WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY: Fitting 2 new engines into our WWII M5 Stuart Light Tank

[@fiKon]

Must be nice for the fellars to work on engines like these instead of original engines which spent the last 80 years at the bottom of a Belarussian swamp. Allthogh I would like those machines be 100% original I'd rather se them run than be a static display. Thumbs up to you aussies putting in all the amazing work we se here on the Workshop Wednesdays!

[@Alan.livingston]

You can imagine the sigh of relief from every tank mechanic when they invented the drop in power pack.

[@akula9713]

I wonder when it was first implemented?

[@allangibson8494]

@@akula9713 The M3 Medium (Lee-Grant) had the first attempt… 2 Hours for an engine change but the transmission was separate and came out through the front of the tank (but was just as fast to change (that’s what the big bolts on the front of the tank are for)). German tanks took two days to change engines and transmissions and requires significant demolition of the vehicle to reach them.

[@Alan.livingston]

@@akula9713 my understanding is the poor maintainability of the German tanks in ww2 lead to the use of a power pack in the Leopard 1. I think it was the first major tank to go that route, but I’d love to be corrected by someone with better info.

[@brentfellers9632]

Still waiting for them to design skid steers like that!

[@Alan.livingston]

@@brentfellers9632 I’m really interested to know why they don’t. I can only imagine how many hours are wasted globally by extended machinery down time.

[@danielkeel9265]

With all that crate motor bling, it's the Stuart Hot Rod!

[@paulsullivan6392]

True...but there is also the saying....if it won't go...chrome it. But the chaps are top flight mechs. When they fire up those engines it is going to be sweeeeeet !

[@markgriffin4888]

"ODD BALL" from Kelly Heros would be in heaven with two 350 chev engines in his tank !!!

[@craigtanner6916]

Awesome job! As the “stuff” gets older it’s almost impossible to find and replace original parts. Metal fatigue and microscopic cracks are never seen until your oil pan is full of scrap metal, like your Stuart. Some purists may turn up their noses at what you are doing, but from a maintenance, safety and ease of operation to keep them rolling point of view, it’s a brilliant solution and I commend all the hard work you are putting into running these treasures! Thanks again for another stellar episode!

[@tuppyglossop222]

As a purist, yes I think the tank is now diminished in terms of historical accuracy. What happens when the track assemblies wear out? Do we just bolt on bits of a Komatsu to “keep them rolling”? How far do you go before it stops being a historic artefact and becomes a fairground ride? It’s one thing to build a tank from a collection of bits from a number of destroyed tanks, but is it really necessary to wear out original tanks just so people can have a ride?

[@donbeary6394]

@@tuppyglossop222 same could be said for rare historic aircraft , why risk flying therm? .. because an aircraft in a museum is cold dead thing, it's lifeless .. but to see it in the air, to hear the roar of it's engine, sunlight glinting off it's canopy as it banks awy .. it lives again ... how is this any less?

[@tuppyglossop222]

@@donbeary6394 Yup, that's great. But what about when it''s all worn out? When most of the working parts have all been changed for modern ones. Like the old hammer that's had 3 new heads and 5 new handles. Is it still the same machine? And what about if you crash it like the old Niki Lauda F1 car? When it's gone, it's gone...

[@aserta]

@@tuppyglossop222 The museum has to make some money. It's not just so some people can get some rides and if it comes down to it, they'll likely fork out for someone (like their connection in Poland) to make more tracks. Also, the amount of track time these get, is minuscule compared to the actual time set they were designed to do. It's purists like you that get entire collections trashed, because the cars are static and never changed from original spec. I've seen it some many times now (here in Europe) it's not even funny. Rare cars gone right to the scraper because they were too far gone to even be good for parting. Wooden wheels eaten by insects, rats making a bonanza in the engine bays with seized engines and ruined paint from years and years of dust and zero maintenance, because inevitably, the fart that owns these cars passes away, so nobody even knows what these things are worth. In case you're wondering, not one, not two, but three collections were found because the new owners (stupid people from the same family) sent the cars to the scrapper. At least these days with the internet, the promise of monay has them asking first, scraping later, when they're told they wouldn't make much after costs of repair. Purists can walk the plank as far as i'm concerned, you lost us too many rare things with your demented attitudes.

[@craigmoore7521]

All the chrome pulleys on a tank engine kill me!!😂😂😂 Great job!!! Can't wait for more new episodes!!!

[@johnanon6938]

They put the bling in tanking.

[@Cloudman572]

Pimp my tank

[@derekh4943]

Glad you mentioned this. I was thinking this is the most shiny engine I ever seen in a Armour Vehicle

[@tdb7992]

As someone who has only lived in Perth, Melbourne, Copenhagen and the UK, I have absolutely *no idea* how you blokes manage to work so hard in the hot and humid North Queensland heat. That's some proper tropical weather you've got up there! I do love how the grass is so green there though; it reminds me of England.

[@MostlyInteresting]

Its like the SE here in the states, you pace yourself and stay hydrated, take breaks.

[@tacomas9602]

@@MostlyInteresting shit fucking sucks, plain miserable

[@tdb7992]

@@MostlyInteresting most Aussies live in Mediterranean climactic zones, a bit like California. That's why we have such a big wine and outdoor living culture. We always joke that humidity will send you crazy and all Queenslanders are a bit insane

[@tonydoggett7627]

They don’t wear underpants in the tropics.

[@ianstewartbrown5308]

Could watch these guys work all day long, another fantastic episode, can't wait for next weeks episode

[@scottcrawford7310]

Love my Workshop Wednesdays

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

I grew up in Chicopee Mass. There's a great park there, Szot Park... with a fantastic Stuart on display. As kids we would climb all over it. I believe it has been in the park since the late 50s, early 60s. Google it's pictures... 👍🏽🇺🇸

[@dougstubbs9637]

8:00 thanks for telling us about the Plethora, it means a lot.

[@robinlecomte1242]

Me thinks we have been watching a gentleman who has spent quality time with both car & truck motors - this was evident with his ease in working with engine, parts & explaining everything as he went. Look forward to "start up".

[@A_Sailors_Prayer]

With the sheer money running through this place, I’d hope so! Thea two engines are not cheap

[@andrewdowns3403]

that is going to be the " HOTTEST " M-5 any where

[@Jmp5nb]

Very imaginative use of Chevy 350’s! Usually, we poke fun at the number of modified Fords running Chevy blocks! Not sure I’ve ever conceived of an WW2 tank running the 5.7L! Imagine a driver of the era it was manufactured getting to feel the performance of Chevy with solid state ignition? Sweet to see those mounts line up.

[@maxpayne2574]

That should be one hot rod Stuart! Well done

[@PDInfantryman]

The M5 has always been one of my favorite tanks. Now we got a twin-Chevy powered version (which I will now deem the M5A2 Aussie-SuperSport)? Oh yeah, that's the one I wanna ride.

[@kristoffermangila]

The nice things bout the Stuart and its successor the Chaffee, there are still quite a lot of GM-equivalent engines and trannies to use. Even more so for the Universal Carrier; there's lots of Ford flathead V8s also around!

[@liambrady9852]

Pimp my tank! Chrome gets it home! 😂 great work as always guys

[@mikeking7470]

I came for tank restoration and got Hot Rod magazine! Right after WW2 hot rodders were putting big Cadillac and Lincoln engines in smaller cars, now with the power a modern V-8 can generate it's gone full circle.

[@Timinator62]

Ha ! this isn't the first time I've seen a small block Chevy fitted into something that never had it, great work guys. M5 Stuart Super Sport

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks, just another amazing Workshop Wednesday. I bet that the little Stuart will roar around the paddock with the new engines, Cheers

[@nandi123]

All the massive AFV will be slowly rumbling by the awestruck spectators, then out of the dust cloud, the little Stuart will come speeding by "eeeeooowwwwww". 😀

[@highlander147]

M5 that sounds like a pair of Monaros? Perfect…

[@WarPhotographer1974]

All that chrome gotta add at least 100 horse power! 😊 beautiful work as usual!

[@robertwittjr1198]

wow, didn't expect this mod/adaptation. amazing...so there were only about 8,800 produced, there seem to be only 2(?) left operational at this time? not counting your project, of course. the haunted tank was one of my favorite comics as a gradeschooler who loved to read (still do) in the early 1970's - interest in the military stemmed from family and neighbors who served in ww II and korea and the stories they would tell. that, and my uncle was active service army at ft. riley, kansas and summer vacation was always great. home of the Big Red One, the united states cavalry school in the 1880's and birth place of american armor thanks to george s patton. THAT was a field trip that still makes me smile to this day.

[@4192362]

loads of m5 stuarts still running in uk, europe and usa

[@wazza33racer]

The old light tank transmissions also had a lot of really difficult parts to source......like leather shaft seals. Its just so much more practical to use modern,common and easy to deal with drive trains. Keeping already rolling and working exhibits going with a minimum of fuss also helps the museum maintain their fleet without constant problems.

[@patricknoveski6409]

There is so much to doing this Mammoth conversion, its mind blowing. But nice to have 2 shinny new engines to work with. Wow!

[@raystarr4388]

My favorite tank to drive. I have driven 3 M5 Stuart's during reenactments. Had to even tow 1 off the field after a show due to carburetor issues

[@krissteel4074]

The Holden 253 red block V8 is pretty close to the original Caddie V8's they came with anyway. I guess its just got a couple of little old school aussie V8's now instead which is going to make it a little easier to source parts for them. The Stuarts are kind of neat in terms of history, they were at the time one of the most reliable light tanks around, I think they did a torture test of over 3000miles with no problems during the proving ground testing and that is a LONG way in any tank even now! WW2 was kind of mixed results but their main claim to fame during the battle of Kuningtou in 1949 when a Stuart got stuck on a beach prior to the invasion and two of his mates tried to pull him out (unsuccessfully). When suddenly, PLA boats came cruising in to drop off their infantry. So the stuck tank turned their turret around and started shooting The two there to help them turned around and started blazing away Eventually the two of them that turned up to assist ran out of ammo and ended up rolling up and down the beach turning Chinese troops into roadkill and defeating them. They are known locally as the 'Bears of Kinmen' and have quite a story

[@jeffheld3971]

Oberg & Holley make relocation filter kits. They use screen filters of various micron mesh inserts. It eliminates the spin-on filter and makes maintenance much easier.

[@huwtindall7096]

was hoping we'd hear the engines firing up too! next episode perhaps!

[@mattbrown9496]

You guys are doing good work here. Nice to see people being shown how these machines come together and another side of the skills that were needed to keep them going. the host does a good job at explaining tools like the torque wrench to people who might not have a mechanical background but are willing to learn and does it in a way its not going to bore experienced people away.

[@jeffheld3971]

After priming, go back with a long blade flat tip screwdriver and turn (rotate) the oil pump driveshaft so that it will match up with the dizzy drive tang. That will let you drop the dizzy right back in perfectly. What stumps people on dizzy’s is that the cam drive gear rotated the dizzy shaft as the gears mesh. Back the dizzy rotor back 1 gear tooth as you slide it down so that it will rotate into the proper orientation.

[@colvinator1611]

Great job. Using modern engines is a master stroke enabling the historic vehicles to fulfil their role. Thanks a lot for the video.

[@gothinger]

Probably the shiniest tank engine bay in the world! Love it!

[@scipioafricanus4328]

I love the Stuart series, please show more!

[@geebards]

Glad you've got the Stuart gripped up. Coming up in August to ride that monster.

[@MrPlankinton]

An Unflustered mechanic is the true marvel.

[@maggiespeaks8555]

with all the chrome, and the accents, and the heavy metal, I almost expect you all to be dressed as war boys, with torque wrenches, saying “witness me” like Mad Max! Great job!

[@vicnoel45662]

Great video! Can't wait to see (and hear) that Stuart roaring to life!

[@iainburgess8577]

Loved this one! The rain "does wonders for my audio" 🤣 And a great reminder of good days in a workshop; always several jobs going, regularly swapping (stealing) tools & equipment to get everything done. Great atmosphere as always, love the work!

[@schwabrichard9829]

That is a great solution for the problem! If keeping them running is and looking good is the goal, you scoured!! I enjoy your weekly videos are great, more museums should follow your example!!! To the purists, who think these 80+ year old machines should have every original nut and bolt, dream on!!!!

[@dirkbonesteel]

Forgot how much Australians love big output engines. This is out USAing the Americans and it's WONDERFUL !!!

[@p.d.nickthielen6600]

Mighty Tank Mods.... Combine both of my favorite Aussy KZbin channels

[@frenchroast1355]

Don't think there's another tank in the world with as gorgeous engines.

[@dnbeckmann]

Thanks so much, Kurt! I hope we can see those things fire up soon!

[@donbeary6394]

Twin Chevy small blocks , turbo 350 transmissions 🙂 .. excellent idea for a runner .. But I can't believe you didn't paint the drivetrain before installation though .. a starter installation tip, hold the motor toward the block when tightening down the bolts , eliminates the need for shimming it most every time

[@EatMyATGM]

Would be nice to see an replacement motor sourced to replace the blown up motor and get it back to original.

[@timhoran3887]

That M5 got some serious Bling .... nice work..

[@roxsanakourov.4513]

These men are wonderful in what they know, so why does this tank need two engines? I know nothing about mechanical stuff. Keep the videos coming. I live in the USA

[@iannelson7508]

Great work. You may need to level each carb up. See how it goes but if you run into mystery fueling issues, putting a wedge spacer between the manifold and carb might be a solution. Watch for oil surge too give the angles - may need to fab custom pickups.

[@donbeary6394]

good thoughts, I was wondering about proper transmission fluid levels also

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Mmmm, them’s some gorgeous 350’s, got the Holly’s to boot! Fond memories of 16 year old me dropping one in a ‘78 Camaro, removing the factory 305.

[@paulorchard7960]

Damn, another week to see and hear it run!🇦🇺👍

[@465maltbie]

Getting the exhaust on those will be a challenge, thanks for sharing. Charles

[@poormanselectronicsbench2021]

@ 3:23 WHAT, no Locktite?? I saw it in the bench when you were prepping the filter, but it's nice to see it used on the bolts for the flex plate.

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

Where I grew up in Chicopee Mass... there is a park, Szot Park where they have a Stuart Tank outside on display. As kids and then teenagers we'd always climb on it and hang around. Everyone loved it. ❤ Google it's pictures. 👍🏽

[@NYexpatriot]

The great thing is, when you think about it, this is historical research. You can read a maintenance manual all day long, but you won’t learn as much as you would actually doing the task. Imagine replacing an engine in the field or at a makeshift depot without the nice pneumatic tools.

[@WildBillCox13]

Shared with brothers-one an expert auto and marine mechanic and the other an ex M60 crewman.

[@SylviaSlaughter]

I was R.E,M.E. mechanic attached to the Scotts Guards UK 1957 we had 3 Stuart with twin cadillac engines and Gm gearboxes but we had no turret or top section and they where used as gun towers Regards Alan

[@nv1493]

SBC and TH350 or 400 will damn near run forever. Well played, Oz Armour.

[@davidkaminski615]

This Stuart would be the belle of the ball at the local car shows with all that chrome!

[@Mr34blazer]

I'd expect the outboard cylinders to run rich and the inboards to run lean with those engines being installed at those angles.

[@dennissheridan1550]

Just what every heavy armour museum needs A "hot rod tank", with all that chrome, headers and pretty red plug wires, when you show off the engine compartment it will dazzle the crowd. No more OD green for this baby, it's gona shine like the midday sun. 🤣🤣

[@thurin84]

congrats beau and family!

[@dustyfarmer]

You're going to need some chrome tramp rods & redback in resin gear knob.

[@thurin84]

youve got to respect a man whos serious about his tools. bravo ryan.

[@georgesgohier484]

OMG..... So much chrome!!!!! Beauty! Well done

[@brianjudy1653]

You guys are doing great! Loved this episode.

[@johnbradshaw354]

Interesting update on the Stuart, thank you. Shame that you couldn't restore the original engines...

[@yattaran1484]

Aewesome restoration work as always !.Not the heavy tank destroyer like Ferdinand, such a small tank of the M5 Stuart did have two engines is surprising !.

[@ldnwholesale8552]

It still weighs about 30 tonnes!

[@jonowens460]

Where they 4 cylinder engines originally?

[@yattaran1484]

@@jonowens460 They seems to have equipped with two V8 cadillac engines.

[@jonowens460]

@@yattaran1484 thank you. I know they would put Continental and Caddy engines in some U.S. tanks. My father was a mechanic in WW 2 and told me that.

[@kristoffermangila]

The Matilda infantry tank also has 2 engines, originally AEC and later on Leyland inline-6 diesel engines, but, here's the kicker... both those engines were originally powerplants for London double-decker buses of that time!

[@robertmorey4104]

Stuart is one of my favorite tanks. Would not want to fight a war in one, but they are just cool size and neat design from automotive standpoint. The chevy look great and will sound awesome! Should be a great runner w new tranny and new engine. Ryan is so calm, no profanity 😂 lol

[@johnfederkeil9211]

Great Video! I'd like to see and hear those fire up! I hope you film that!

[@roadweary5252]

Just received my Jagdpanther bolt in the mail here in the states, thank you! I always look forward to Wednesday’s ☕️

[@johnboy384]

Must go like a cut cat with those two units in it. =)

[@Ravenlord79]

Great videos, can lean tecnical english, special words, and sametime learn new tricks from professionals. Greetings from finland.

[@danielhooke6115]

Hey! Hey! Must see engine completion and engine start for the M5. Great production.

[@paulorchard7960]

2 engines? What are you going to do, drag race it!😂🤣

[@manyfaces2614]

Same thing I was thinking. Hope they will atleast throw some rooster tales at armourfest

[@Rusty_Gold85]

and if you beat them over a 100 , they can blow you up !

[@johnhumphreys3246]

Nope, do the weekly shopping

[@thurin84]

maybe theyre going to reenact the drag race gis filmed back in the day vs a jap tank lol.

[@WTHAZZAreal]

Twin inline 6s probably should have been barras

[@jeffheld3971]

You might need to shim those starters down so they don’t bind with the flywheel ring gear. Shimming allows you to get the correct gear mesh.

[@Anton_Chigurh_2007]

Dizzy = Distributor Classic Aussie slang that was new to me. My son moved to Oz from the US nearly 20 years ago and is a dual citizen, so I have gradually become pretty well acquainted with the wonderfully crazy lingo of some of the best people on earth. From what I've seen of them while visiting there, I'd rather share a foxhole with an Aussie than another American.

[@jwil6902]

A tank with bling. That’s different.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

I like the chromed out hot rodded engine compartment.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Nice video and props for sourcing crate engines, economically sound $ for the future and should last another 80+ years! Best of luck for Missouri USA!

[@donaldnichols2434]

The M5 just became a restomod, with two chev-E 350's in it I'm going to expect some smokey burnouts

[@obsidianjane4413]

With the grouser tracks, more like sparks and concrete dust than smoke.

[@Tommyboy1472]

Can't wait to see them finish assembly and first start and drive videos . Excellent work .

[@willallen7757]

The 4.3 Vortech in my Safari has 248,000 miles and still going strong, awesome engines.

[@mafmaf6417]

Love this. Just wish the vids were longer.

[@richardphelan8414]

Did you put any lock tight on the flywheel bolts ? When your Oil priming the engine you should Turn the the engine over by hand as your priming it for a first start to make sure all the lifters of full of oil and you have oil up to all rocker arms ,I really like this set up it's clean and should do you well ,I've worked with small block Chevy engines since the early 60s

[@Viewfromtheturret]

Shiniest tank engines ever!

[@manchu9inf]

the Stuart will run forever now with 2 x350 Chevy small blocks and TH350 transmissions!!

[@Manta-82]

Wonder if they had to pay full price on those engines? Hope they got a deal.

[@MGB-learning]

Outstanding video and presentation.

[@ericcorse]

Two SB Chevy's an excellent choice.

[@orbitalair2103]

Wow, nice work guys. I haven't worked or rebuilt a Chevy small block v8 in decades. Those look like nice engines. Carbs,cams,plugs it's a high maintenance engine, and you have 2 of them in there. Eagerly awaiting you guys firing them up

[@zoltronr6]

Gonna be a sweet sounding Stuart.

[@Chris.Davies]

HOT TIP from KZbin's awesome Marty_T: When replacing an oil filter ALWAYS push a rag wrapped around your finger into the threads of the filter, and wipe out the thread. You will always extract a bunch of swarf from the tapped threads. You don't want any of that crap in any engine you own!

[@fredclarijs7370]

Aus mancave sparkwires on the stug arm next to the bolt of the tigertank whauw

[@itsnotagsr]

Given its Australia would have loved to see two Barras installed

[@catmus1506]

The original W16. I'd take this over a Veyron any day! Great informative video guys.

[@michaelkneringer3194]

Great show, I love cars. You guys are going to have to repaint that Stuart metallic flake Midnight Blue and chrome the sprocket and bogeys wheels to do justice to those Chevy Vortec 350's.

[@billyponsonby]

Excellent. How does a young guy get so much knowledge?

[@danielkeel9265]

Trade school and I'd be betting in the RAEME, if not Armoured Corps.

[@eshforohio2287]

awesome video and audio quality! thanks!

[@bradleysmith2021]

Ah, the venerable “R” motor. The last evolution of the Small Block Chevrolet. You have to deliberately abuse those to kill them. Nice choice. And those torque wrenches are SCIENTIFICALLY accurate. I have three of them. They will also measure degrees of rotation for newer “torque to yield” fasteners. I envy you guys. To fix such cool stuff, instead of clapped out cars. Cheers!