some type of screen on it. It's a little hard to tell in the photo, but that is the deep part of the tank, isn't it?

Yep that's the deep part for sure, you're looking at the bottom.

 

[DPV7070]

Just an update, I had my back surgery yesterday and it seems to have been a success. I hope to get some "light duty" garage time in after a week or two of rest.

If anybody in San Diego wants to wrench, let me know..

 

[davegonz]

Congrats. Don't rush the recovery. The truck can wait.

 

[handcannon]

I know from personal experience how antsy and house bound you can feel after a while. It is not easy to set around and do nothing when you know how much needs done. Listen to the doctors advice. Back surgery is not to be taken lightly.

Don

 

[DPV7070]

Congrats. Don't rush the recovery. The truck can wait.

I know from personal experience how antsy and house bound you can feel after a while. It is not easy to set around and do nothing when you know how much needs done. Listen to the doctors advice. Back surgery is not to be taken lightly.

Don

Thanks gents. I'll be taking it easy. Maybe my joke about "if anyone wants to wrench" was lame...but I envisioned someone wrenching and me watching, haha.

 

[78fj40mg]

Just an update, I had my back surgery yesterday and it seems to have been a success. I hope to get some "light duty" garage time in after a week or two of rest.

I had one of those several years back, thank God for pain blockers. My best advice is to take it easy for a while, the truck will still be there when your back heals.

 

[DPV7070]

I promise to take it easy...

 

[RodrigzCrzr]

Wow! just read your whole thread on this swap. Pretty awesome and impressive. Love the sound of that diesel.
Great job! looking forward to seeing some updated post. once your back is ready that is.

 

[ColToyota]

This is a great thread. Congratulations on all the effort you've put posting the pictures and steps. I hope you get better soon of your back problem.

I'm in the process of doing a Mercedes Benz diesel swap myself. I'll be using a OM602 2.9 liter engine, non turbo, and this thread has been a great help for me. I want to ask you why did you use separated reinforcement plates instead of a single one for the chassis, and why did you punch those indentations on the plates? Greetings.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

I've really slowed down on the build lately, losing motivation along with overthinking the trans problems, etc...

So I decided to plasma out some metal. It's therapeutic for sure. I want to punch the PO in the face for hacking this thing up!!!

Just remember, it could always be worse:

I feel your pain!

 

[DPV7070]

This is a great thread. Congratulations on all the effort you've put posting the pictures and steps. I hope you get better soon of your back problem.

I'm in the process of doing a Mercedes Benz diesel swap myself. I'll be using a OM602 2.9 liter engine, non turbo, and this thread has been a great help for me. I want to ask you why did you use separated reinforcement plates instead of a single one for the chassis, and why did you punch those indentations on the plates? Greetings.

I used a single 3/8" plate butted up against the power steering frame plates, the plate on top was for extra strength and probably unnecessary. The cut outs are for rosette welds which help with the overall integrity of bonding the plates to the frame.

 

[DPV7070]

Just remember, it could always be worse:

View attachment 1003150

I feel your pain!

That contraption makes my eyes hurt!!! Does it work normally??