From: DDoyle9570@aol.com
Date: Fri Feb 06 2004 - 21:48:42 PST
The G-742 series trucks (Reo-type) are capable of fording depths of somewhere around 3 feet without preparation IF properly maintained. Fording kits are required for greater depths, and provide intake and exhaust extensions accordingly. To utilize these to the maximum requires breathing apparatus for the driver.
The G-749 (GMC) trucks have similar capabilities, and it is one of these trucks a lister earlier provided a link to vintage photo of successfully fording.
Note that in the news account with color photo Chris provided a link to the story indicated the driver could not restart the vehicle.
One possible reason for this would be the replacement of the original-type 6TL or 6TN batteries with standard commercial batteries. The vents on military batteries will not allow water in, whereas a civilian battery when submerged lets water in, and acid out, of the cells.
The fact that the truck stalled could have been due to improper maintenance. These vehicles have numerous vent lines from various components all routed to the air cleaner. leaving one of these lines off, or loose, would allow water to enter a direct path to the engine air intake.
Further, I seem to recall reading somewhere in my research about the hazards of thermal shock to the engine, particularly a compression ignition engine, when fording. Plunging the engine into cold water, as one would expect to find this time of year in a West Virginia stream, robs it of heat, reducing combustion effeciency. Heat of course is essential for the operation of a compression ignition engine. The story noted that the engine died after the operator reduced the throttle setting. Many of us have operated these engines on cold mornings, and know how slowly and weakly they run until operating temperature is reached, lending credence to this theory.
My two and one-half cents.
David Doyle
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