Military Electrical Supplies

[Barrman]

There are several threads going on about wiring and wiring harnesses. Besides the usual "it is your truck, do what you want and can personally afford" discliaimer. I thought I would go over a few things.

3 lever switches are the heart of the stock wiring system. Besides the alternator, batteries and on/off switch. The light system is the stock wiring. You will need at least one spare. I went through 3 used ones until I got one that worked.

Here is the schematic I like to use when referring to any light issues and wiring.

http://www.m715zone.com/vb/pages/man...g/lighting.pdf


E-Bay is a good source for 3 lever switches. So is Saturn Surplus, Memphis and AB Linn.

One place I found that has all the switches, wiring harnesses, Pachard connectors, wires and turn signal stuff is Star Ordnance. Call Keven at 270-877-0813 and he will fix you up. He even has the water proof military 24 V Chevy V8 distributors for around $250.00.


I started a thread a few weeks ago about using a new M35A2 wiring harness on the M715. I am still going to persue that. They just have been jumping from around $50 to $150 in the last few hours of the auction lately.

[MarknessMonster]

Barrman mentioned the availability of a waterproof distributor for a Chevy V8 in the above post.

I am not an electrician by any means, and the difference between 12V and 24V to me means 1 v. 2 batteries. I like the 24V components in the M715 and would like to maintain them after a motor transplant.

With the above mentioned distributor, is it then possible to do a SB350 transplant and keep the lights, instruments, etc. stock? If so, I'd actually prefer to source a similar sized-to-stock motor transplant and disguise it as original (like an AMC258 with which I've had great success) in appearance if a 24V distributor was available.

A further discussion would be to do away with the stock look and go with a 24V diesel engine. What am I not considering with my limited knowledge on this 24V subject?

[Barrman]

24V alternator and starter for the transplanted engine. The alternator is easy. It could be the stock M715 one with a custom mount or a Delco 10 si or 12 si. Cost would drive me to make the stock one work with custom brackets. Most starter rebuild places could do the starter conversion. You could also buy a 24V starter.

Other than that, it is completely doable.

The M113 APC came with a Chevy 283 V8. That is where the military water proof distributors come from. The will fit any small block V8 along with all standard deck big blocks. But, they have no vacuum advance and still use points. Kind of a compramise on new and old.

A diesel engine doesn't care what voltage is around it. As long as the starter turns and the alternator charges, it is happy. A M35 in tank fuel pump might need to be fitted to the tank to act as a lift pump, but that is about all the difference.

[MarknessMonster]

That's very interesting information. Thanks for the reply Barrman.

When I get to that point, I'll research it a bit further. Currently, the 230 was smoking a bit when I pulled it from storage. It's likely from sitting for four months, but those observations always start the thinking process on future considerations with the power plant.

[green goat]

I had thought of making a sealed distibutor and feel confident in the attempt of just making a waterproof case around the existing one but if someone already has them great. I am not an electrician either so here's a question. Would the sealed dist. you were talking about work on a 93' 350 with the original TBI setup?

[Doug]

Just a note, I'd try to run a 12v starter on 24v before buying a high$$$ 24v unit.

That's simply because it has been done before with good results, and if you happen to have a 12v unit laying there, why not try it to save some money.