Possible purchase

[Jim Hunter]

Hello guys,

I plan to go to see some 5tons this weekend that are for sale in a yard.
I really have zero experience on them...just love them...
Basically I was looking for a m123 but very hard to locate (Greece)...
I would prefer a tractor w/winch...What I have to take care of ?
What are the most weak points on these ?
Also what batteries are required to start these ???

Thank you for your help

Jim

 

[gimpyrobb]

Big batterys are best. Not too sure on the other questions. Best read up on the tech manuals, all your questions will be answered there.

 

[Jim Hunter]

Tomorrow I will be at the yard guys...
I will take many pictures to see the old rigs...
And also to educate me a bit on these trucks

Jim

 

[srodocker]

cant wait to see pics

 

[Ferroequinologist]

An m123 is a 10 ton truck.

Love to see pics, and welcome to the site! I spent some time in Crete.

 

[emr]

show some pics than read a million or 2 threads on em there are alot of differences and alot of similarities, a 5 ton what for example ... G-744...G-852...G-908 or M809...M939 ... just sayin alot of similarities and alot of differences... good luck ... and yes good advise on the ten ton ... not a 5 ton ...

 

[M813A1]

A M123 or M125 are 10 Ton Trucks !! The M123A1C series with the V903 Cummins diesel take 4 batteries , 2 under the passenger seat and 2 under the passenger door !! The V903 Cummins Engine in the M123 are prone to breaking the Cooling fan Support bracket and that allows the fan to fall into the radiator !! So you have to pay good attention to that !! Those truck are some pulling horses !! At Full speed bobtail they will make arond 43 mph going downhill without the trailer !!

 

[storeman]

looks like this one has the potential to develop into material for setoyota's favorite threads

 

[Jim Hunter]

Well, here is some photos guys...
First a M54 gas (as per tag info)...

 

[Jim Hunter]

818 these are the only 5 ton tractors it has...
This is diesel fuel and needs some parts and also has air brakes...
Something is looks to missing in this engine compartment...

 

[Jim Hunter]

Some random pictures mostly are 2 1/2 tons only one I think 5 ton recovery...
The last photos shows a truck (m34 says tag) with single rear tyres...

 

[ranchhopper]

Looks like the cummins is missing the injector pump.​

 

[Jim Hunter]

OMG this is very sad...Hopefully the other 5 ton still have it....

Thanks for heads up

 

[Capt Pat]

Good luck with your quest, looks like there are plenty of potential candidates if you have the time. Parts shouldn't be an issue from the looks of it. The manuals you can access online here will help alot, and there are always guys here willing to help, wreckerman, gimpyrob, and the various moderators among others who seem to know alot more than some of us. I know they've heled me alot.

 

[Mack 121472]

Well, here is some photos guys...
First a M54 gas (as per tag info)...

Sorry to say but you nead to find a better truck to start with if you want to use it be fore you die. it will cost more than the truck is worth to buy all the parts to get it up an running.

 

[Jim Hunter]

Agree to that Mack.Maybe the M54 shown first in the pictures is a better start ?
It is way more complete than the M818...

 

[Jim Hunter]

I am bring this to the top as I have to ask if the M54 has a good engine reputation and where can I get info for the engine...

Thank you,
Jim

 

[NDT]

The M54 has the Continental 6602 gasoline engine which has a good reputation. Look out for manifold cracks. It is very expensive to operate due to high fuel consumption, twice that of a diesel.

 

[Jim Hunter]

Thank you Now it makes sense why these specific trucks has such a low price...
And actually is a M52 as it is a tractor...

Jim

 

[Jim Hunter]

Guys is there any chance to find a nos carb for this engine ???

Jim