Farm Fresh A5

[combat32]

It took me a year to talk this guy into selling me this mule, overall in pretty good shape.It has been sitting for at least 2 years but has been stored inside since this guy bought it.Used at their deer camp for the last 15 years or so.

I know I need to clean out the fuel system any other recomendations before I try to fire it up.Owner said when he last used it always started on the first pull.Still workin on talking him out of the other 3 he has

 

[combat32]

one more pic, the deck looks to be in really good shape

 

[clinto]

That is a really great find, very complete and not beat to death.

The gas tank is a typical issue-get damaged easily in more difficult offroading maneuvers.

The deck is gorgeous. Wish mine was that nice.

 

[rebel_raider]

Sweet! That's a nice mule. You had better bring that to Petit Jean.

 

[gunboy1656]

Very nice, even comes with an engine cover. Only thing I see that needs replaced is the front guard.

 

[jhigh]

nice find, have fun with it

 

[combat32]

Took off the fuel tank today, don't look too bad gonna drop it at the radiator shop and get it cleaned out.Pulled the plugs and checked the timing all good to go, oil change and reinstall fuel tank later in the week and hopefully crank her up next weekend.

 

[Charlie]

Nice looking mule.
Be sure to remove the top engine shroud and check for any mouse nests on top of the cylinders and behind the blower.

 

[combat32]

Will do thanks for the advice, think I should change out the fuel pump? It has been sitting for a couple of years.

 

[Charlie]

Yes, I would, because the gas today is crap and will kill the pump sooner or later. On the mules that we bring back to life, the fuel pump and carb are always changed. You'll also find out that the in-tank filter is no longer available, so think about adding an in-line fuel filter. FYI, the sediment bowl filter is a NAPA 3034. Try to find ethanol free gas when you fill up. I'd also recomend a 1/2 cup of Marvel Mystery Oil in the crankcase to help those hyd lifters pump up.

For anybody who owns a mule, you need to stock up on fuel pumps and carbs, the supply is getting low and when they are gone, they are gone. Talked to the orignal manufacturer and there are no plans to re-start production or offer any rebuild kits. I did talk to one rebuilder about fuel pump kits, but his quote was about 2 times the price of new pumps right now, but don't throw your old pumps away!

 

[combat32]

Good advice Charlie, who has carbs? I didn't see any listed on Bill's site.

 

[ryker725]

That is the ultimate deer camp meat wagon..

 

[maddawg308]

Still kicking myself over the $800 mule I passed up 10 years back. I was stupid then, too.

Nice save! Won't take much to get that looking nice....

 

[Charlie]

Bill has carbs and pumps. If you own a mule, you owe it to yourself to give Bill a call and just talk mules for a few minutes, he's great to talk with.
If you haven't realized it yet, pound-for-pound, the M274 is the most expensive MV you can own !

 

[combat32]

I have already spent over a grand and haven't even got her running yet Talked to Bill today and parts are on the way.Another proud member of the mule train.

 

[army_nurse]

DANG IT TOM!!!! now i want one. how am i going to explain this one to my wife? don't worry i'll think of something

 

[combat32]

Some progress today, taking it slow, it sux when you work for a living! Someone had been in this fuel tank before, the pickup had two sheet metal screws holding it in and one of the originals was sheared off.I was able to re-tap the two buggered up holes and get the broke one out with an easy out.Ran my tap through all the hole and am replacing the screws with stainless steel screws in case I have to come back here some day.

The pickup filter on mine had been replace with a wix 33271 slightly modified by having one cap taken off one end.Since originals are unobtainable I am going to replace with same, it is a 10 micron filter should do fine.

The tank itself and the pickup are not too badly rusted, just cleaning them up, almost ready to put the tank back together and hang it back on.

 

[combat32]

New fuel pump in today, this is one dirty mule! Find more crud under everything I look at.The blower had a couple of dirt dobber nests in it, nothing else inside the engine shrouds.Everything has been pretty simple to disassemble so far, I see some new seals in my future

 

[Charlie]

looking good! That's pretty typical of a mule fuel tank....I do like the looks of that filter, need to check that out a little more!

 

[asgtoolman]

I have already spent over a grand and haven't even got her running yet Talked to Bill today and parts are on the way.Another proud member of the mule train.

Tom; have you ordered 4 wheel steering parts or something else REAL BIG?
I did spend over $2,000, but did a COMPLETE rebuild; added 4 wheel steer, new tires, new seats, lights, footbasket for passenger, new side rails, steering wheel, brakes, gas lines, fuel pump, carb, plugs and wires, etc, etc, etc