Army flashback time for the CAR WIZARD! He spent years repairing these M998 Humvees

[@Diego.h.308]

Had no idea Wizard was in the military; really explains his patience in dealing with Hoovie

[@mightymikethebear]

That patience was developed through the pain and suffering of dealing with personnel of all ranks doing stupid things to the equipment - much like Hoovie.

[@scott7594]

At least Hoovie pays Car Wizard. In the Army Hoovie is a brand new LT who just blew up the motor driving the LTC around.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Ha. when you are used to power mad generals..

[@Carado5150]

You must not watch many videos.

[@hasanaydin22]

İ remember wizard showd a picture of him working on an Abrams tank engine

[@rogerstroklund6809]

"I've seen these things get up to about sixty miles per hour." Oh, so you were airborne. Thank you for your service.

[@Traviijoy]

Down hill maybe with the wind going with you.

[@mentals555]

Ours could go 60 easily with the trailer. Of course we were limited by the one in the convoy that wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear

[@joemorris2357]

Speaking of Airborne, did you see the video of three of these falling to their death from a C-130 when a rigger sabotaged the chutes?

[@craig2809]

I have had my 997 Ambulance speedo back around to zero again. Downhill, at night, on the way back from Sicily Drop Zone with 10 head injuries in the back 🤪

[@toasted_link]

@@mentals555 so is that just a normal thing for humvees? Iv'e heard about it a couple times, actually @grindhardplumingco did a video on humvees and they had that problem

[@175dell]

An interesting fact if you've never ridden in a Hummer, they were specifically designed to be as uncomfortable as humanly possible to all occupants. Also fuel economy is in Feet per gallon.

[@samsung-ok4ki]

Its like riding in a Cadillac compared to the M151 😁

[@peteranderson037]

It's a vehicle that teaches you how to embrace the suck.

[@Czechbound]

I thought mileage was in gallons per feet 🙂

[@titan133760]

Not surprising since comfort usually comes second in military vehicles

[@anthonyshaw9383]

Abrams just kill the guys in them slower than they do the enemy. I was a test inspector at the factory and would spend days on end getting the shit knocked out of me. It really made me appreciate the guys who volunteer to take them to battle.

[@billcollins7009]

The HMMWV was my dad's baby. He was tasked with writing the specs, and then was the liaison working directly with AM General to come up with the finished product. A lot of what he learned first hand as an enlisted soldier in the Korean and Vietnam Wars went into that into that vehicle. I really enjoyed your respectful, personal, and positive perspective on the HMMWV. Thank you!

[@billwynne27]

“HOOAH, AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY.” YOUR DAD IS MY BROTHER IN ARMS.

[@jameskerrigan2997]

Now we know who to blame.

[@confuseatronica]

positive respectful and personal gets in the way of informative- every time

[@MrTheHillfolk]

​​@@jameskerrigan2997 Back in the day I was shocked to find out that they used a 6.5gm diesel, I'd be horrified relying on that 💩 while getting pewpew'ed at.

[@nicholasespinoza9610]

A replacement for the Jeep and Chevy pick up trucks, never meant to be a armored personal carrier.

[@gravewalkerz7787]

The 4 red marker lights on the back also helps you keep your spacing. If you can see all 4 lights your too close. If it looks like 1 light your to far away. If you see two red lights your at the right distance.

[@PatrickPease]

Never knew that, too late now I guess

[@blackrifle6736]

@@PatrickPease *That gave me a chuckle. Well, you're here now so that turned out OK. Cheers!*

[@tamarindocoral]

You're

[@EdBrumley]

It works the same way on a KC-135 in flight refueling jet. For night refueling, there is a giant reflector mounted to the belly of the KC-135. It has a spectrum of colors indicating to the pilots flying the jet being refueled whether they are high or low.

[@fcscouto]

@@EdBrumley slight correction, its not a giant reflector, its 2 sets of lights

[@12b_combat_gamer]

As a fellow vet. Thank you for your service brother. Thank you for your choice to serve. I loved my time in the army and miss it every day. Thanks for helping me with some good memories from my days.

[@sapperveteran245]

Fun, fun, my brother.

[@davisjames8484]

Best and worst days of my life. Was in for about 8 years. Overseas for almost 3 years.

[@wes11bravo]

My nephew pretty much joined the Army because of me and he's 12B like you guys - 21 yrs old, got his E5, just graduated E-EOCA top of his class. He's way more driven and ambitious than his 11B uncle ever was!

[@georgehill99]

I have always wanted one.

[@mentals555]

The army is incredibly corrupt and full of self-serving idiots and rapists. Worst organization in the country. If you drink the kool-aid you must have been an ASVAB waiver

[@robertdelorge8512]

Those tires are proudly made in Topeka, Kansas at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant. I've been working for Goodyear since getting out of the Army at Fort Riley, Kansas back in 1994. We make a ton of those Wranglers for the Hummer.

[@jordancapps9521]

Wiiizard's story was a good example of a good officer. Making sure that something critical did not fall through the cracks, and lead to serious combat problems.

[@SVSky]

Considering how bad the Russians have fallen down on maintenance I'm glad for officers like him in the American military even though they are a PITA!

[@waffleninja1000]

The general probably had those not work during a training exercise decades ago and knew to make sure ever since. That's why he's the general.

[@aidanpysher2764]

I was thinking the same exact thing. I'm a former ejection seat mechanic for F-22s, T-38s, F-16s and F-35s. We've had an entire fighter wing grounded for one small thread in a few parachutes that the AFE section messed up on, leading to every parachute needing removed and replaced on over 50 F-22s. We were on 12s for over 2 weeks for that. I also just missed the F-35 Martin-Baker ejection seat debacle by a few weeks, as I started my terminal leave leading upto my swearing in for the ANG a week before the 35s were grounded. I relate to Car Wizard quite a bit here, minus the *automotive* mechanic side.

[@RonRattie]

I would doubt he was an officer. Officers don't work on vehicles of any sort. He would have been enlisted, PVT, PFC, SPC or SGT..

[@blackrifle6736]

@@RonRattie *Wizard's general might have come up as a Maverick and remembered what greasy hands feel like. They do exist and many do make the best officers. Cheers!*

[@man_on_wheelz]

Honestly glad to know that a good, honest, hardworking mechanic like The Wizard have had his hands in keeping our soldiers in motion and out of harms way while they were on tour. It's a bigger job than you'd think and I thank you for your service, sir!

[@codypk5111]

He was enlisted

[@DonnieDarko727]

While they murder for the State. Yea, so proud.

[@gregdiamond6023]

He also did Kansas National Guàrd for a whilè.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@codypk5111 Wasn't everybody enlisted after about the mid 1970's? Not having a mil background maybe I don't know what enlisted means...

[@enrique3743]

@@InsideOfMyOwnMind being enlisted means you aren’t an officer

[@braxtonnelson5375]

Can't be too many auto repair shops that have someone so totally qualified to work on an M998! Interesting tour-- I learned a few things for sure!

[@robedwards9486]

You would be surprised. I was a generator mechanic officaly in a unit with no generators. That should tell you everything about the government.

[@braxtonnelson5375]

@@robedwards9486 Lol... my Dad told a few stories of his time in the army stationed in Anchorage, AK. They used to have to dig holes in the frozen ground. He got an early medical discharge when the pickaxe he was using glanced off a frozen log and went through the top of his foot!

[@goofyviewer1855]

​@@robedwards948691d?

[@phillipbainbridge9107]

There's not much to them, really. The M998/M1097 are incredibly cheap and easy to maintain. Of course, I used to work on them daily.

[@fcscouto]

I agree with what you're saying, but I will say, there were a TON of mechanics in the military that worked on the M998, i'd imagine most of them, once out of the military, stayed in the auto mechanic work field.

[@williamlowe6703]

I remember when we got our hummers in. OMS gave us our quick overview of it and a quick drivers test, Left in a convoy to training area and i was lead one and pulled over the whole string of vehicals cause i thought i blew a motor in that brand new hummer. The maintance folks forgot to tell us that the cooling fan sounds like a jet blasting off. LoL

[@MrGGPRI]

Back in 1986 I was pulling a trailer up a long grade with my 6.2L diesel Chev van when the thermo fan came on for the first time; I about s--- in my pants and also thought the engine had blown... The loudest fan ever.

[@evanspage5]

Honestly, that is the most complete and cleanest HMMWV I have ever seen!!

[@pm_davidjones]

63B! One of the things I miss about working on these vs. civilian vehicles are the tiny numbered metal tags crimped on the wires. Most people will have no idea what I am talking about. There are little metal tags crimped around the wires with numbers stamped into them. Each wire has a number assignment for what it is for, which you can then look up in the manual. It works the other way around as well. If you need to find a particular wire on the vehicle, look for the number in the mass of wires. All of the wires are black, so there is no following the green or blue wire kind of thing. Another fun note - a lot of the parts are the same across a wide variety of vehicles. Alternator on your Humvee shot? Grab one off that busted 5-ton.

[@overload3996]

@pm_davidjones , I was 63C, before they changed me to a 63B. Double Duce. I know the tags well .

[@chinhphan4787]

Depends, the size of the generator is specific to needs. More electrical equipment the bigger the generator.

[@storageaddict]

Was a HMMV998 and 5-Ton Mech in the Marines. Only used BO lights (cat eyes) with NVG's (night vision goggles) which made the BO's look like basketball sized headlights. Seeing that they changed the starting switch with an ignition, it would be interesting to see if they replaced the PCB (primary control box) on the driver-side kick panel under the dash) with an updated fuse box. If I were to ever buy one of these as a toy, I'd certainly make sure you purchased an extra PCB for a backup. We used to do full engine and trans swaps within 3hrs. It was always fun to run the trucks through the dunk tanks with the snorkel kit on the exhaust. You could drive with water up to your chin and keep-on trucking.. Great video as usual Wizard!

[@lrharner]

yep those trucks would drown you before they could drown themselves

[@27zacmaklea35]

Legend has it: The Car Wizard can sneeze with his eyes open.

[@EazyDuz18]

ok?

[@welshrarebit9238]

Legend has it I can laugh at your immaturity

[@hayden7198]

@@EazyDuz18 don't be jealous

[@miriton1133]

@@hayden7198 he’s jealous

[@akabruno1]

Once, he was known to have fixed a vehicle just by thinking about it.

[@rogerstroklund6809]

I worked at Sears Auto for about six months after I left the Seabees. We had an H1 come in and the two senior techs couldn't figure out why the starter wasn't coming off after they pulled the starter bolts. I asked if they needed help, and one of them asked why I was asking, while he was lifting himself into the air off of the starter, and I had to tell him, "Because you're holding up your body weight on a 3/8" nut in the engine mount." I had to spend the rest of the day showing them how to complete the work order.

[@kingnull2697]

Lucky them to have you around.

[@Jefff72]

Thank you for service buddy! I was a mechanic on F-15s in the Air Force.

[@fordf-2505]

Hey thank you for your service, too.

[@joshuagibson2520]

What do you do these days?

[@Jefff72]

@@joshuagibson2520 I am long out of the service but I am an Army civilian in Germany.

[@JoeyP322]

I was at Bitburg AFB, W Germany when the first F-15’s came into Europe back in ‘77… thanks for keeping those Eagles in the air…

[@12yearssober]

@@Jefff72 What does army civilian mean?

[@jeffho1727]

Canada Mech here. We used so much USA kit, including the CARC paint. When the boys were being put into Kosovo, there was some worry about RPG`s effect on the tank trainers that had been promised never to be put into combat ( AVGP, kinda like the Cadillac Gage Amoured cars) . Well we had to grind and weld mounting points for the uparmour kits 12 hour days, day and night shift for a month. Safety goggles and 3m paper masks, we looked like reverse racoons. Fast forward about 10 years, I get jacked up for grinding the seized mounting nut off a mirror bracket as that now needs full self contained PPE and a negative pressure paint booth and that , with CARC , it has always been that way.. LOL, gotta love the Army!!

[@kevinbucy7818]

I deployed once as a CW2 (Fire Support), XO of a US Army Security Force Company, I was stuck on base for months while our mechanics were out in the AO. To pass the time I changed the heads and intake on an M998 in our maintenance shop. I had no training for this job, and it took me awhile, but reading the tech manuals I got it all done, and the truck ran fine.

[@kitmarshall4084]

This story makes no sense, how are you a warrant officer and a XO? Lol, our motor pool were never outside the wire, they’re too busy fixing things in the motor pool, our XO would have a field day when no one around fixing the vehicle

[@Chinunit22]

Warrant officers never hang out in motor pool even if they are bored.

[@Make-Asylums-Great-Again]

Suspect

[@blackrifle6736]

*Very suspect story. Unless everyone else is dead or wounded, WO's are never in line-of-command. Had lots of WO honchos over the years. All were Title 18 read-in and uniformly superb in their respective assignments. But down deep and because that's where many began their careers, all were Techs at heart. Not a goddamn one would even consider being commissioned. Cheers!*

[@blackrifle6736]

@@Chinunit22 *With all due respect, please preface that with "In my experience" or "most" or "many". Never say never. Cheers!*

[@gerrygerrie7404]

Mr. Wizard, when I was a young MP riding in the back, one of my tasks was to " feel the can" the light bulb taped up inside the can on the end or our whip antenna that our mechanic rigged to the blackout light. It would heat the can and emit a heat signature so the apache's and other attack aircraft would ID us as friendlies. The light was totally taped up in the can, so no light could get out, but it was a distinctive heat signature that kept us safe from friendly fire. Def wanted to make sure the bulb did not burn out

[@joshuagibson2520]

Can't thank you enough for the lift footage. I've seen all kinds of humvee videos but never have I gotten to see the chassis / underneath.

[@C.dieslevonankwek7]

That's true, I never knew the brakes were set up like that or that they had geared hubs

[@SHlTHEADJOE]

We used to have creeper races from one side of the motor pool to the other, pushing off the humvees as we flew under them. Fun fun times...

[@Dwigt_Rortugal]

The brakes are fascinating. I never knew they're set up that way. It also makes sense in a combat context to put the engine right in the center, not to mention having a balanced center of gravity. The latter makes sense if you're dropping one of these under a parachute. But basically everyone sits around the engine with no insulation, which must be the experience of a lifetime. Lol the dude poured gear oil into the engine. He must not have had a sense of smell.

[@robertmoore2049]

I’d like to see a photo of Car Wizard in his Army days! That’d be awesome!

[@johngaither3830]

I bet the photo would only be about half the size of a today photo.

[@nickraschke4737]

Same here.

[@brianmorisset4489]

Before I retired from the Army, I was licensed to drive the hummer with trailer and snowplow. When I was at Ft Sill, I had to pick one up fr9m the 3 shop, it had a busted half shaft, I opened the hood to check it out and found a 1 inch combination and 12 inch crescent wrench on the radiator.

[@anaxis]

It was a good place for them! Fun times.

[@TheTarrMan]

Your Ergo Chair advertisement was one of the best advertisements have ever seen. Short, straightforward, minimalized jibber jabber, only one straightforward message, SOMETHING ACTUALLY USEFUL!!! THANK YOU FOR THAT!!!

[@paulhoskins7852]

Thank you for your service, Car Wizard! And thank you to all the other soldiers and first responders out there!

[@sgttombailes3380]

I love a Humvee. However, when I was in the Military, I was 6'3" 225 lbs. w/ a 85 pound ruck sack. It was the most uncomfortable vehicle in the Military Fleet. Hard as hell to get in and out of with your gear. Especially when in a tremendous HURRY !! It was TIGHT QUARTERS !! Miserable ! However again, we managed to complete our missions. And, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in this world! I loved serving SO MUCH as my Dad and Uncles and Great Uncles were all Military for many years !! HooAh ? BTW, I married a Marine COLS Daughter.. 38 years now, we've been Tom & Jerri.. And it has been a loving and fun Tom & Jerri cartoon in real life ! I'm So Blessed ! Outstanding Video !! Thanks Bro for sharing..

[@christophersparkhall]

This was a fascinating insight into military vehicles- so much really interesting stuff.

[@danielkapp9468]

That sounds like a smart General. He was looking at something that is both critical, likely getting used and abused on a daily basis, and super basic function wise, and most importantly, easy as hell to overlook.

[@luvslogistics1725]

When I was an observer controller I had my own humvee that I drove all day and night during 14 rotations at a combat training center. I put a lot of miles in the older 998; also drove the heavier 1165s and other variants. They’re VERY capable off-road, trust me, I put it through its paces in muddy Hohenfels, Germany. Acceleration is slow at first,‘ its very torquey, naturally and handles pretty good. Brakes aren’t great, slid a few times toward a stopped tank and thought this was it. If you’ve driven with NODS on in low-illum in the forest then you know it’s nearly impossible to see over your shoulder. So, I hit a tree backing up with night vision goggles and thought I destroyed the truck, and it didn’t have a scratch or dent. They’re very sturdy.

[@adamsears1403]

1 hard lesson I learned as a 1SG (First Sergeant's) Driver. When water fording even a small creek, don't go full throttle. You will rip off every blade of that Plastic motor fan. We both learned something new that day. He didn't even get mad at me for that. Just a "Huh, that sucks. Get it fixed Trooper."

[@Wakaflakawsome]

Wizard forgot to show us the pull to start capabilities

[@clover7359]

Some things to add with the Black Out lights, in my unit we were always given Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) that made it 10x easier to see the black out lights. They also make the night sky really incredible to look at it, but that's off topic. Also, you see how there are 4 lights? If you are following the truck in front of you and you can see all 4 lights, you know you're too close. If you can see just one light source, you are two far away. We're trained to make only 2 light sources visible per side of the vehicle to keep an appropriate distance.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Correct and you beat me to it. Cheers!*

[@xpsgamer87]

Love hearing your stories from serving in the army. Honestly I would like to hear more in future videos that would be cool!

[@jeffgriffith7003]

I second that! Love hearing military stories.

[@ChristSavesUs]

Man it sounds so good. Diesel engines have the best "truck" sound.

[@chrisshetler1719]

always remember the answer when i asked about the alternator to my SGT as to why it was so big, 'have to have all that power to run the radios' of course now, and before the hummer was replaced, it also was to run all the computers and the electric remote gun turret that would be mounded on the roof of the ones with the solid roof.

[@agentp6621]

There’s an open source library of TMs: Technical Manuals on how to operate (-10) and maintain these things. My only concern is sourcing parts. It’s why I’m going the CUCV route. Same engine but entirely “off-the-shelf” parts.

[@anaxis]

Our motorpool CUCV contact truck was my bitch when I was in, and I absolutely hated the 998. They were mealymouthed gutless wonders, and an absolute nightmare to service. The original naturally aspirated 6.2L is probably the worst diesel I've ever used & worked on; seals always leaked, various modules failed, electrical circuits cooked, even on newer vehicles less than 5yrs old. Not until the 1113 did they use a better engine (although still terrible) & fix some inherent issues, but by then the things weighed as much or more than a 113 lol. Good times.

[@christopherrosas2738]

ah memories from my Marine days..... I will say Ms. Wiz forgot to mention the doghouse on the interior..... that made working on these vehicles hella easy.... you can work on them from the top, bottom or even inside the vehicle...... but I love how she mentioned it has no park gear...... always had guys saying their truck wouldn't start..... come to find out they slammed it all the way up into reverse..... but what's even funnier is the people who didn't know about the 4x4 on these things..... I could keep people from taking my trucks just by throwing that transfer case into neutral....... good thing I knew about that 4x4 as well because it cokes in handy when you gotta climb a decent hill but you're heavy..... lock her in 4L and have some fun..... screaming up q hill is more fun than creeping, plus that helps you coming down so you don't cook the brakes..... everything I needed to know about 4 wheeling I learned in q humvee

[@Bloodbain88]

Reminds me of a guy I know who had a truck with a 12 valve Cummins with the P7100 pump. It had a pull cable for the fuel to stop the engine running, rather than a fuel shutoff solenoid. The cable went to a knob on the dash. He got a label maker and marked the knob "CHOKE". Anyone who tried to use the truck could never get it started because they would pull the "choke" cable, obviously making it so the injectors wouldn't fire. Edit: I do fleet maintenance on heavy duty trucks. None of them (if equiped with autos of course) have parking gears. And I've lost count the number of times guys would say "my truck won't start, the starter went out". And I just walk out there and, yep, it's in reverse. I saw a few starters ruined on very heavy manual transmission trucks because the driver would try to start it in gear. Most don't have clutch safety switches.

[@antoniovillanueva308]

If I had an obscure or expensive car that needed repair. I would take it to the car wizard. I stand utterly amazed at his skill and knowledge. Total fanboy.

[@antoniovillanueva308]

ME? I can fix it with a zip-tie. I might need a bigger zip-tie. Really, a 20 foot long, 3 inch wide zip-tie is something that I would buy. Cracked foundation on the house? I can fix that.

[@Flintlock1972]

A couple other cool things about the M998. Bleeding the brakes is a piece of cake. Lift the front end up, support the vehicle on Jack stands and start it up and turn to the right stop and hold. Turn to the left stop and hold and then back to the right and you are done. Unless there is a leak somewhere. The valve up by the fan clutch relay links the fan clutch, the power steering, and the brakes together. Holding over relief at the stops bleeds the hydraulic system of air. Another one is the fan control relay, engine is over heating disconnect the relay and the fan is constantly engaged, limp hone mode. Break a CV shaft, pull out a 15mm wrench and remove the 6 cap screws from the differential. Allen wrench to remove the plug on the geared hub and remove the 3/8ths bolt that holds the CV shaft in. Damage the rear end remove the the cv shafts, place the transfer case in 4 low and now you have a front wheel drive hummer. So much you can do to recover yourself if you understand how things work.

[@randerson4124]

Hummer I had in Korea was a dogged out POS that had been crashed at least once. It burned oil, and the high pressure metal cooling lines for the transmission next to the radiator had been replaced with hoses and the clamps holding the hoses would not hold them on all the time, so I regularly would dump transmission fluid. Before we would go to the field I had to make sure I had a bunch of 1 QT bottles of FRH and a 5 GALLON can of oil. Had the alternator die in the field, the starter broke off it's mounting bolts many times, and all of the oil leaked out of the right rear spindle and destroyed the gears inside and the wheel fell off while going down the road. The final insult before the end of my year was that my unit never put me in for my drivers badge.

[@cliffham8111]

Oooh aaah!

[@ZboeC5]

Sounds like half the Hummers in the Army to be fair. Motorpool was the most despised place that I knew of when I was in. We all hated every Monday morning going there to deal with our busted equipment that we would fill out endless work orders to have fixed only to come back week after week and find nothing done. Somehow there were always vehicles in the shop but it always felt like nothing got done. It was terrible and when you needed something the motorpool guys didn't try to help. All their insane rules helped nobody and made sure nothing meaningful got done.

[@zxggwrt]

@@ZboeC5 That sounds like MASH and Catch 22 IRL

[@ZboeC5]

@@zxggwrt Military culture is maddening. A lot of things are done because of "institutional inertia" and not because it actually makes any damn sense. If you speak out or just ask "why" (not in a questioning orders kind of way, just in a general why does this need a mountain of paperwork done so I can have my Humvee fixed by the people that are supposed to be fixing it anyway kind of way) then you get in trouble. Actively trying to make jobs or processes more efficient is also frowned upon. Leadership is pure luck of the draw, sometimes you have it good and sometimes you have it bad. When it's bad it can (and probably will be) be soul crushing. But you "drive on" and hope it all gets better next time.

[@blackrifle6736]

@@zxggwrt *Yep. You nailed it. But no dead man in Yossarian's tent. Cheers!*

[@stacyadiaz]

Brings back memories for me as well. I was a 63T at Carson, Polk and in Germany. Made the transition from the M151s to the M998s when I first got in and most of us missed the simplicity of the M151s. Civilians think the 998 is cool, but most of us that spent time in one know how horribly uncomfortable they are.

[@MikeLaRock88]

I was a 63B in the Army and just looking at this thing brings back memories. I was a wrecker operator too, so you know we dealt with the worst situations these vehicles had. Great times though, got me wishing I was young again haha

[@KurtLeroy-mx1xi]

I worked on about a couple thousand of those in the military and as a contractor for LSI in Fort Lewis Washington and in Afghanistan

[@leechburglights]

Man the wizard is taking me back to the days in the motor pool. I was a 92Y Unit Supply Specialist, but our unit was a BSB and we had a huge motor pool to support the Battalion. When I was caught up with my duties in supply, I'd give the motor pool a hand with working out their PMs on the vehicles. I drove the Hummer, 5 tons, and Deuce and a halfs'. I didn't get to work on them, it was not my pay grade, but I would have enjoyed it.

[@rjechols2059]

Fun fact-I worked on a military base in Kansas last year, these 6.2 diesels cost the military 20k shipped… yes. 20,000. for a gutless remanufactured piece of junk.

[@detroitdiesel-vu3ig]

You're buying new old stock at that point. The military only installs 6.5s now

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Horrifying that our military relied on that piece of 💩 to actually run and get you out of a situation.

[@mikesuperglide]

I think the purpose of the general's inspection was to press home "attention to detail". Also, operators change the oil? If it's not in the -10 manual, it don't get done by the operator. I'm sure things have changed, it's been almost 30 years but I'm sure there are a lot of operators that I'd not want changing oil, or anything that involves something that important to a motor.

[@pm_davidjones]

I barely trusted the drivers to drive them, let alone change the oil. LOL

[@SHlTHEADJOE]

I have slept on, in, under and beside those things. Some of the tricks are the back seats can come out. You can flip them around and recline them so they face the back leaned back. You then throw your legs on the back wheel well and you've got yourself a bad ass field recliner. To sleep on the top you'd bend the bar that goes across the passenger and driver side seats, normally by hanging on it. Then you throw your sleeping bag on top of the canvas and get the best sleep of your life, not having to worry about snakes, scorpions or whatever else the desert would throw at you. To sleep under, you'd dig a sleeping trench in the sand, pull the vehicle forward then roll under it. Just make sure you have the brake on and the chock blocks out. To sleep beside, I'd take two vehciles pointing in opposite directions and line them up about 10 feet apart. Then take the doors off that are facing each other in the center. Throw up one of those big tents with the sides going over the roofs of each vehicle. Then throw the bag for the tent under one humvee and the mre boxes under the other. You'd then basically have a heated tent if needed by starting the vehicles. Just make sure its the passenger sides that are in the tent or your not going to wake up... As a bonus, the passenger (a-driver) and driver seats have ash trays in that the sheet metal on the pillars next to the leg always stopped about a few inches above the bottom of the dash. Just have to make sure your cig is out or you could set one of those a blaze from all the trash in there.

[@biggiefitz6275]

These were never intended as an assault combat vehicle. It didn't take long to weld and bolt on anything for armor once ied's tuna canned a few. Then came the gun nests and cages. Amazing more engines didn't blow with the added weight.

[@Φλωρος-Θωμασου-Ξ5Ξ]

they were made of aluminium, aren't they? definitely not an armored vehicle with all this plastic and flex windows.

[@tangydiesel1886]

My cousin just got out after 20 years. He would always talk about them being decently reliable until all the armor and other things got put on, then they needed a lot more maintenance to keep them going.

[@christopherrosas2738]

when they upgraded to uparmored they put a stronger engine in that bad boy....... ofcourse it took some time..... I recall first tour in Iraq we armored up with sandbags on the floors and about 1/4 inch steel plates on the doors

[@xilio2622]

That's great of you to get those chairs for your workers. Really shows you care about your employees.

[@TanCalHan]

The reason they use cannon plugs and the 24v system is because aircraft are 24v and every wiring connector is also a cannon plugs. 24v is more efficient and cannon plugs are more reliable for disconnecting terminals, they also don’t have a lot of corrosion issues as most are “waterproof”. Also easier to diagnose electrical problems. The humvees were designed this way as well. Simple yet reliable.

[@blackrifle6736]

*All true and correct. Every vehicle I encountered had an external, capped 24VDC, male pins Canon port. Idea was that, assuming you can find a cable, anything can jump-start anything else, including aircraft APUs. Worked like a champ. Cheers!*

[@gpzjeffrey7974]

Fun fact: you have to remember to pull the control relay for the cooling fan before forging deep water. If not, the fan blades can and will break off if the fan tries to operate. Then after you crawl back out of the crappy, muddy water, trying to keep your spacing at night with NVGs, don't notice that you're now overheating until you manage to turn the engine into scrap....speaking for a friend....how would I know, I was just the TC.....

[@daveanderson2316]

You smash the gas pedal to the floor before entering the water, that kills the fan. No need to unhook anything.

[@MrKremsen]

Didn’t know you served. Thank you for your service.

[@frankmundo4300]

Thank you for your service wizard!!! Hero!

[@rickpeddicord8745]

As a civilian employee for the Marine Corps in 1989, I remember when they first arrived at MCLB Barstow, Yermo Annex. Great memories and good times. The General was right about the Pintle Hooks, though🤣🤠👍

[@holdorf333]

As a note to non-military personnel: How to properly PMCS? follow the "dash10" to the letter: before, during, and after; non-operational pintles is a quick way to tell that the checks were not completed by the book and therefore to standard. other steps were likely skipped as well, and at a minimum, his orders were not followed. That area between the seats is usually used to house the various other systems that get installed, along with a place to secure your "load plan" or, if equipped with a weapon skate ring, it gives the gunner a place to stand

[@Cherokeelion]

Thank you for your service Wizard!

[@chrisnorcross618]

Yes. Thank you!

[@MyName-mi8qr]

I remember my days as a 63B. When I went to an MLRS unit in Germany, I became an all mechanic. Track, Heavy Wheel, Light Wheel, and Generator mechanic.

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thanks for a great video. I bet you developed your patience during the time in the military. A tour of duty with Uncle Sam makes you realize better ways to do things in life. I love the overview on the Humvee. It makes me glad I stuck with the rebuilding of old Jeeps. I also never liked the wideness of the Humvee vehicle, for city streets or on narrow trails. Carry On Sir!

[@StarGateSG7]

My brother worked on these too! They go ANYWHERE ....BUT.... they're noisy and uncomfortable without 3rd part mods. Steam Clean the entire underbody and interior and then fix ALL rust or corrosion issues and then put on a one-quarter inch THICK COAT of Line-X truck bed liner on the entire underbody, wheel wells and any large area frame and suspension part. Then ditch that interior seating and ALSO spray in a full one-quarter inch THICK COAT of Line-X truck bed liner on the interior floors, sidewalls, etc. and entire engine bay to reduce interior noise by a significant amount. Buy some Recaro Egonomic Seats and you are set for front driver and passenger comfort. Keep the old-style gauge cluster but install a Panasonic or Pioneer multimedia entertainment and navigation centre on a front console cut-out and then get an old steering wheel from any 2010+ era RAM 1500 truck to replace the curent Humvee one. I love that RAM steering wheel and you can hookup some radio and window control parts to the centre controls of that steering wheel! I would also add an extra auxilliary disel tank for extra driving range. Just make sure the Central Tire Inflation System still works cuz that's the best part of the HUMVEE! Deck it out with a decent roof rack for your fishing Canoo/Kayak and add some rear storage boxes and accesories for camping/fishing gear and you have got yourself one of the best backcountry lakes/rivers exploration vehicle you can find on the market today! It can ford deep mud and snow AND it can easily climb the rocky and mountainous areas of the western USA and Canada! It rides like a bucking bronco over the rough parts BUT it WILL get you where you want to go no matter the weather and terrain. Government Planet auction house usually has a few for sale every few weeks! V

[@jochenstacker7448]

On those seat thingies that turn into trolleys, I got something like that at home and it has absolutely transformed working on my motorbike and car. It used to be such a pain kneeling or squatting in front of the bike, but this is just so much nicer. Once you hit 50, your knees don't like squatting or kneeling for a long time and the feet are even worse. I'm sure those things cost an order of magnitude more than the cheapo crap I got from the discounter, but it does the job. Absolutely recommend.

[@Oddman1980]

Truth... I don't work on cars very often, but I work on a lot of motorcycles, and I've just given up and got myself a stool to sit on. Bending over or crouching just doesn't work out any more.

[@RustyZipper]

$600

[@jochenstacker7448]

@@RustyZipper I've bought cars for less! 😄

[@TheLazyHalfSRanch]

Drove one in a convoy with my Army Reserve unit from Omaha to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Top speed was 55, stood on it the entire way. So loud my co-driver & I couldn't hear each other. Terrible seats, too. I drove an old 5 ton home. Much better trip!

[@shadetreewrenching]

Great video as always.... one small bit though. CARC paint is not carcinogenic and contains no carcinogenic or cancer causing agents. Just like any paint, inhaling fumes when spraying, and paint dust are of course very bad for you though (also when welding on it).

[@normala3227]

CARC = Chemical Agent Reactive Coating. It is just a tough expensive paint.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Thank you for pointing that out in detail, putting that scurrilous rumour to rest. Already enough unwarranted cancer-fear flying around, don't need more. Cheers!*

[@mikethemechanic7395]

My first unit was in 93. Had a Cut V Blazer for 3 months. Was part of a special program. They wanted 2 guys from each group to have a license from a 2.5 T to M60 tank to a Generator. Was given my own Hummer with my name on the windshield. Earned my Drivers badge in that beast. My best sleep was with the hummer idling and the heater on full blast. I swear it was sleeping gas coming out of the vents. It was nice to drive a hummer to the ASP for work while everyone had to take a bus. I eventually was given a 96 S10 Govt truck.

[@robertnixon1482]

nice episode, the only thing I learned about the Hummvees in the Army was that the seats are ridiculously thin on the padding!

[@clover7359]

Yes, and the front passenger sits directly on top of 4x 24v batteries. Thrilling right?

[@rcairforceone]

The newest ones have improved seats but it took 20 years lol.

[@normala3227]

@@clover7359 The passenger sits on top of 2 - 12V batteries connected in series, which gives the 24V.

[@blackrifle6736]

@@clover7359 *Army uses 8V and 12V Ordnance batteries which in combination will result in 24V. Some aircraft (Citations, for example) do carry 24V, liquid electrolyte NiCd batteries. Cheers!*

[@steveperyer4850]

You brought back many hours as a 63B, and a driver of everything from a mule, a Jeep, all the way up to a 5 ton wrecker. Those blackouts were tough, but they did work. I was in before the Hummer days, but they were coming online when I was getting out. Military days were sometimes tough, but we all got through them. I lost brothers in arms, and think about them everyday. Thank you for your service!

[@steveg5122]

I was in the air force, and my shop had a senior nco rip us a new one because we had a pickup that had a worn out key where you could start it and pull the key out. He was ready to punish anyone who signed off on the truck. The vehicle was dead until we were able to get a new key cylinder installed

[@12yearssober]

Dude was way too serious

[@steveg5122]

@@12yearssober he also put the same pickup truck out of service because it had a ripped seat there was one of the GSA leased vehicles

[@bradleyhanlon]

I ran across a MSgt like that on deployment in Kuwait- just a miserable asshole who made everybody’s life miserable. I get documenting abuse and safety items but these are vehicles in harsh conditions doing brutal work.

[@elijahhodges4405]

Brings back memories of my army days too. I have a fun story for you. I was in signal. We had trailers. As you know the trailer had a front support leg. At Fort Riley I asked the Specialist to hook up the trailer and make it secure. He did. We had mud about 2 feet deep in the road. My Specialist failed to lift the trailer leg. It was plowing mud. The truck could hardly move. I went back there to find the trailer leg down. I made the Specialist get out and walk to the intersection which was about a quarter mile away in deep mud.

[@floridaboz1]

So glad to see someone defining HMMWV properly. I drove around the 1116 Up Armored version. I did this mainly on the interstate in Wyoming, they do not do well on the interstate

[@aidanpysher2764]

I'm a veteran mechanic as well, but for the Air Force as an Egress/Ejection systems SSgt. I never had the unfortunate chance to ride in any Humvees, and my back is thankful for that, but I appreciate the cold war aesthetic of the woodland green camo pattern. These vehicles were part of my childhood, and much like the Woodland BDUs, M16A2 and shined boots that I was (fortunately) never issued, these are my first memories of what the US Military looks like. These Humvees are the Crown Vic NYC taxis of the military. Sure, both are outdated and getting quickly replaced by newer, more efficient vehicles - but they'll always be an icon and will almost eternally be a symbol of the era.

[@anbigal764]

Someone forgot to mention humv's also had no heat either. Thank you for your service car wizard

[@Frankensteins_Highboy]

I do believe they had defrost vents under the driver's window. Never had to use them. But for vehicles operating out of stupud cold climates there is an arctic heat kit

[@jameskerrigan2997]

Interior Alaska vet here. Yes they do.

[@robedwards9486]

Neither did the 2.5 or 5 tons of older vintages. Fuck those things where cold even in a NC winter.

[@jsimsgt96]

Wizard and Mrs Wizard, god bless you both! I’m from the east coast, and now I live in Colorado. In between I spent 10 years in the Midwest. I am a mountain guy , but you two, Hoovie, and legit street cars, remind of the best part of the Midwest. That part is the people! What you lack in topography you make up for in genuineness and open arms! I didn’t know how to respond when I first moved there, but now I miss it. No bs I knew everybody on my block in my first 3 hours in Indianapolis. That’s priceless and I’m glad I experienced it. Keep doing what y’all do!

[@randybills3848]

those inboard brakes are perfect for the application in the mud great the jag I never understood it but for a pain in the ass lol

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Inboard disc brake reduces the unsprung weight and helped with the ride comfort and handling on those Jags....... I would say the reason for no park brake on the Hummer is that the inboard parking brake on Jags is absolutely pathetic. On the Jag a seperate miniature mechanical caliper with two tiny pads grips the main discs with useless force and a propensity to rip apart the mechanism at the slightest stress...that stress includes using them at all....even to park! (1972 XJ6 owner who has completely refurbished that system) OTOH a Nissan Primera has a mechanical way of activating the hydraulic main caliper and disc pads to park....much better system.

[@johnsurovik3693]

Almost makes me miss that 63B life! Thanks for the trip down memory lane Wizard!

[@nellayema2455]

Very cool, Wizard! I really want a 4wd vehicle, and as impractical is that Humvee is, if it went faster than 60MPH, I would want one! I need to drive @ freeway speeds to get to the hunting/fishing cabin that I frequent. Driving 60MPH max, my fellow Michiganders would be flipping me off during the entire 3 hour drive from the Detroit area to the north country. BTW, now I know why the National Guard convoys are always going so slow up I-75 on their way to Grayling, MI.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

The ones with the 4l80e trans do

[@craigthescott5074]

My 1997 6.5 turbo diesel goes 75 mph but thats flat land and much less up hill. Got it up to 90 mph in neutral going down hill.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

@@craigthescott5074 neat

[@RXRSawdustStation]

Thank you for your service, sir! It is truly and greatly appreciated! Semper Fidelis!

[@rmp5s]

Ah yes...meeeeemorieeeeees...lol I'll never forget having to drive an up-armored one of these, towing an over-loaded trailer, through the Arizona desert, on the freeway, in summer, as it overheats. Flak and Kevlar in a hummer, in summer, with windows that only open ~4 inches and the HEATER ON to try to cool the thing down. Good times. lol

[@jeffhickman418]

Absolutely one of the most informative videos Ive seen about HumVees.

[@maverick5006]

HI Wizard. I don't know if you follow "Diesel Creek", but he just released a vid a few days ago of him purchasing one of these at a heavy equipment auction. I believe it had a full belly pan under it. Thought you might enjoy watching him going over all the fluids and filters and running it through its paces.

[@johnharper2016]

From one Veteran to another, thank you for your sacrifice and service. I served 1982/1990 as 15E, Pershing Missile Crewmember. Ft. Sill and 74th USAFAD, Schwabstabl, West Germany. What was your MOS and where did you serve? Love your videos. Hoovie cracks me up!

[@scottyensen]

Ill always remember my one boss who refused to let you sit on the jobsite ( I was building apartment buildings at the time) .. Didnt matter if you were doing something at ankle level, get on your knees .. no sitting on a bucket or anything... it was pretty dumb.

[@davidjackson2114]

Really interesting history and I enjoyed the chatty nature of the video reliving Dave's time in the military

[@nathanielcargile7135]

I love how you and your wife work together as a team to make these videos. That is incredibly refreshing.

[@johntillery5721]

The one I’m working on has a/c. It is armored up tho. So, there’s that. Oh!! This has the upgraded fan on it too. Works off of a pto shaft from the front balancer. This one has a 6.5 turbo too

[@joe6096]

You sure it’s not a civilian production Humvee or the A/C was installed as an aftermarket add on after it retired from military life? Because I can’t imagine how they would even run the ducting and evaporator on a solid steel 4” thick dashboard.

[@MisterJ.J.]

@@joe6096 the duct sits on top of the dash. The AC sits outside of the rear facing window.

[@zxggwrt]

Jesse James from west coast choppers has a hot rod hummer, too. I think it has a duramax.

[@helipilotuh1]

@@joe6096 they added A/C to the up armored ones, otherwise everyone e would’ve baked to death in them in Iraq.

[@joe6096]

@@helipilotuh1 Ah yes good point.

[@shortconcert]

This is my favorite video I've even seen on your channel! Thank you, and thank you for your service to our country.

[@jasonwells9050]

Great video on the Humvee car wizard when I was in high school I drove a deuce and a half military truck the thing was awesome I live in Ohio and in the winter time it was great the only problem was I wasn't allowed to park it at the high school there was a couple of times I drove it to the high school and the principal tried to have it towed but the tow truck driver wouldn't touch it anyways I love your channel I haven't been a subscriber for very long and I don't know if you have but maybe in the future you can do a video about a deuce and a half

[@echardcore]

I really appreciate the perspective that you enjoyed your time in the service. Thank you and great video. I want one of these but dont have room.... Yet!

[@David-nx2vm]

Didn’t know you were a vet, Wizard, thanks for your service. During my Air Force career, I had countless hours in multiple HMMWV variants including up-armored. Highway speeds in these things on Korean highways was a real adventure. They leaked like a sieve in the rain, and rode like a lumber wagon. I get the nostalgia but I never understood why so many guys wanted to own these as private citizens.

[@firefighter1c57]

One thing you should note when it is in the air; the rear knuckle have what looks like a tie rod going to the frame. That is essentially what it is. The geared hub front and rear are the same. This allowed fewer replacement parts needed. In fact, the entire thing, control arms, hubs, CV shafts, all of it, front and rear are the same part so parts could easily be interchanged.

[@markamcampbell5795]

a friend of mine was ex-military and went on a goverment website and bought a brand new hummer that was surpluse for his grandson. the only down side was it was in a crate and you had to assemble it. his grandson learned the vehicle from one end to the other.

[@Oddman1980]

I fail to see the downside here

[@SVSky]

Cheap education

[@markamcampbell5795]

@@Oddman1980 no downside the kid learned a lot and grandpa helped, fun times.

[@i8as]

Bullshit.

[@codybaker502]

i was in an artillery unit when i was in and the negligence and lack of PMCS on these vehicles would make your skin crawl

[@crazyeyez1502]

Spent many hours wrenching on them myself. And I still would buy one now if I had the money

[@johngaither3830]

They are being sold as surplus now. The rougher they are the less they go for. Knowing how to fix one correctly would make it a natural for a guy like you.

[@crazyeyez1502]

@@johngaither3830 and they're fairly easy to work on. They aren't that complex.

[@cannonfodder6299]

One thing I remember, is the rear hub seals leaking like siv if you ever used 4wd. Mine was also an '86 but in cargo configuration. The soft tops leak like crazy on the rain, even when brand new and the soft doors always needed replacing since the zippers around the windows were only single stitched rather than double. The one you showed looks like it had the heavy duty alternator which came on the ambulances and a few meant as commo vehicles. One cool feature you didn't show were the slave ports under the passenger seat for jump starting.

[@dragonbrownies517]

The ring shaped tongue is called a Lunette Ring. I learned that when I was studying for my CDL. For a hummvee that's 36 years old, she's looking pretty good.

[@rcairforceone]

I'm sure it got refreshed before selling. Notice the hood latches.

[@the0leman]

I'll 1 up ya. I unloaded the 1st trainload at Ft. Lewis in 1986. As a heavy wheeled mech, we still had to work on these pos also

[@winki51z]

Great vid: I too have memories of these. I actually received, a cash bonus for an improvement, on the first ones built; and it was incorporated on later vehicles. The first vehicles, were not perfect.

[@stevengreco8961]

The Car Wizard is the best!

[@tyronesmith3812]

There was always something wrong with all 5 of our humvees

[@nothingtoseaheardammit]

They're never really "fixed" ... but they usually get you back to where you need to go. Mine drove 5 miles over and back a bridge with the #8 cylinder cracked wide open.

[@the_bencredible]

I smile every time I hear about a Montana plate knowing someone is getting to enjoy their vehicle in a state that wouldn’t otherwise allow it.

[@perpetualtech5906]

I found the short story about the gear oil in the engine hilarious! It is terrible that someone could be so clueless or simply not care enough to do that.

[@ZboeC5]

You can never ever ever under estimate Pvt. Snuffy and their ability to screw up. You have to understand that most of the people in the Army actually doing this line work are fairly young, 18-20 years old with little to no life experience. The Army (and Military in general) has to start from scratch most of the time and sometimes it doesn't go so well.

[@stuartbear922]

He was told to put "oil" in it. Surprised he didn't used Wesson.

[@EndlessDelusion]

I witness forklift drivers using the dirtiest funnel they can find dumping sawdust and oil slurries in to their vehicles and I praise the lord for giving me job security.

[@05EVORS]

Ive got a M1008 CUCV converted to 12v manual glows/starter/1 alternator, civi gauge cluster w the 6.2 and Banks turbo, 700R4 overdrive swap from the TH400. Its on 38s and does 75-78 highway w 4:56 gears. Old MVs are rewarding when you get em sorted! - But its an ongoing process. Fun to watch this thing w its nuances and similarities w CUCV's. My insurance card says '4x4 military' as all the Chevy vin#s were all transfered into the feds databases for road useage. Another thing is alllll MVs use the same key so get your doors/ ignition swapped w new keys lol.