Trailmater Gets A New Engine

So we pulled the engine out of Trailmater after I broke it playing in the water. While we were yanking it out I called my buddy Larry and he happened to have an old truck down by the creek with a big block in it. We went and grabbed it with Big D and pulled it back to the shop. We got the engines out of both trucks and put the good one in Trailmater. It runs, but it isn't running great... More upgrades and tweaks coming soon... Thank you everyone for watching and supporting us.
Head over to www.trailmater.com to get some merch and help support us. Thank you.
#trailmater #moab #offroadrecovery #wheeling #offroadwrecker

[@JeepnJeff]

It's more impressive knowing the wrecker has a mostly stock drivetrain.

[@julianchavez3372]

It is stock

[@k13ehr]

Yes, I was surprised too, so that must mean that the Rory must have a very light touch, which his GF will be liking too.

[@tym899]

It’s awesome really, if anything breaks down they usually have the replacement part on hand or can run into town and grab what they need, no need to wait 4-6 weeks for a custom part or adapter or computer to be disabled to get it back to work. Of course,it does have the beefiest factory parts you could start with on it lol

[@thekid1924]

That's a chevy k30 for you! Gm built some very very good trucks

[@KarlEller]

Right? I would have assumed that he at least had reduction gears in transfer or re-geared the diffs with how well it crawls along at idle, those aren't small tyres he's turning.

[@pat8988]

I for one, want to see the carnage that's making all the racket in the old motor...

[@georgevindo]

Yes,, that would be interesting to see.

[@DCSPORTSTER]

Bent rod hitting the side of the cylinder wall

[@senditkevin]

​@@DCSPORTSTERmy old ford ranger motor made a similar noise after snow wheeling at high rpm for a day. Was always rattling somewhat ever since I had swapped that motor in as the old one got a leaking head gasket, only after that day it made a much worse noise. Ended up being one the back rod bearings that ground one half into 2 pieces. But that truck had so much rust on the frame and 395,000 kms, so that was its last day. A week before that I picked up a 2010 Ranger, much nicer condition lol.

[@johnnymack8442]

Nothing beats big block torque!!

[@NOELTM]

A Ton of work missing from that 20 min video for sure. Well done guys - huge effort! Happy to see Trail Mater getting well again.

[@davestevens4263]

Nah bro ! These guys are good & super opper fast . Lol

[@davelee9087]

The boredom factor was missing with the shorter video. I, for one, appreciated that.

[@stephenshort839]

You guys are awesome. A great team. We knew that you could do it. Yeah I'll keep watching you.

[@LaDonnashielded-kc7zm]

Cool comment, have requested longer. Believing Rory feels we won't watch longer. He needs to post first and see.! I've watched every one of his videos, he knows🤣🙆🏻‍♀️Hi Rory!!!

[@haroldphipps3457]

@@LaDonnashielded-kc7zm Rory is right.

[@williamkelley7654]

STILL got itself home and into the garage!

[@DanyRivard]

I immediately recognized that engine sound. I will never forget it and the bill!!!

[@om617yota8]

LS high RPM horsepower vs. big block low RPM torque is right on, and probably a huge part of why your clutch lasts so long with the use you give it. The 454 in my truck very seldom sees more than 3500rpms, no matter the load or hill. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@tjsr.6053]

That's it.... There's a difference between a donkey and a horse

[@Ganiscol]

@@tjsr.6053what kinda horse, though? A race horse or a draft horse? 😉

[@simoneppstein9445]

"Mike, where's the white step stool?" "I never new my real stool" ... classic

[@benrossbach6501]

Acting like a kid is what keeps us young,and why we fallow along.

[@livewithnick]

Fallow? 🤷‍♂️

[@haroldphipps3457]

@@livewithnick it IS a real word. Farmers will know,,,,,, But it has no relevance in this case.

[@livewithnick]

@@haroldphipps3457 I KNOW it’s a real word. 🤔

[@haroldphipps3457]

@@livewithnick Ben doesn't.

[@livewithnick]

@@haroldphipps3457 then respond to Ben maybe? 🤷‍♂️

[@stevenberg1903]

Good thing you got it running,Matt needs a rescue😎

[@MargieM10]

Boy does he.

[@michaelc.3812]

It truly does take a strong man to admit to his less than stellar decisions without blaming someone else (like my teenagers used to do). It so nice that you know how to repair a serious problem and improve your rig, Trail Mater.

[@GEORGEFIRE777]

At 74 ,i am still a teenager,lol fyi

[@gordowg1wg145]

Well, to be fair, when i was a teen-ager I was BSing to get out of paying for my F-ups. Now as the one paying for my F-ups, I'm not worried about admitting to them - I figure this gentleman feels the same way.

[@lonhoschar1943]

Nice find on the old pickup!! And it came with a 454... BONUS!! You just can't beat those old big blocks. The do like their gas though. Unless you start hearing strange noises I'd say it sounds and runs pretty good. Fastest engine change I've ever seen! LOL!! Trail Mater lives again!!

[@jeffomalley6015]

The bloopers at the end always crack me up lol.

[@mikerobbins5049]

Might be a good idea to see if the old engine is rebuildable and have it ready for the next time. Good used 454’s are hard to come by.... around where I live at least....

[@61rampy65]

Rory, are we going to see an autopsy of the old engine? Commenters have suggested rod knock or broken piston, but my experience has been that it bent a connecting rod, shortening its overall length, and that a piston is hitting the crank at BDC. (That might not explain the oil coming out of the spark plug hole, tho).

[@trailmater]

You diagnosed it perfectly. Except the oil wasn't coming from the cylinder, we had broke the oil sending line for the guage when we pulled the plug.

[@jimmyramos7837]

Thanks for this diagnosis. I was wondering why it was knocking. Water doesn’t like to compress does it?

[@ToddsterSaw]

After seeing what happened at the Wrecker Games I am somewhat surprised Rory didn't go diesel. Trail Mater came in as the favorite and got blown away by Merlin's Tow Mater. For towing purposes, torque is king, a.k.a. diesel.

[@Peteslife]

This is why a lot of us aussies install snorkels. We can have a lot of river crossings on our tracks. And sometimes over 4ft deep.

[@FYMASMD]

People have them everywhere here also. Rory was just being o bonehead. Maybe he will get one now. 😂

[@primrosereceptionist611]

Rory stated why snorkels alone aren't enough. It's the waterproofing of vents and electrical connections that are a hassle. Would be bad to have a vacuum leak under water.

[@jeffclark2725]

We used to watch Steve Irwin, Australian zoo,he would take his truck on some serious 4×4 in the back country and down a real long fence line trail,there is serious 4 x4 there

[@BFT88]

Australia is the floodplain mud hole of the world LOL. This ain’t Australia buddy.

[@Peteslife]

@@jeffclark2725 there certainly are. We can do tracks for days in one direction without seeing another person.. Usually do see others, but we still have some very remote trails/tracks that you are alone. Google Victorian High Country.. I have done several trips where you could be 4wding and only see one or 2 others all day and not travel over the same track again till the next trip.

[@anotherdave5107]

Pssst, there's an lonely offroad wrecker with a big newish engine at the bottom of a sandy trail in the sand hollow area. Finders keepers!

[@outdoorsandoffroads.599]

Replaced a water damaged with a nearly flooded engine this is why I love watching you guys 🫡

[@hosshoffer7579]

TORQUE! I'm with you Rory.

[@richard3141592638]

Incredible! Engine swap, no knock knock, and shawn's new shoes! Thanks all - great video

[@larrybe2900]

Such a gamble as to why the truck was where it was to begin with. I would have put my bet on the engine but now it lives again.

[@MadMaxx570]

Well done! That donor truck looks like a sweetheart too

[@Gearsandoil]

Love the drivetrain you have. There’s nothing like the experience of a big block and a four speed.

[@EricksonEtc]

Always a joy watching people do work that they know how to do, especially if it involves some creative fixes.

[@craigk965]

Best sound in the world is a chevy big block,,yall are amazing at what yall do...

[@4Runner123]

I love all the room in the engine compartment on the old square body Chevys. You can actually get right in there. Pulled just a few motors back in the day. Big block all the way👍

[@kevinhaley8625]

Mike, not to worry, if they fall, they stop when they hit the floor. It’s a natural thing I like how you guys can joke around and have so much fun, seems like a great place to work.

[@doggonedk]

Trail Mater lives! I can't get over people second guessing somebody that has done this for a living successfully for as long as you guys have. Cracks me up! Lmao Loved this video!

[@vaughnmaurt5013]

My thought’s exactly

[@888johnmac]

yay .. i knew Trail Mater wouldn't be down for long

[@garytrapper2064]

There's no replacement for displacement. When it comes to a big block torque

[@concernedcitizen3651]

Rory ...we were just having a good time in the puddles......Amazing work on the new transplant...You guys ROCK! thumbs up!

[@douglasbrooker5834]

Good to see you found what seems to be a viable 454. Looks like it's a keeper and hopefully gives good service. Nice vid!

[@lamarw7757]

He'll F it up too. Anybody with half a brain, knows you don't drive through deep water, without a snorkel.

[@edbruder9975]

@@lamarw7757 I heard an old trucker replying on the CB one time years ago when somebody commented on his driving. "You drive your truck, and I 'll drive mine."

[@ihries487]

@@lamarw7757Its called having fun. Go tell kids to get off your lawn, boomer.

[@thekid1924]

​@@lamarw7757anybody with half a brain should be able to see he wasn't driving through deep water.

[@ronreith5185]

Anyone with half a brain knows that Rory forgets more about 4-wheelin' than you'll know in 10 lifetimes...

[@richardthomas1743]

Shes a ticker now! But look at the fun that you had in those water puddles! LOL

[@larrybe2900]

Delayed age appreciation.

[@bullittdog4352]

I remember way back when you replied to me that TM had stock gearing and I was really surprised..then a couple years later after watching your driving style I see how a regular HD clutch survives! The 3rd pedal work you do is the real reason this tow truck gets work done and doesn’t spend most of its time on a lift getting axles, driveshafts and ring and pinions replaced. This was a great video even without a recovery…the Shawn/Mike/Rory banter is really the best part of this channel.

[@jeff9104]

200 K knocking on the door ! Sounds better than the old motor......😜

[@ohiomoto]

"I never knew my real stool" Classic Mike. 😂

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Great to hear Mater get the Chevy Thunder back! Would you tear down the old block to replace the bent rods and keep it as a spare?

[@truracer20]

Years ago I worked in a diesel pump shop and we had a 1994 dodge Dakota delivery truck, the clutch was replaced at 275,000 miles. About 12 different people routinely used that truck. The clutch went after they hired a driver who didn't know how to use a manual transmission. The shop specialized indiesel injection, Mack and Cummins engine rebuilding as well as cylinder head rebuilding, that truck hauled at least 2, 6 cylinder mack or Cummins engines a week. That v6 and 6 speed never let us down. When I see Trailmater it reminds me how easy a manual transmission is to drive in 4 low. Damn near like an automatic. There's nothing inherently weak about a clutch, only the driver...

[@captaintoyota3171]

Man that big block 3500 square body was a gem

[@tdawgnok]

You may have broken it playing around, but at least you have the knowledge and ability to fix it. If that had been me, I'd be working for 3 months to be able to afford to pay someone else to do it.

[@dalegereaux1863]

Sounds pretty good for something you found out in the field ! 👍 And look at the time it only took you 20 minutes ! You guys are fast !!!

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

"ode to previous engine".... 🎶 Feeling like a dead duck... Spitting out pieces of his broken luck... Oh, Aqualung... 🎶

[@almclean4835]

Mater lives, long live mater.

[@brucekoster9253]

Back in the fall of 1970, it took me a day & 1/2 to do that......Rory & his crew make it look easy! I'd be curious how much damage the old engine had.....I had a hydra-lock on a small block and it wouldn't even turn over....>Rory's was still running! Impressive!

[@brianstevens2327]

I did it on a Wednesday night by myself in order to drive my truck four hours to work the next day granted the new engine was already to run.

[@garycoppard3596]

I'm glad to see trail mater is back in action. You gents are incredible. Taking it in your stride. Thank God for the spare motor (engine). Thanks for letting me be part of the journey as always, love watching all you do. 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@scottmorgan2467]

Glad to see Trail Mater survived his heart transplant. You guys did good! Stock gearing?! Doing what you do with it? Now that’s impressive!!!!

[@paulgrimes4826]

You guys are so fun put the lights on the engine on the back of the tow truck like the good old days

[@paulcooper2897]

Completely agree with your selection of a big block for how Trail Mater is built. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@jeepin4on4]

Nice to see that Old Chevy getting a 454, Can't wait to see it back in action on a recovery. Great work guys!

[@jeffm2214]

If no one else will say it....good job Ford! I was expecting Rory to slap the hood and quote, "that'll do pig! That'll do". 🤣 good job guys!

[@chunkychambers1530]

Never realized it didn’t have a doubler in it! What a beast of a truck.

[@CXensation]

Waterlocking an engine is sure to give you lots of fun: bent conrods etc. This engine certainly served you well, it deserves a good-bye kiss with love 😘

[@larrybe2900]

Old engine needs some love and it will run again.

[@spaight711]

Hopefully the block will still be good enough to rebuild.

[@TheIIOM]

Great seeing Mater back on working condition.

[@lennyross2813]

Torque at low rpm is the key for towing. And trailmater TOWWWWSSSS

[@brettmorton7365]

The reason your clutch is good... is mechanical sympathy! You don't just rev the guts out of it and ride the clutch to adjust your speed like some others...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@PoorWays]

Just saw Trailmater's heart go in! Rory and his well oiled team were like Seal Team 6 saving the day!

[@robertwestern5908]

Make it look easy guess that's what happens to do what you love .thanks for all the hard work you put in to entertain us people thanks for the smiles

[@davebenson1504]

The perfect reason for keeping so many valuable parts close at hand....

[@dryroasted5599]

"I never knew my real stool." 🤣😆🤣🦃

[@treya2403]

Man this is why I like watching Rory’s videos he started a project and finished it all in one video if Robby or one of the other channels started it , they would’ve got us all hooked on the project then said well if you want to see the rest wait a couple days on the next episode which crawls all over me 😅 And the team work was awesome

[@MastaT_150]

Y’all make everything look easy, that whole process probably would have taken me forever.

[@jedclampett6466]

Been running a 1970 truck BBC 402 in my '71 F250 Highboy since 1979. Love it.

[@cummins198389]

Ok so first off, you were having fun when you lost the engine in Trailmater and there ain’t a dang thing wrong with that. At least not in my mind. My son is 6, I’m almost 39 but we love crawling, mud bogging and playing outdoors with our toys that run on gasoline and alfalfa. Sure toys break but then we just build them stronger so we can keep expanding our skills and limits. I could be wrong as my ex wife says I’m immature but I love living life to the fullest. I’ll watch the rest of the video now 😂 After hearing that Trailmater has a stock drivetrain, I’m thoroughly impressed by how well it does all the job!! I’m glad Trailmater is up and going again. Thanks for the much enjoyed treat of a video this afternoon fellas!

[@h20base]

Very nice disassembly and reassembly, That kind of stuff overwhelms me, to you guys it is just more parts ,nuts and bolts.. You all did an excellent job.

[@anthonylee2099]

Great job on the engine swap. Hopefully everything holds up. What happened bout the cam lobe Mike was pointing out? Great video 🤙😎

[@YouTubeBinging]

I sort of liked the old wrecker motor sound. Brought me back to the days when I put a baseball card in the back tire of my bmx bike 😂

[@rogermacdearmid4380]

Big blocks forever! A man after mine own heart.

[@michaelenewold9225]

Thanks for the splaynation old school vs ls, didn't realize the torque difference. How's that oil smoke taste Sean? 😂 Good to see Mater lives!!! 😊

[@chefbirdland]

great news to see mater breathing again!. I know it wasn't anywhere near as easy as it looked. amazing work.

[@MrChrissy1r]

Heart transplant all done, transfusion all done, fluids back to normal, temperature correct, pacemaker needs a tweak, clean bill of health ready for discharge ! Well done guys, another great operation complete.

[@akelkhunter]

My wishes have been met. A replacement big block. Torque is king. So glad you didn’t go now to the peer pressure and go with with the trend of the “in crowd”. You don’t need to keep up with tie Jones’s. You’ve one upped them for what you need. 👍

[@richardthomas1743]

Sounds good! Trail mater lives! 👍

[@Carol-lm4jd]

Noticed in the last 3 videos that you are rocking a beautiful new smile Rory! So happy for you! 😊😉

[@mikeconner5119]

awsome to see trailmater on the road again i agree that the old school engines have the torque with lower rpm wich is ideal with the work that you guys do even mike lol

[@user-kl4hr1vo6h]

It is a way of life I was discouraged from continuing by my grand father and father but never forgot. Thankfully there are people who still just do their own thing and I get to enjoy watching.

[@kevbev1524]

Yeeee..... Haw..... You'll need to put a rush on that if your going to be able to get MATTMAN out of his sandtrap. The only thing that could possibly get him out is trail mater and team Moab motor sports. C'mon 200K, It would be so Kool to do it on Labor Day weekend, In recognition of all your hard (& soft), (hahaha ). work. Well deserved 😊

[@nathanshufelt6191]

It would be interesting to see what an engine that was assembled from new parts would perform like in its place. I understand budget friendly options. But a purpose built engine would be cool as well.

[@hisaddle]

I like hearing the specifications of the equipment in your vehicles such as hearing the axle ratios. Thanks.

[@Mackaygolf]

Larry is one of those guys who improves any and everything he involves himself in. Truly a Moab legend, and a hell of a Good Man.

[@anotherdave5107]

Who's Larry?

[@frankhage1734]

@@anotherdave5107 The former owner of the "new engine". I wonder how many miles are on that engine.

[@Mackaygolf]

@@anotherdave5107 The Absolute Legend who hooked em up with the new big block!

[@anotherdave5107]

Hats off to Larry. It seems everyone in Utah in the off-road recovery "Mafia" has access to a junk car stash. I can can see where Matt and Robby get theirs due to their occupation, Rory & Paul seem to have fields that grow them. Very interesting. Hats off to Larry.

[@jennamcpherson4358]

"I never knew my real stool." 😆

[@belindakt]

Fantastic! So glad you found a solid donor so quick. Around here, big blocks rule, no matter ford, chevy or mopar... Great video, thanks for taking us along 😊

[@mateofleet3390]

Congratulations on 200k! Good to see the rig back up and running

[@PK15306]

"I never knew my real stool.".😂😂😂

[@ntdscherer]

"I never knew my real stool" lol!

[@UmmmmmmmWhat]

I'm glad you were able to get Trail Mater back on the road pretty quick. Now remember, no teenage shenanigans until you find another backup big block somewhere. 😂

[@outlaw26aow61]

Matt needs your help!!!

[@Gantzz321]

Matt needs to look at the map and find an different way out

[@RealJeep]

Matt's perfectly capable of committing insurance fraud by himself.

[@Gantzz321]

@@RealJeep ouch, he did pay back that money, as part of the settlement

[@billclisham8668]

........and here I thought I was the only guy that prefers big block torque to anything LS related. I've had people tell me they can build an LS to make all sorts of torque and I have to tell them all I have to do is turn the key.....lol

[@jdudleya]

So impressive that they take things in stride and fix them.

[@iamgrowler]

Will there be a postmortem video of the boogered up engine? Dunno about anyone else, but I'm kinda morbid that way and want to see the carnage.

[@hobocat451]

Trail Mater lives! Hurray!

[@bordercollieinachallenger3933]

Great engine swap, You guys picked the perfect engine for the wrecker. As Donut would say... "More Powa baby!"

[@rhymeswithteeth]

Excellent episode. You guys rock!

[@tompinnef6331]

It's alive!! Thank you for the video. Hope the crew / family and you are doing well.

[@jackboyer9010]

Good job. Now Rory, remember, it's NOT a boat!!!😏😉😁

[@ipdjbt]

That big block will sound much better than any LS!

[@stephensears7483]

A monumental repair turn-around on an iconic piece of equipment- which of course you make seem like no big deal. Just another Thursday, right? Amazing!

[@noonehere1793]

Rod knock…..no big deal for these guys!👍

[@km5lb11]

I admire the care and finesse😆 used in the disassembly of the trucks.😂😂

[@robertscranton8293]

Pro Tip YT: THIS is the BEST offroad wrecker channel.. give em some love..

[@Boosted750]

I appreciate the no-filler videos with nothing but the good parts. Would have loved to have a 30 or 40 minute episode of this, we missed some good stuff! Nice wrenching!