Diesel mule

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Chuck W.
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Diesel mule

Post by Chuck W. » Sun May 27, 2018 9:08 am

This is the military's attempt to convert a mule to diesel. As far as we can tell, only one was modified. Very well done, however the engine cover takes up most of the deck. The data plate says Brunswick Corp., but the model has been blanked out. Located at the Sam Werner Military Museum in Monteagle, TN.

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by Auto Shop teacher » Sun May 27, 2018 1:49 pm

Thats the MEP2 engine rated at 11hp. I’ll bet that torque is off the charts.

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by Grummanflyer » Sat Jun 02, 2018 9:34 pm

They probably knew it would take some grunt about 5 seconds to put gasoline in it instead of diesel fuel :D

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Chuck W.
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Re: Diesel mule

Post by Chuck W. » Sun Jun 03, 2018 10:22 am

Well, the gas cap IS painted GREEN! :D

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by MChapin » Sun Jun 03, 2018 4:06 pm

First thought, Looks like the engine out of an MEP 002 generator. Should have taken the time to read the other posts. Good engine.

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by kubotaman » Thu Jun 07, 2018 12:59 pm

Any other attempts to convert the Mule to the diesel by the military? Is this one based on an A5?

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by Chuck W. » Thu Jun 07, 2018 5:45 pm

As far as we know, this is the only one done by the military, based on a late Brunswick Corp. A5, although all model numbers have been blanked over on the data plate.
I've seen a few other gas and diesel engine transplants done by civilian owners, some good, some not so good! I think all of them stuck through the deck.

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by kubotaman » Sat Jun 09, 2018 6:10 pm

Interesting, and it still used the original transaxle? Wonder how it took the torque

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by Auto Shop teacher » Mon Jun 11, 2018 8:05 am

I have heard that the weak link is the drive gear that comes off the axle shaft to the drop gear housing, is that the case?

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Re: Diesel mule

Post by Chuck W. » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:39 pm

I have heard that the weak link is the drive gear that comes off the axle shaft to the drop gear housing, is that the case?
I always felt that it was the inner bearing on the axle shaft, behind the gear. I've had numerous mules in the shop that have failed this bearing. It makes a mess!
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Re: Diesel mule

Post by muleman7 » Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:52 am

Yes the weak link in the DG Housing is the upper Axle Shaft.
1-The Gear will split at the keyway due to positive 4 wheel drive and solid suspension allowing 1 and 2 wheels not making contact with the ground in extreme cases. Plus the stress on the drivetrain in full turns. The gear when it splits can blow out a piece of the DG Housing.
2-The 205 bearing behind the gear will fail because it gets the least lube and as water and trash enter the housing when the boot splits or tears will contaminate quickly. I always hand pack this bearing with grease.
3-The Gear can work off the end of the shaft and cut into the Gear Cover Housing. When this happens the Axle Shaft must be replaced because the bearing mounting surface on the shaft is worn.
4-The Axle B1412 Bearing fails before the Idler Bearings.

Even with an intact Housing and properly maintained Lube Level some of the above situations are still possible.
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