The gear box had a problem. The filler plug was just barely sitting over the
hole. The oil was water contaminated, and there was just a little rust on the
dipstick. I did not drive it in this condition except to load and unload from
the flatbed tow truck. I completely drained the gearbox, and replaced the oil
with SAE 30 engine oil. It seems to run and drive fine, and does not appear
to have suffered any damage. Some of the gearbox oil also spilled onto the
floor, possibly during the overseas trip. The cap may have been removed for a
customs inspection and not replaced. I plan to drain and replace the oil
again after driving a little more.
The radiator fluid appears new. The engine and starter carburator run very
smoothly, and shifting is very smooth. I put 10 gals of 92 octane gas and a
pint of Chem Tool gas treatment to clean the fuel system and to get rid of
any moisture. The hand throttle is stuck, or has been rendered inoperable. I
have not yet checked the bevel or angle boxes.
The brake resivoir was low. I filled it with standard brake fluid.
The hull was missing two inspection plates from the bottom. I fashioned
temporary replacements from some circuit board material I had laying around.
They look good, and should keep water out.
I also took my meter and checked the output from the inspection light socket
(24V), windshield wiper socket (24V), and off one battery (12V). I fashioned
a lighter plug power take off from the battery to run 12 volt lights and
radios.
Other than that it has been cleaning, oiling, touching up paint, etc. This is
becoming quite a father and son project with my little helper, which is an
unexpected benefit. I will let you know about the wheel boxes.
I have heard that the DRMO in Barstow, CA occasionally sells M113's to the
public. I hear that a private collector in Barstow has six M113's that he
runs in parades. I have seen APC's and tanks in the DRMO boneyard there, but
I don't know if they are for sale. I have also heard that Barstow Truck Parts
gets alot of the good stuff from there. On the flip side, I have also heard
that Uncle Sam will not sell armor to the public.
Byron