We're off!

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April 7th, 2009, 06:03 PM
randygar

We're off!

Well, the jeep is ready for a trip... the only unfixed issues are a marginal 3-lever switch (right now the headlights and brakelights are hardwired bypassing the switch), leaky t-case, and broken speedometer. Not like we'll be doing any speeding with the stock 230, anyway! We're leaving tonight or tomorrow morning, and won't have internet unless I end up camping near some place with unsecured wifi. :)

The M715 probably hasn't driven as far in the last 30 years as it will in the next 30 days... so we'll see what breaks!

--Randy
April 7th, 2009, 10:36 PM
white433

Hats off for trying.

Well, good luck! Make sure you have a spare water-pump.
April 7th, 2009, 10:42 PM
fisherman

Good luck, maybe a spare 230.
April 7th, 2009, 10:48 PM
k8icu

Good luck.
April 8th, 2009, 07:50 AM
airborne

Goes to show ya, People who own these trucks are NUTS! Enjoy.:D
April 8th, 2009, 10:18 AM
randyscycle

Good luck and have a safe and fun trip! Take lots of pics too.....
April 8th, 2009, 11:17 AM
Mikel

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisherman

maybe a spare 230.

:lol:
April 8th, 2009, 03:42 PM
Roy

Good luck....go prepared.
April 11th, 2009, 08:47 PM
Binford

Ya back yet?

Hello.....................?
April 12th, 2009, 02:22 AM
syzygy

Wanna place bets on which part broke that they're trying to find somewhere on the holiday weekend??
April 12th, 2009, 10:54 AM
randyscycle

Quote:

Originally Posted by syzygy

Wanna place bets on which part broke that they're trying to find somewhere on the holiday weekend??

I'm gonna go with: ignition coil......
April 12th, 2009, 11:13 AM
MarknessMonster

Quote:

Originally Posted by randygar

The M715 probably hasn't driven as far in the last 30 years as it will in the next 30 days... so we'll see what breaks!

I'm guessing that this thread will inevitably be one that is destined for the B.S. Board when "all is said and done". :rolleyes:
April 12th, 2009, 05:09 PM
Binford

It all depends on what sort of M715-related discussion develops upon Randy's return and subsequent trip report.

But Post #12 might push it over to B.S.

Or did you just post that to bump your count to 725?! :p
April 12th, 2009, 09:34 PM
Duane

I would love to get updates on the trip and see how everything is going, I'm an adventurer, but California to NJ and back seems like ALOT of work for an
M715 to do that isnt completely mechanically restored.

maybe we will get updates, and I would like to meet up with them when they get out to Jersey

Duane
April 13th, 2009, 07:28 AM
MarknessMonster

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binford

...Or did you just post that to bump your count to 725?! :p

I've given-up on the nostalgic post counts since 715 came and went. :(

Now, I may establish a goal of catching up to you! :burnout:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binford

...upon Randy's return and subsequent trip report.

Do you really think that we'll actually ever hear from him again, after such an idioti...ah...I mean...extreme adventure?
April 13th, 2009, 03:05 PM
randygar

Quote:

Originally Posted by syzygy

Wanna place bets on which part broke that they're trying to find somewhere on the holiday weekend??

Starter motor - see post in wanted section. :)

The trip is going great, or at least was until we stopped in texas - on easter sunday, someome stole some of our tools, and the starter grenaded when we went to start it - I don't know if it's just coincidence or a failed theft attempt, but I do know I inspected the starter before putting it in and it was perfect... anyway, we need a starter!

--Randy
April 13th, 2009, 03:28 PM
randygar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane

I would love to get updates on the trip and see how everything is going, I'm an adventurer, but California to NJ and back seems like ALOT of work for an
M715 to do that isnt completely mechanically restored.

maybe we will get updates, and I would like to meet up with them when they get out to Jersey

Duane

Other than someone in texas stealing some of our tools (~$500) and a probably related grenaded starter motor, the trip is going great - the stock 230 is working beautifully, other than 1-2 quarts of oil a day - purring like a kitten, even at 4K rpm (>70mph) down the interstates. We've been sleeping in the back most nights, including a night in Death Valley (just picked a random spot and parked - no reason for roads or campgrounds when you have a M715!) and a night on Wolf Creek Pass (~9000ft where we parked - woke up with 4" of snow on the jeep). The t-case leak has gotten worse from all the high-speed driving, 1/2 quart a day or so, but we've been keeping it topped up. Been taking lots of pictures, which I'll post when I have more time with 'net access.

I'll let you know when we're in NJ - so far we haven't seen a single other M715 this trip!

In Springfield, MO right now - about 2800 miles of driving so far - needless to say we're not going in a straight line, but taking in the sights. Need to find some jeep-requiring places to visit - any idea?

--Randy
April 13th, 2009, 04:05 PM
fisherman

Sorryto hear about the couple problems. If that is the only things along the way sounds pretty darn good. I think you may have beaten Kaiserjeeps for the longest roadtrip in a stock M truck. Good luck and have fun.
April 13th, 2009, 07:43 PM
Binford

They haven't beaten Kaiserjeeps for burning up a t'case apparently though! Watch that thing. It's the Archilles heel of the M715 drivetrain, at least as far as highway driving is concerned.

Have a safe trip! Thanks for checking in!
April 15th, 2009, 11:49 AM
randygar

Hrmm, we're really the only people to do a cross-country trip in one of these? If we make it back with no major mechanical failures, I'll need to print up a "I drove 10,000 miles in a M715 and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" shirt. :)

Switching to a 50% gear oil/50% lucas mix has reduced the t-case leaks to about 1/8-1/4 quart a day, less than half what it used to be (worst ws a full quart in one day) - the temps don't feel any higher (can just barely hold your hand on it, same as before), but will check again after a long stretch on the interstate (here, the $#@$@#ing turnpike - because we all know it costs $3.50/vehicle to maintain the road every 100 miles!). I figure as long as I keep it topped off, it's not going to destroy itself, and the oil is replaced before it has time to wear/burn out...

We're at around 3,000 miles now - the only driving we did the last couple days was fetching the new starter motor, to avoid needing to find a hill and hike from there every time we needed to stop... and the looks from gas station people when you leave it running while filling. Leaving for the next leg of the trip today or tomorrow, so will be without 'net again.

--Randy
April 15th, 2009, 02:00 PM
Duane

Thats great that you are doing this, I think if you back down 10mph you will probably be easier on the transfer case, I cant wait to see the pics, and hear from you on the next post.

god speed

Duane
April 15th, 2009, 04:14 PM
brute4c

How many remember the couple that toured the US doing cleanup of forests and such in their M715? They had crossed the country several times.
Member name was SharpContrast.

Not a stock drivetrain altogether but it did have an np200 in it...
April 15th, 2009, 05:00 PM
Doug

Heck, if it someone does it with a stock sprung M715, it should count...lol
April 15th, 2009, 08:56 PM
randygar

Stock springs, stock t-case, stock tranny (doesn't grind too much), stock engine, all original...

It doesn't, however, have the stock seats - we're not THAT nuts. :)

--Randy
April 19th, 2009, 01:52 PM
randygar

Made it to NJ - only mechanical issue since last posting is a slow leak from the fuel tank - it was patched by one of the previous owners and the patch failed - in Tom's River now.

--Randy