Posted by Lloyd on Sunday, November 19, 2000 at 07:23:44:
In Reply to: Flathead engine longevity posted by Matt Wilson on Saturday, November 18, 2000 at 00:03:21:
I bought my 1959 WM300 Power Wagon in 1966. It is a nice combo, 12 volt system with the proven 230 engine, up on 9.00 16 Seiberling tires, it has been used whenever possible. The odometer showed 5014 when I got it. This morning it shows 32482. That in no way includes many hours idling or miles of backing up. In the late '60's when it was new to me I put the first 10,000 miles on it. The Dodge got all the treats, oil changes every 3 months, good gas with LEAD, lots of washing, and lots of driving and lots of wrench work. The '70's saw the truck as a true work horse on the farm. 20 - 25 cords of wood a year, hauling every farm item imaginable - manure to calves, and more than occasional winter school bus duties - 20 miles one way - for 2 young sons. Most likely hundreds of hours of off road use.
In the '80's this "cool looking old truck" became very desirable - I took to hiding it when I wasn't using it. For a while it seemed like everybody and his brother was out to buy it. "Sorry, but I Still Need the Truck"
All that said - the work didn't hurt the engine, the damage came when there was someone else at the wheel. Over- reving and poor shifting the most harmful abuse to the long stoke 6 cyl.
My sons learned to use the truck, my oldest son has his own sweet '61 WM300. Our neighbors never learned not to abuse the truck. In the mid '90's it started to blow both gas & oil smoke as a result of mechaically impaired drivers, mostly " friends" & neighbors. They totally mistreated this monster with improper driving techniques. Screaming in second!! AArrrGGGggHHhh!! Down shifting at high speed! NNOOO!! Stopp!!
Want long engine life - Keep The Driving To Yourself! My truck is a three hour start for local chores. A long distance run would take a few days of preparation. If I need any big work I usually ask my son to drive over with his key-start 251. good Morning - oldwolfe