New to the forum looking into m54

[Toomuchtime]

Hello guys I've been lurking around for along time coming back from time to time researching etc. Great forum and tons of knowledge on this forum! A little background on me is I'm a land clearing contractor in California. We need a vehicle on site to put a fire out if we start one .A vehicle capable of going out in the back country and some not so good dirt roads. I know the downfalls of running these trucks commercially but i i think my needs and budget this will work great for my limited usage . I've found a ex forestry truck that is equipped with pretty much what I need.

The truck is a few states away and getting pictures and info is tuff. I've looked for info but can't seem find the info this is where I need your help lol

The truck is a kaiser m54w I can't find what the w stands for. Also I know the motor is a multi fuel but I don't know if it's turbo charged or not or which it is?
Any other info on this truck would be great. I have a picture of the data plate but some stuff is hard to make out. There is also a forestry plaque in the truck with a serial number and a plate that reads toole army depot warranty info.

Any info would be great thanks guys!!!!!!!!

 

[Toomuchtime]

It is a 1968

 

[vtdeucedriver]

All multifuels in the 5 tons are turbo'd The W is a typo but it should be a M-54A2 for the multi engine.

 

[Toomuchtime]

The data plate reads m54 W
No a2 there

 

[gimpyrobb]

Maybe it was modded by an outside company, that is not a "normal designation". Post some pics.

 

[Junkyard Wars Crusher]

Maybe the "W" is the truncated remains of W/W or WO/W (with winch or without winch)

 

[area52]

be aware that California has new rules concerning diesel engines and emissions. You might want to look into that before investing any money and time into getting a MV.

 

[Toomuchtime]

Thanks guys I'll get some pics up tomorrow not sure how to do it on the iPad.area 52 yes the carb compliance issue is crazy in California. Carb states on there website that they only govern diesel vehicles. If it is capable of operating under a fuel source other diesel they have know regs for it . I've called into carb they could not give me a answer so they sent me to a supervisor he or she is supposed to call back in the next day or so. If this works I will be set with the old continental multi fuel. A loop hole in the almighty carb scheme would be great. I'll keep you posted.i

 

[Toomuchtime]

heres some pics guys.

 

[Toomuchtime]

This is all the pictures they have sent me so far the data plate is tuff to read. Can anyone make out any relevant info on it?

 

[Warthog]

According to the data plate, the truck started out a a plain M54 "with winch" (what the W is) with the Continental R6602 Gas engine.

At some point it was changed to a Multi-fuel but was not rebadged

M54 NSN 2320-00-835-8335

If you can get by the CARB issue, the truck looks clean and should work for what you need it for.

 

[Toomuchtime]

Thank you for the info warthog. I have my fingers crossed about carbs response. Is there any way to tell which continental motor was put in it? I cannon seem to find alot of info the original m54. I'm guess it is a sprat transfer case. How is the drive train in this truck particularly it off road Ability.
Thanks

 

[Warthog]

Not with the pictures provided.

All of the Multi-Fuels are the same, whether it was was made by White or Continental.

You can download the Tech Manuals for the M39 series trucks. They have all the info for the gasser and multifuel

TM 9-2320-211-xx

That is where I found the NSN number listed.

The sprag transfer only engages when it senses the rear wheel slipping. It does need to be adjusted from time to time to work properly.

 

[M813A1]

That truck looks Good !! It should work fine for what you want as long as you can deal with the emission rules . As for the sprag it works like Warthog said as long as you hear the air valve work when you shift into and out of reverse and 1st gears and hear the klunk that is the sprag moving into and out of FWD and RES . With the transfer in low range you will get all the wheels turning if your truck has lockers in the axles otherwise you have convential axles

 

[gimpyrobb]

That truck looks Good !! It should work fine for what you want as long as you can deal with the emission rules . As for the sprag it works like Warthog said as long as you hear the air valve work when you shift into and out of reverse and 1st gears with the transfer in low range

Theres a little more to it than that, but they are fairly reliable.

 

[indy4x4fab]

Its a refitted gasser to multi-fuel m54, like gimpy's m62 wrecker, I see six diesel injectors in picture three jut to the right of the valve cover.

 

[Toomuchtime]

Finally had them send me a picture of the data plate for the motor this make more sense?and how would I know if it has lockers or conventional axles.

thanks again guys

 

[Toomuchtime]

i wonder if when I go to register it the vin will show a gas motor? does it work like that?

 

[NDT]

According to the data plate, the truck started out a a plain M54 "with winch" (what the W is) with the Continental R6602 Gas engine.

At some point it was changed to a Multi-fuel but was not rebadged

M54 NSN 2320-00-835-8335

If you can get by the CARB issue, the truck looks clean and should work for what you need it for.

I think the main data plate is not the correct one. The VIN, 9525-1503X, is a few digits away from my 1968 Kaiser M54A2 W/W, which is 9525-14675. This truck was always a multifuel.

 

[Toomuchtime]

hmmmm is there any other info I should ask? he also stated he only has a GI title and has not titled to his state. Should I buy it with the go title or have him register with his state then purchase it? thanks guys