$500 Diesel Millitary Generator sitting for many years, WILL IT RUN?? (Allis Chalmers 3500a)

[@DieselCreek]

Try out these Factor meals for yourself, I was truly blown away at how good they are! Use code CREEK50 to get 50% off your first Factor box at bit.ly/3Y4wgF2!

[@jimvincent6408]

Wow Matt! You oficially jumped the shark into shill land! Next I guess we can expect Jenny Craig meals? Dont be a sellout stick to what you do best and keep the advertisements!

[@Chris_Cable]

I ordered some a couple weeks ago. They are actually really good, everything was seasoned well. And for breakfast, the egg and kale bites are freaking delicious. Much better than i expected.

[@StSamples]

Congrats on the sponsor. Get that bag homie.

[@michaelfisher5652]

I can confirm... Factor Meals are really good. I ordered a few different ones and every meal was consistently delicious

[@ProfaneGod]

18765 dollars for 20 of them Matt QTY = Quantity

[@PaulBarwick]

I ❤Allis Chalmers 'cause when I was in Vietnam we couldn't get oil & fuel filters for the Allis Chalmer generator which powered our camp. Typical military supply line issures. I went home on leave for a month and while there I went to the AC dealer in Olympia, WA and told them I wanted to buy a bunch of filters and ship them back to my outfit. After hearing my story they refused my money, and said "we got you covered" When I got back to Vietnam I found that cases of filters had beaten there. Thanks Allis Chalmers!!!

[@bradleysmith2021]

I absolutely love it when companies find out something is being purchased privately to support out troops in the field and say “No, we’re not taking your money. We’ll just ship them.” That garners a fierce loyalty.

[@BEAMONSTRONG]

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing. Wish THAT America still existed!

[@jasonparker3514]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@johnversluis3084]

thank you for service 50 years late

[@PaulBarwick]

​❤@@bradleysmith2021and everyone else who replied to my story. Appreciate it muchly.

[@bruceandrews8835]

Yes, Mat $500 well spent. Don't forget to drain out the water before setting it outside.

[@lenprice6315]

He’s just like a kid at Christmas time. Bless his heart way to go. I’m glad it’s running.

[@jeffflowers9902]

I worked on these a bit in the Army. The tank you removed is called a day tank. Fuel is pumped from the main tank into the day tank. There is a float in the day tank to call for fuel from the main tank. If the fuel level gets too low, it will not allow the engine to operate as to prevent actually running the engine out of fuel. The fuel is then pumped from the day tank to the injection pump. Scatter a few filters along the way, and that pretty much sums it up. The injector pump was electronically controlled because the engine RPM is what controls the frequency (Hz) of the generator output. Great video sir.

[@Red9GearHeads]

I’ve been considering grabbing a military generator in hopes of running it on black Diesel. A smaller 3-5 k units. As a guy who’s dealt with this stuff a bit would you have any advice?

[@NotSoGrandGarage]

​@@Red9GearHeadsI've got an MEP003a and I do a LOT with black diesel... know a few people running blends on them. Check out the channel if you want.

[@icey_projects]

@@Red9GearHeads I'm not the op but my 2 cents is an MEP-802a (5kw rated but will do up to 7kw), if you want something a little less expensive can get an MEP-002A (basically an 802a without an enclosure), if you want less than that there is a single cylinder MEP-831A (3KW inverter genset) but it is a PITA and the inverter will eventually die and they are pricey (the inverters that is), I personally use an MEP-803a as my personal backup for some time now (10kw) Hope this helps until OP can respond!

[@Red9GearHeads]

@@icey_projects thanks a million man! It’s great having some info from guys who know a thing or two about them. I’d like a larger unit. I smaller gas units plumbed to propane that I use for quick back up. Hoping for diesel liquid cooled so I can use it to power the house and pipe the heat into my houses hydronic system. Any chance you’d have a dart throw at how much fuel I could expect the 5k unit to burn in a 24hr period?

[@icey_projects]

@@Red9GearHeads 802a uses 1/2 gal per hour at rated load, and 1/4 gal at lighter loads

[@gregdawson1909]

Yep, there are basically 3 flavors of military generators, 24vdc for starting vehicles, 60hz ac for hotel services and 400hz ac for aircraft and electronics, used extensively in synchro and servo systems, radars etcetera.. think airstrip, or missile battery. and that's probably tinned copper, not aluminum, better corrosion resistance than plain copper wire. You can find very good technical manuals online from the army complete with fantastic wiring diagrams and part numbers

[@dalemettee1147]

And the main reason that the military went with 400 Hz. is because you can't use any of their equipment on civilian applications.

[@wes11bravo]

Greg - I always wondered why military aircraft used 400hz - is it because it's easier to rectify or maybe something with transformer size that can be smaller with 400hz?

[@JeffAr27]

@@wes11bravo yea 400hz transformers are lighter and smaller

[@GrandDungeonDad]

@@wes11bravoi think you got it. The genset uses the same power rectified to run the onboard electronics and safety bus. I worked on similar sets for years for the airforce though ours were powered by detriot diesels and had been in service since vietnam. If it aint broke…

[@GrandDungeonDad]

Referred to as a -86 or “hobart” on the flightline.

[@mwnciboo]

Hey Matt, swap out the engine with Fat Alice - then use the generator frame to build an "Engine Test Rig" e.g Something with an integral small fuel tank, switches - hookup's - radiator - Clamps and rails so you adjust to different engine sizes. I reckon you would get alot of use.

[@stevebrown5145]

Thats a great idea. C’mon Matt this needs to happen.

[@BigMan-jk8lz]

That's a great idea

[@darinhassett4708]

i agree perfect to turn into a test for engines

[@merqury5]

Call it "the lab"!

[@alan6832]

I would like to see more business information on this and similar channels. A lot of this stuff appears to be practical, but is it? What are the repaired machines worth after the repairs? what is the cost in parts? would these activities be viable without KZbin? how much is he spending and how much is he getting? If the shop was mortgaged instead of paid for by KZbin, what would that be costing per month? I am worried about the illusion of practicality. It's pretty clear that antique collecting and restoring activities would be financed by KZbin unless flipped to other collectors or hired out to museums, but I would very much like to see some ballpark numbers on how far this business has become an entertainment business as opposed to a contracting or repair business.

[@Poorehouse]

The two silver “canister thingys” inline with the fuel input are fuel pumps. One for the main tank, and one for the aux connection you are using. The shutoff solenoid might not be grounded at all and isolated from ground. Check resistance across the two wires going into it. I bet you will find that’s the winding for the electromagnet. There are awesome manuals including schematics, engine rebuild manuals and so-on for MEP gensets widely available, but at this point since you are already neck deep and I’m 30+ minutes in, it’s too late. :-) Oh, and that’s not aluminum wire. That’s the good stuff - tinned copper aircraft spec wiring.

[@raykaufman7156]

Yes, Facet (brand) electric pumps.

[@572Btriode]

@@raykaufman7156 Yep, just what I was going to say, darn good pumps too.

[@manifold1476]

spoken like a true maintenance tech (former RCEME myself)

[@19705ton]

Facet pumps…. Carry fuel to injector pump. Sometimes a third facet pump for auxiliary tank which on some gensets pumps directly into unit fuel tank and not to injector pump.

[@Afraithe]

Yes, I had one of them canisters on my excavator, it's a pump + pre-filter, I had crap in my fuel tank and had to clean that a lot, so finally replaced it with a modern pump and had 2 main fuel filters instead, the one in the canister is very small.

[@ToddTalksTech]

Whole heart transplant is something an overhead crane would be useful for. The more you settle into the shop the more difficult it will be to get the crane project done! I think Fiat-Allis will love the new powerplant.

[@86FxBdyCpe]

I think your right. Matt was undoubtedly eager to start using the shop asap. But he should have resisted the urge and got to the installation as soon as everything else was done.

[@ericprovenzano4919]

I was thinking the same thing... Matt time to get busy on the overhead crane... Yes you can give Fat Alice a heart transplant the hard way with the multitude of other equipment you happen to have lying around, or make it easy on yourself an use the overhead crane, that you need to install..

[@Jumper1776]

All I want to see is a gantry crane go in I’m excited for that!

[@utilitarian]

and also a flexible exhaust vent tube to avoid blackening that lovely roof when running stuff

[@johnbize5736]

So the next video is digging a trench? Is that more power or plumbing? Could be it needs to go in before the gantry?

[@RickiEvans-v7n]

I was a Seabee in the Navy and worked on many pieces of equipment like your stuff, the AC spare ENGINE, and the MILITARY air comp. I FIND MYSELF JUMPING AS YOU DO WHEN SOMETHING FIRES OFF !!!!!!!! I JUST PURCHASED SOME TOOLS OFF YOUR WEDSITE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE TONS.!!!!!

[@NAMCBEO]

Hello Brother ! - - MCB 3 68 - 70 Camp Kinser Okinawa spent some time in and out of Nam and Guam. RMCB 14 for 12 years reserves.

[@hyperthermogenic]

You reminded me of a kind of silly thing a teacher once told me about stalactites and stalagmites. She said, "Stalagmites might reach the ceiling and stalactites hold tight to the ceiling." I have never forgotten since. Edit: Thanks all. It's great learning all the different ways you were taught to remember it. It was well over 40 years ago for me now.

[@arcanewyrm6295]

My science teacher made it easy to remember: "stalaGmites are on the *_G_*round, while stalaCtites are on the *_C_*eiling." The G and C being the identifying features in the associated words.

[@kiesh.]

Ours was 'mites climb up, tights fall down' a bit abstract but I've remembered it so who am I to argue 😁

[@Jehty_]

Stalac *tites* tits hang down.

[@stevesedgwick5789]

Mites go up, tights come down

[@PatsPurposefulPutzing]

mites for mountains tites for from the top

[@christophernewman8741]

This is exactly what I need to justify procrastinating on getting started on post hurricane yard clean up! Another cup of coffee and diesel creek? Don't mind if I do.

[@johnwudarcki9315]

Obviously not in the worst of it

[@wendellmcqueary8624]

My sister in GA. was in the direct path (Valdosta, by Moody AFB) and is still without power. South of Jacksonville I had less than 3" of rain and some moderate wind. @@johnwudarcki9315

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

Yeah I need to get some limbs off the roof.

[@silvergreylion]

If you want to stop procrastinating, instead think of such videos as a reward for doing what you need to do, and only watch it after you've done it.

[@Helen-sound]

I watched your video after ‘Life Uncontained ‘ where they have bought a mountainside plot of land like Andrew Camarata and I’m watching the husband dig out a ditch alongside the long road to their container house plot followed by digging out 8 culverts all with a tiny digger . I then come to your channel and think with your equipment you would be done in a couple of days and not 3 weeks . I’ll give him his due , he never stops working and no sooner had they built their main house he’s now taking on a mountain . As I said to him in a comment had he ever thought about a collaboration with another channel . I think it would make a cracking video .

[@MrJohnBos]

If the generator was used to power the actual aircraft, it likely output 115 V @ 400 Hz. The reason aircraft use 400 hz, not 60 hz, is that it allows step-up and step down transformers onboard the aircraft to be much lighter and much smaller than the transformers used for 60 HZ devices in the home or factory. The reason why today's AC to DC and DC to DC converters are so small and light is because the switching frequency used is typically 50 kHz to 250 kHz. The only way to reduce the size and weight of transformers is to increase the frequency.

[@Andrewlang90]

Gotta say Matt, that was easily the best $500 you’ve ever spent. Considering what it’s gonna do for you, $500 is amazing. Well done.

[@geraldelliott6161]

The fuel line fittings (blue/gold) on the Allis-Chalmers are what is called -AN (Army Navy) . The fittings are -6AN , the 6 meaning 6/16 or 3/8 and the threads are SAE. The fitting on your adaptor hose was a -8AN (8/16=1/2). They are very reliable and interesting enough are reuseable. These fittings will work with rubber hose or ss braided rubber hose. There is a newer style called GEM fittings and they include a 2nd integrated hex nut for easier install. Theses are the only oil and fuel hose fittings we will use on our road race car

[@ryurc3033]

I absolutely love a/n fittings. The only ones I have are ancient artifacts, but I still use them. One of the most reliable ways to keep the fluids in

[@paulhammond7489]

Based on the age of the engine, I think the control wiring could be tin plated copper, rather than aluminium

[@sl06bhytmar]

Probably true, marine grade wiring is usually used for stuff that can be used outside near sea.

[@alexanderkupke920]

@@sl06bhytmar on older equipment and even still today for equipment that may get exposed to not too friendly conditions that is actually used. the tinning is supposed to avoid corrosion and the green death creeping through the wire looms. For testing you can either jsut scrape a strand and see if you expose copper, or just try to get a soldering iron and try to get some solder sticking to it. if it takes immediately, everyone who ever tried to solder aluminium wires knows it is tinned, not aluminium.

[@markscully2342]

could be silver plated wire the thing is full of milspec connectors and those usually have either silver plated or beryllium gold pins!@@alexanderkupke920

[@brentmcmahon8188]

Nickel plated copper for marine .

[@TRS-80Fanclub]

TM shows this 400hz 60Kw made in the 80's

[@dunksjunk]

It's been far too long since we've seen Matt beating on any battery terminals 😂

[@willb3018]

Matt should pay a few bucks so he could play a few bars from the beginning of Michael Jackson's "Beat it" each time he starts beating on those terminals.

[@matthewmiddleton63]

Use a hammer next time

[@Midevil1]

I was laughing when Matt did that and yelled out loud "STOP IT"!🤣🤣🤣

[@nostreamavailable9090]

hes the lars ulrich of auto electrics lol

[@humungusfungus6861]

No, he's not "beating"!! Just a little tippedietapp....

[@jimdean7335]

Boy have I got battery stories. My Dad owned a battery business and I worked for him in high school. Many a battery came back with a post pushed in because of a hammer (or an adjustable wrench as the case may be). I still do it myself as Matt demonstrates from time to time, but with a carefull blow. Then of course the ones that came back that were supposedly dead only to learn the customer left the plastic protectors on the posts when they installed the cables. 😩

[@johnwudarcki9315]

Lots of difference between tapping on it and wailing on it

[@braxtonnelson5375]

After working in auto parts stores for years, and then running a battery store (everything from watch batteries to 8D tractor batteries and everything in between), I learned the hard way many years ago to use the "battery hammer" very carefully! Have changed out many a set of golf cart batteries, and have pretty much seen everything when it comes to the wrong way to do things (had a lady bring in a diesel pickup with twin batteries-- both had multiple nails driven into all of the terminals!). My favorite part of every Diesel Creek video is when the engine finally starts up and runs... it's like Matt made a touchdown!

[@ricksmith4736]

Alot of dummies out there, we know of at least 81 million

[@87mini]

Had a gal in our office come up all upset- her boyfriend (about my son's age) had replaced her battery down in the parking lot, and now the car was completely dead! I went down to take a look, took the plastic cover off the ground post, handed it to the guy with a wink, and let him reconnect it while cussing the car for his cover story. Everyone was happy, and I got a friend for life! 😊

[@NgNg-p5c]

@@87mini Reminds me of moving 250 people to their new office accommodation over a weekend. Come the Monday morning the staff started to arrive and to sweeten the move a buffet breakfast was laid on. All was going well until the director in charge of the department [and who had not been at all happy being asked to relocate until the CEO told him to suck it up and get on with it!] came up and announced rather aggressively that his computer wasn't working and what was I going to do about it? Now I'm not an IT guy so at that moment I wasn't sure, but walking up to his desk I spotted the problem and quietly flicked the electrical socket he'd plugged into to on! In fairness to the guy, an hour later he called everyone together and thanked me and the moving team for doing a great job.

[@koriyoungblood776]

Hey Matt, easy to remember, Stalactites have to hold on "tight" so they don't fall from the ceiling, while stalagmites need a lot of "might" to grow up from the floor.

[@spblackey]

Or C for ceiling (stalactite) and G for ground (stalagmite).

[@MerpSquirrel]

Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.

[@pear7777]

How about on stalactites the word "tit-ies" is there.. they hang

[@oniichan1006]

When the mites go up, the tites come down.😂

[@jamesortiz5388]

I posted the tight to the ceiling 11 months late. 😂

[@williamgraham8809]

Your mechanical ability combined with the need to make old stuff run again is definitely addictive to watch! Thanks for entertaining this old man!

[@joeblow7264]

My sentiments exactly. A truly entertaining and a blessing to watch All of Mr Matt's videos. Thank you for sharing. May you continue in your well deserved God given prosperity.👍😁

[@DavesTR4A]

Hello, I am a long time subscriber. Just watching this latest video of you working on that generator motor, am struck by the fact that you working in an actual shop ( that is yours!)is pretty cool. You’ve come a long way sir and you should be proud of what you have accomplished.

[@DieselCreek]

I am! Thanks for hanging around and helping make it possible!

[@normhowes2975]

I'm thinking the neighbors are happy he's not work at home. AND the wife too. LOL

[@petermcafee5967]

Matt, that engine was manufactured in Harvey, Illinois at the Allis Chalmers engine division. I tested many engines like that in the "test shed" Every Allis Chalmers engine would come off the assembly line and would be run up on dynos to set and check everything. The engines would then be shipped elsewhere to have all the other "stuff" installed.

[@johnpeeters2131]

Matt, maybe it would be nice to turn the frame of the gen set into a 'engine starter kit', clean the diesel tank, add a water tank, batteries and some hoses, swithes etc. and you can truck it around to whatever kind of machine you want to start. using pallet forks, you could even use gravity to feed the water and diesel.

[@late_arvie]

Would love to see the process of getting this into a Fat Allis!

[@WilliamRyderutopianwizard]

I've just gotta say I'm so glad I discovered your channel. I'm a retired English professor, and stereotypical of this fact, I know nothing about mechanical stuff, but it HAS always fascinated me. You are so humorous too. Let me tell ya, I had a great friend long ago who was a mechanical genius like you,and I used to lean over his shoulder to get a bird's eye view of what he was doing, asking questions constantly, which aggravated the hell out of him. The reason I suppose for his frustration with me was because he would explain what was going on and why,etc, but then I would forget it all within 5 minutes. It amused me, but made him jerky mad. 😂 At any rate, I'm really enjoying your enthusiasm which is infectious. Thanks so much. I'll be checking on things.

[@TinkeredDiesel]

A lot of times the reason why there was no oil in it is because the generator may have been overseas possibly during the war. When transporting some equipment through certain countries in route back to the states they require drainage of all fluids. It’s very common occurrence.

[@jd_railfan]

That's interesting. I've never thought about that. I don't know how many times I've bought mowers and other gas powered devices that had tags saying make sure to add oil as it was drained for shipping purposes.

[@willgriffin3490]

Yeah, alot of engines are drained. All items being loaded aboard mil aircraft have to do HAZMAT certs. DRAINED BUT NOT PURGED is the usual for most.

[@Colonel_Obvious]

@@willgriffin3490I never had to drain oil when air loading equipment. Fuel yes, but never oil.

[@johanankarback6821]

That´s propabaly the reason. In most of Europe there are special rules to transport flammable liquids so everything like lawnmovers, chainsaws and other things with engines are always drained when you buy them. That way the freight to the store from the factory becomes cheaper.

[@rich7934]

Ive purchased a few items through military surplus auctions. A lot of times they drain everything (non-vehicular) before selling it. Not sure if it is to minimize leak issues at the holding facility or because the military is allowed to use non-publically available additives, that they might not know if it may or may not need a health warning in the civilian market.

[@UnWantedFew80]

Watching your channel has gotten me interested in pursuing a career as a heavy duty mechanic. Keep up the great videos!

[@DieselCreek]

Go for it!

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

You should watch some of the numerous vids talking about why you should NOT become a mechanic.

[@wes11bravo]

Good on ya, brother. Any career where you can get grounded in basic troubleshooting abilities is a good route to follow. That path can take you almost anywhere you care to go. As a parallel example, I started off with an electronics degree and I'm coming up on 24 years with the phone company. Most people don't consider the fact that if diesel engines stop working, the world stops working. People who work with their hands and their brains to build, repair, modify, and maintain comprise the most vital portion of our workforce. Good luck, my friend.

[@josephboley]

Keep your dreams alive bubba. Always make moves on your dreams.

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

The first and most important lesson any mechanic needs to learn is......... If it's got t*ts or tyres it's gonna be trouble 👍

[@RowanHawkins]

Matt, you can confim tinned wire by looking at the ends you cut. You should see faint redish copper at the cut.

[@WMAJ6]

Great $500 investment, Matt. That electronically controlled governor system was on there because the engine was powering a generator. Generator output is determined by the speed of the engine. To make sure that the generator had exactly the correct output the engine powering it has to be controlled very precisely. The slightest variation in engine speed can cause a big change in generator output and the frequency of the electrical polarity changes if it is an ac generator. This unit is wired similarly to a diesel-electric railroad locomotive system.

[@lotharschiese8559]

Exactly, plus what Matt said, the stock generator ran at a different frequency. Some countries operate at 50 Hz, this plant probably was designed and scheduled to be shipped overseas to plug into a 100 volt, 50Hz grid, but it became surplus.

[@imleetsometimes]

I'm pretty sure that was a MEP 115A 400hz Gen Set. There are tons of manuals online for it. In my experience with this engine, the fuel pump was the most common issue. I replaced quite a few of them while serving in the Marines. p.s. those dang copper washers on the fuel pump injector lines were always the most fun, especially when you forget to put one on each side of the line.

[@Dymitr_Nawrocki]

400hz? was it used as some kind of aircraft auxiliary power unit? From what i know aircrafts commonly used 400hz in electrical system.

[@imleetsometimes]

@@Dymitr_Nawrocki That and radar equipment. I never actually used one of the 400hz models in the Marines but I did repair them.

[@stephendoing2253]

Thank you for your service!

[@michaelmcclure8673]

​@@imleetsometimes Thank you for you service Sir.🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇸

[@imleetsometimes]

@@michaelmcclure8673 o7

[@wikkedspindl]

Some useless info for you that helps me to remember stalagmites ans stalactites is the T and M. T dangles down and the M points up. So stalactites hang down and stalagmites point up from the ground. Love watching these videos! Thank you!

[@4Him4u2]

That’s a goof one!😃👍🏁🇺🇸

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya Matt, The engine is a marine version; all gen-sets are for running at one RPM for very long times. I'm not familiar with aircraft frequencies, but for 60hz, the engine would run at 1800 RPM. That is the normal for US domestic power. Here in the UK, we run at 1500 for 50hz. If the load increases, the fuel control valve opens without increasing the RPM; it is a clever system that you will not need. The foot pedal to the injected pump works for loaders. Stay safe, Steve...

[@malalexander3515]

Military aircraft that have AC equipment use 115V AC 400 Hz.

[@michaelwigley8856]

I would investigate the injectors and pump on that to see what the hp rating at what rpm. It may not make as much hp as your loader. I was always told that the injection pumps and injector setup was different than road going equipment because generators are built to run at a set rpm all the time. Just something to check out it would suck to swap engines and then find out that the new engine doesn't make enough ponies.

[@andykillsu]

Yes they will almost certainly be different and with this being a MIL spec unit, it could likely have other differences compared to the non-MIL spec engine.

[@ChristopherFerguson-v8s]

Aircraft often use 400 Hz AC. The onboard generators and motors are smaller and lighter for the same power output. Used to start Volvo Penta 6 cylinder marine diesels by cracking all the lines, cranking the engine and tightening the lines as fuel came out. The engine would start running on two cylinders and the rest fired quickly as I tightened the nuts.

[@jonathanstancil8544]

First: if that engine was produced in October of 1985 it is one of the last Allis Chalmers branded engines. Allis merged with Deutz in November of 85 becoming Deutz-Allis and basically ending production of Allis Chalmers engines at that time. There may have been a few made under the Deutz-Allis brand for their combines, but most their farm equipment went to the air cooled engines like what's on your compactor. The construction equipment line had already been discontinued. So that is a cool piece to have. Next, im thinking to keep that engine frame and cooling package as a test stand for engines. Make some universal mounts and install some controls with fuel and battery hookups and you have a place to set an engine and fire it up for testing or running in a fresh rebuild if need be. Lastly, stalagmites, with an"G" grow up from the ground, G. Stalactites, with a "C" extend down from the ceiling, C. The weird sh*t you read in a comic book at 5 years old and remember.

[@jasonmansfieldsr8645]

Ha! That works. I always remembered stalactites hold tight to the ceiling and you just might trip over a stalagmite.

[@edrickelman242]

I'm always impressed how you work on a project and plow through it with(Not knowing your research in the background) and make it work. It's not my wheelhouse(Airborne Artillery) but thanks to all the Vets with all their input, you will get it to work!

[@robs4517]

Generally when they send those things off for auction they drain the fuel systems. You do what's called a technical inspection for turn in. They generally drain the coolant and the fuel because they don't want to have any hazardous materials present when it's sitting in a storage area.

[@lancebrant7072]

Hello Mat, the round thing on the left side by the oil dipstick is an overspeed trip assembly. Its a requirement for generator sets. The wire you are referring to as aluminum is I am pretty sure tinned copper wire. The military wouldn't invest in subpar wire.

[@newjerseybill3521]

Overspeed and engine run - starter lockout.

[@ForfeMac]

Boat wire, actually. Fine stranded tinned wire, back when I built gensets it was all we used.

[@newjerseybill3521]

@@ForfeMac Tinned wire sure reduces the issues of the Green Crusties.

[@ajwilson605]

Probably with PVC or Teflon insulation. Same stuff used on board ships and aircraft.

[@archie7012]

This Allis Chalmers Diesel runs like a charme, after you got it set up to get fuel. Who would have guessed? Great work man!

[@glennblum6410]

We had those on the Army trailer mounted and ran smooth. Seamed that most of our trailer mounted 15 KW and above ran AC engines too.

[@BurnAndHackett_RC]

I may be wrong, but the two cylindrical objects with the fuel lines fastened to them, bolted to the upright of the frame looked a lot like 'Facet' fuel lift pumps. Used to draw fuel from the low mounted tank and pass it through the filters to the injection pump.

[@dogleg6669]

Those are indeed the lift pumps for the fuel. That coming from a retired Army track mechanic who probably spent as much time fixing gen sets as tracks.

[@BurnAndHackett_RC]

@@dogleg6669 It also looked like the fuel line is plumbed in series through the pumps. It was not uncommon, here in GB for competition off road and sports cars to have two 'clacky' fuel pumps plumbed in series but wired independantly, one as a main pump and one as a reserve or standby. That way you normally ran on one pump, but if it went faulty during an event, it was a simple job to switch off the 'dead' pump and switch on the 'reserve' pump to keep the engine running.

[@ryangilbert5916]

The wire is most likely tinned copper mil-spec MIL-W-5086/2 and awesome score on the engine side of the Genset. Also for the generator controls that are left could be sold for some money as well

[@william6526]

Great buy ,being military it's probably not even broke in yet. Not only will you get a new engine for your loader but you've got a parts motor to boot. Win ,win

[@dennispriser769]

Definitely worth the 500 and you could always use the frame as a engine test stand for the future lol

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Love the genuine joy Matt shows when something starts and runs. This will be a huge upgrade for Phat Allis

[@GeneMusall]

Congratulations Matt, indeed a bargain for Fat Alice. And it definitely sounds far better than it does now. Now the hard part, removing the old and installing the replacement. Look forward to that video. I’m chomping at the bit for new content. You’ve spoiled me.

[@DieselCreek]

Appreciate that! Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@markbout257]

That looks like a good buy. Money well spent. Just a tip from my side. I would check with your buddies at area diesel service if the governor is correct. Generator engines are rated for a fixed rpm and fat allis is variable rpm. There is a difference and it matters how well it performs.

[@ajwilson605]

Generator service for 60HZ would be 1800 RPM with electronic trim to adjust it to within .1HZ or so and to respond to load. No idea what RPM it would run at for 400Hz.

[@isaacnorton6251]

This channel has inspired me, I came across three 1931 caterpillar-ten tractors sitting lined up way back in a field a few years ago, just went back to look at them today, they're REALLY rough and need a lot of work but a couple still have oil in the crank and there wasn't any water on the dipstick also we popped one of the valve-covers off and everything was still coated in greasy sludge despite the manifolds being solid rust and I mean solid there is not even a pinhole of tube left its just rust, the guy who owns the land has no idea when they were left there and I expect they have been sitting there for up to 50 years. Maybe I'll make some videos of my adventures trying to make one function out of the three there.

[@DieselCreek]

Save em!!!!!!

[@justinmcclanahan6036]

​@DieselCreek I agree with you Matt, he should save all 3 of them

[@TRS-80Fanclub]

The Military technical manual for this generator is TM 5-6115-545-12 Generator model - MEP115 A 60K @ 400Hz 6115-00-118-125 3 used in the late 80's

[@Paulhuber007]

Why don’t you re-use that square fuel tank that was hooked up to the filters and put it up on a wheeled stand ( like an IV bottle) for all your projects, it has a bottom feed and a top fill port and hold just enough to start your projects.

[@jeffblank9915]

The shiny metal pieces on the B pillar are fuel pumps. One is for the tank the other is for the auxiliary fuel. There is a filter screen in the bottom of them. Cork gaskets make the seal. Emergency stop cables on old army generator are pull to block fuel release to open fuel.

[@fooddude9921]

In response to some of the comments below, it's not just military aircraft that run 400hz, it's pretty much all of aviation. The reason being is that the generators, transformers, etc are much lighter and this weight decrease really adds up on the large planes.

[@GunfighterWyo]

Most generators never run at an idle. They normally run at 1800 to 3600 rpm. With most of the safety devices removed, things can do some strange things. Great to see that you have the engine running. Don't forget about the fan.

[@lotharschiese8559]

Yah, haul the thing off, use heat on the bend to reform it on an anvil! Get the pitch of the blade right compared to the other blades. Would be neat to video this important operation. Or transfer the fan from the other engine if it will fit.

[@glenpaul3606]

You sure have a knack for getting old engines to run. This one turns out to be a great deal for $500. Can't wait to see you put it in fat Alice.

[@robmikell7444]

The military cuts the ground side from batteries on your master switch. You commented on ground through the harness. The negative side has the main disconnect due to that side not making any spark on connection. Cranes are set up in the same fashion.

[@stephenhaslam680]

Generally speaking military Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) shops have pretty good preventive maintenance schedules and take good care of their equipment. No surprise that its a runner, good score Matt.

[@TooTallBox]

Your excitement is so contagious man. It’s awesome. If anyone has ever had that feeling of getting something running, they know it. And when that sucker fired up, we all felt the excitement. Thanks for the video man, we love it!

[@TennesseeHomesteadUSA]

Excellent primer for troubleshooting a diesel generator...

[@johnminto7723]

Nice!! What’s going to become really important sooner than later is a gantry crane in your shop to make the engine swap super easy!!

[@manifold1476]

I'll second that commotion.

[@jamarie1972]

Great video Matt as always looks a superb replacement for Fat Allis. Hope all you Subscribers and Watchers from The Florida region are safe after this latest Hurricane. All the best from England

[@Pushy8366]

Matt i use to work for a allis-chalmers dealership we had one of the cabover freightliners that allis-chalmers owned it had a A/C motor in it. It was a running son of a gun you could turn the juice to them engines and they wouldn’t come apart

[@cwc5531]

Great recovery of an 80s military equipment. Thanks for taking us along.

[@GabrielSantry]

Ok brother, you are cracking me up with the food commercial. LOL To be honest, it is really cool to see how far the channel has grown over the years. Fan for life here bud.

[@toddlutter5074]

On those little yellow stickers; DTID is the turn in document number NSN is the stock number for the unit. CC: F7 means unserviceable but repairable

[@scragmanw]

My favorite part of these types of your videos is when they crank. The joy and excitement is real. Great video Matt.

[@mastermartian3103]

Haven’t tuned in a while just stopped watching KZbin and the progress you made on your shop and everything around you I’m so amazed and proud of how far you’ve come. You definitely work very hard everyday max props to you 🎉

[@Mike-x5i4s]

This engine is what you need in your loader…make some video with the two of them coming together…excellent purchase…congratulations.

[@peterharms3851]

Matt, you’re like the butterfly in the Forrest, when it beats its wings and results in a hurricane somewhere (or something like that). You fire up an engine in Pennsylvania resulting in smiles around the world! Love it when that exhaust stack coughs out those cobwebs, keep up the great content.🇦🇺

[@jimharper6073]

@6:13 The speleothems with which most people are familiar are stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites grow down from the cave ceiling, while stalagmites grow up from the cave floor. It's easy to remember which is which: Stalactites have a "T" for top and stalagmites have a "G" for ground. I remember the ones that hang down have 'tities" in it...

[@zingmo]

Stalactites hang tight to the ceiling, while stalagmites might reach the ceiling one day.

[@johnturner4400]

Tights come down and mites go up…

[@thebbgrouplimited210]

All things considered, from all the engines I have seen you start up in your shop...... THAT one was smokeless.....LOL. Pretty sure the wiring is tinned copper to help deter corrosion. Cheers and have a great weekend!

[@pootmahgoots8482]

Every tool is a hammer unless it's a screwdriver, then it's a chisel too. 👍🏻

[@CarlosDiaz-uy1jf]

I think it’s great that you’re back in the shop working on the motor. I would love to see more of that and I would love to see you replacing that motor in the shop since you’ve built the shop, you haven’t really did any major work inside it would be good to see that happen, thank you for your show. I enjoyed it.

[@drover338]

As for mineral deposit formations, Think Stalactites need to hold on tight from the top and Stalagmites need might to grow from the bottom. Something I remembered from 5th grade when there was a educational system in place.

[@johnnyroberts6291]

Matt, I have learned so much about diesel engines from your channel. Thanks for the great content. Keep it up buddy.

[@davidohler5611]

$500 for a replacement engine for fat Alice - you are one shrewd assessor of potential - well done Matt. To watch you sort through the spaghetti of wires was interesting and pretty neat - nicely done and agreed she sounds excellent. Suppose down the road you’ll be recording a video showing this motor being transplanted to Alice👍👍 Keep doing what you do Matt - outstanding and daily I look to see if you’ve added any vids. I don’t currently have anything to crank on to satisfy my guy thing so you getting your hands dirty having your varied successes helps a lot.

[@JesusTorres-qr1gz]

In between the starter and alternator you have the $500.00 investment, CONGRATULATIONS,.please keep up the good work.

[@normanmcgill6917]

Matt you are the Eternal optimist if I ever saw one. That is the one essential trait that's needed to work on old machinery and you have that in spades. I'm into old cars and I can look at one and see a good looking, good running vehicle where others wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. You have that same ability and I can't tell you how much I enjoy your videos and I feel just as good as you do when the engines finally roar to life. I'm sitting here in Florida cheering you on OUT LOUD. Good luck you you my friend and keep at it. Pete

[@grosseileracingteam]

Nice score Matt. Cool vid. Hang on to all of that Mil-Spec tinned copper wire. Thanks for posting.

[@davidfellowes1628]

As a complete ignoramus prior to discovering your vlog, I'm so impressed with the fundamental resilience of the diesel engine. A wonderful workhorse and will be so good in "Fat Allis". Cheers.

[@DrMarkJWeber-wx6qv]

This was a fun watch! I’m eager to see you put it in “Fat Alice”. Love the Alice Chalmers engines.

[@k4laz_1]

im pretty sure you need to supply power AND ground to the solenoid as the solenoid is isolated from ground. you can check continuity across the wires and measure the coil resistance.

[@Navila1]

I was sad for a moment because I didn’t find this weekend video 😢. Even my fiancé asked if my series didn’t uploaded a video. We love your videos Matt. Keep up the good work 🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@joshhasselgren3889]

Me too! Lol

[@ronfrance4041]

What a nice fiancé! Mine all but banned me from tv when she could take listening to the oak island narrator anymore. Got yourself a keeper

[@SteveTheFordGuy985]

Sweet deal, you scored big time Matt, this engine is near new, I believe. The oil was barely showing on the dip-stick before you added any, but it was so clean just like new oil in a new engine that may have only ran very little test / tune time at the factory . It starts, runs & sounds, like a NEW Engine . I can`t wait to see & hear it running in Fat Alis.

[@noelcross5274]

as a one man band, it can be a pain in the arse. But when you crack the injector lines, crank and when good fuel gets to injector, then close injector while still cranking. Let it run on 1, then 2 etc until running. just a thought, but works for me.

[@cmans79tr7]

11:30 - You know that if the crank turns 360 degrees, the camshaft only turns 180 degrees, so even though the pistons have made a full cycle, the intake and exhaust valves haven't yet done a full cycle.

[@destroyer85golf84]

I think we all feel the same way you do, I love getting old things going. It is my favorite hobby. I approach it like it’s a puzzle, and I’m not gonna let it beat me! I just pulled a allis CA out of a auction with a belly mower that no one wanted, got it super cheap. Made it run, and now it’s my lawn mower. Keep up the great videos!!

[@dennishayes65]

Destroyer85golf84: I bought a 1952 Allis CA with a belly mower on an auction back in 2005 & mowed with it until it wouldn’t run anymore. Took it to a mechanic to get it fixed. He had to new sleeves & pistons in it because it had no compression. it had about an 1/8” gap between the pistons and the block. Ran great after I got it back. It put out 32 hp after overhauling. It’s rated 26 hp out of the factory!

[@destroyer85golf84]

@@dennishayes65 that’s awesome, I have some tinkering to do, but that’s the best part. I was just talking to my dad the other night about the tractor. I said whatever happened to cheap dependable power. Being able to re sleeve a engine and get it going again. Not anymore, my 50 hp mahindra will long be turned into toasters and refrigerators before this CA gives up the ghost. Definitely different mindsets when the two were produced.

[@robmikell7444]

Matt, that fuel delivery line to the top of your pump, that fitting under it has a check valve in it. It has a clear glass ball & spring.

[@andersnilsson7666]

Hello Matt! Thank you for all your great videos. I know a man here in Sweden who are so much the exact replica of you in every each matter so it even makes his kids laugh out loud. You could have been twins. You have no idea how much lookalike you are and the funny are, is that you are doing the exact same things! I'm really excited to see the assembly of that engine. It will be Rock 'n Roll in that Fat Alice, guaranteed! 🤘😎🤘

[@marcripoche]

Awesome content as usual. Just FYI the vast majority of the world runs on 50hz AC, the US military being part of NATO would have most of their OS electrical equipment compatible with 50hz and 230v. On a side note the US military also use metric. They call it Army/Navy AN for short to make American soldiers feel better about not using imperial units 😅.

[@rdeanbenson2214]

Frequency on a Gen set is adjustable via RPM.

[@michaelpage7691]

Easy way to tell if stalagmite or stalactite is a stalagmite uses all it might to go up. Love your work. 👏😁🇦🇺

[@Sattracer]

Excited for you Matt. That is a really strong engine. Runs like brand new.

[@johnwudarcki9315]

Probably backup for the backup

[@johnmccallum8512]

@@johnwudarcki9315 So it was run once a year if that?

[@rocktoonzz]

Matt, as great a deal as you got on what looks like a good engine there, I think you're missing that it came with a fantastic diesel engine run stand! Bottom tank, front cooling and even a routed exhaust and plenty of room for switches, controls and guages!

[@wallyfirkins1664]

Great video. I hope that you can get Fat Allis her new power plant soon. Awesome motor. I wish that you knew how many hours it has on it. Can't be many. $500? Wow.

[@1202_is_your_Fren]

Glad to see the new heart for Fat Allis- was waiting to see the Area Diesel mash-up on that rig, but this is even better. You still have plenty of other work for them in the future! Also looks like you have been busy with finally getting some permanent Wall-Gas run, that will really move you to the next step with the shop!

[@therealrage777]

The injector pump on that generator probably isn’t the best choice to run on the loader. They are made for constant speed. I suggest you use ol Alice’s pump on this engine

[@theodorgiosan2570]

In this case the governor is electronic and moves the throttle on the variable speed pump, so it's perfectly fine to use that pump on the loader.

[@therealrage777]

@@theodorgiosan2570 that’s not the issue. The issue is the generator injector pump not being the right application for revving up and down. They are designed for constant speed. Will it work? Sure. Should it be there? No. Also it’s probably a smaller pump. Meaning less hp and torque.

[@inkman996]

@theodorgiosan2570 The electronic throttle has to be deleted and throttle control connected to foot pedal control. It is not a generator anymore.

[@therealrage777]

@@inkman996 again that’s not the issue. I’m not talking about the generators governor and speed control. It’s the wrong type of pump. Static use ie:generators and water pumps. They are optimized for constant speed output. To run the engine efficiently at a steady speed. The regular ones and made for throttling up and down.

[@jeffhutchins7048]

Don't know about THIS engine specifically but YOU ARE RIGHT! Generator engunes frequently have little nuances to them for steady rpm power plant use.

[@kd5byb]

Not aluminum wiring...but tin coated copper. GREAT STUFF as it's as good as copper but quite corrosion resistant!

[@caerusdharken57]

You might not get arround sending the pump to Areadiesel in the End. Gensets are usually set up for the power they are supposed to deliver on the electrical end and not for the full potential of the engine. The engine in my Genset could do about 200hp with turbo and everything, but its naturally aspirated and the pump is set up for 60hp and thats all it will do since the generator couldn't do more anyways, so that might need some tweeking in the end before you can put it into the Loader.

[@jasonsutton6902]

Matt that is going to be a great replacement for Allis. Glad you got it going again.

[@sharpshorts]

It's wonderful how you can locate great deals to help you renovate your projects. (machines that you also got relatively inexpensively) My old boss used to say "turning one person's sh** into shine-ola" .

[@tompat9166]

This was a wonderful video. I like that you're actually using your stuff and that you got it cheap, you're good at getting the deals. Nobody dislikes a good sounding engine, great job.