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.

[@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.

[@hobocat451]

Trail Mater lives! Hurray!

[@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.

[@138NastyNate]

Well done boys. Mater LIVES!!!!

[@williamkelley7654]

STILL got itself home and into the garage!

[@davebenson1504]

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

[@DanyRivard]

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

[@Kls1972sm]

Big block all day long..LOVE the sound of Mater..GReat job guys!!!

[@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? 😉

[@jedclampett6466]

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

[@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!!

[@LaDonnaShielded-kc7zm]

📢HAPPY 200K RORY IRISH. Hotter than ever 🤩💚❣️

[@hosshoffer7579]

TORQUE! I'm with you Rory.

[@alanscott6241]

Glad that big block worked out. Never know till it fires up. Keep up the great job 👍🙏😎❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸⚓

[@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?

[@lennyross2813]

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

[@johnnymack8442]

Nothing beats big block torque!!

[@almclean4835]

Mater lives, long live mater.

[@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.

[@kpdvw]

A major undertaking with an amazing result, TM will be happy now!

[@jeffomalley6015]

The bloopers at the end always crack me up lol.

[@MarkoMygun]

You guy's are amazing, junkyard motor in ,running yes , Mater driving yes , ant update from Mike good ,lmao you guy's are AWESOME

[@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? 🤷‍♂️

[@davehollingsworth3007]

She's Alive! Yahoo! Bravo!

[@stevenberg1903]

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

[@MargieM10]

Boy does he.

[@ohiomoto]

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

[@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....

[@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.

[@concernedcitizen3651]

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

[@timoldenburg2249]

A new heart for Materstein 🤘😁🤘

[@ToddSaw]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@arnoudjanschut]

Love how you work, not buying fancy parts, but old school and fixing things instead of refit.

[@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👍

[@kimberlyvaughan3430]

Awesome you got an engine. Major surgery for Mater. Get Well Soon.😊

[@MadMaxx570]

Well done! That donor truck looks like a sweetheart too

[@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...

[@Gearsandoil]

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

[@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!

[@craigk965]

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

[@captaintoyota3171]

Man that big block 3500 square body was a gem

[@888johnmac]

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

[@robertscranton8293]

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

[@EricksonEtc]

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

[@chiefvilla3167]

Good job team Hey Rory you might have to go rescue Matt now. No need to fear Trail Mater is here again 🤙🏾👍🏽🤘🏾🤚🏽👌🏽😊😎🙋🏽‍♂️🙏🏽

[@Tysmopars69]

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

[@BikerBuildOffGuy1]

Right on, right on!!!

[@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...

[@ptwccrider]

Love the new engine you found!! Factory Orange BBC!!! I miss seeing those under the hood!!!

[@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. 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@doug9418]

That was fun, remind me of my ole day's, gotta love them big block chevys. They make the heart go racing lol. 🇺🇸

[@robertanderson5796]

Nice Job! Good to see the big boy back on the road. You blokes are amazing, no bitching, just get on with the task! Now you may have to go and rescue the worlds largest off road wrecker, after Matt got his capabilities mixed up with doabilites! 😂😂

[@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

[@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. 👍

[@paulcooper2897]

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

[@alanseys95]

Rory y'all are getting it done the right way and that is why I like your work you do to your trucks and I'm glad you found a nether 454 and they are a good ones

[@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.

[@LloydCollier-t5j]

From Lloyd Downunder ;; That was friggin awsome Team ,, Yuz Did TrailMater Good 👌👍THANKYOU for the content,, was'nt LONG ENOUGH 🏁🏁🏁

[@richardthomas1743]

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

[@larrybe2900]

Delayed age appreciation.

[@joehanson2635]

POOR Trail Mater all conjested blowing runny boogers out of his nose holes. That's awesome Mr Mater is getting a new Heart. GODBLESS YOU TRAIL MATER. GODBLESS YOU RORY SHAWN MIKE. GODBLESS YOU THREE AND YOUR FAMILYS.

[@PoorWays]

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

[@yesbigfootyes6902]

THANKS FOR BEING YOU / MY KINDA NORMAL / LITERALLY I SHARE YOUR CONTENT WITH MY FRIENDS KUZ ITS AWESOME

[@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.

[@ronreith5185]

Perfect engine for the Mater ...

[@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.

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

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

[@TheIIOM]

Great seeing Mater back on working condition.

[@chunkychambers1530]

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

[@Carol-lm4jd]

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

[@loose-arrow-garage]

That 454 is the right powerplant for Trail-mater!

[@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

[@johnnyadams1755]

It's been great seeing Trail mater getting some R&R. I hope the new heart keeps beating strong for a long time.

[@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!

[@alans6767]

good one. Kudos to the editor on the fast forward scenes, well done

[@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?

[@kricketscreations4887]

heck ya! new shop looking great brother

[@garytrapper2064]

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

[@outdoorsandoffroads.599]

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

[@rhymeswithteeth]

Excellent episode. You guys rock!

[@danielprusa4356]

Man every time the valve covers were off, I hoped they'd magically reappear painted green haha. Nice work. Love that you repurposed a junk yard engine instead of taking the easy way out n cramming some sponsored new shiny monstrosity in there. My kinda people.

[@richardthomas1743]

Sounds good! Trail mater lives! 👍

[@bcgambit80]

Perfect timing, now you can save Matt's wrecker!

[@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 !!!

[@susanharvey8944]

So glad Trailmater is back! Be kind. Ha!

[@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.

[@lyndelllyon754]

Awesome 👍

[@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 😊

[@Eric-gi9kg]

Old School Mechanicing.. AWESOME

[@MastaT_150]

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

[@percyfaith11]

Good job getting the Torque Mater going again.

[@chefbirdland]

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

[@terianntibbetts2560]

This is such a great video…!!!!!!! You guys rock..!!!!🩵

[@tompinnef6331]

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

[@Greg-bu7mi]

LMFAO! Great job! Nothing like doing it the way its been done for decades and it works! Cant wait to see TrailMater's first recovery with a new heart!

[@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!

[@ipdjbt]

That big block will sound much better than any LS!

[@JuanRomero-vi5pr]

I'm proud of all you guy's, amazing job and keep hauling and saving people.