sprocket316

I notice that torque multipliers are available from £40 upwards, will these low end 3/4" multipliers really do the job on 28mm nuts that haven't budged for at least ten years ? I'm prepared to give it a go with one of these, it sounds far more civilised than performing circus acts on scaffolding bars....but only if it works ! Any thoughts on "low end" torque multipliers (and others) gladly appreciated.

Once again, thanks Rob, 28mm (as I've only just mentioned above) is the first time I've come across one, but it is a genuine 28mm, I've measured it with a micrometer and it fits perfectly snug inside the six sided 28mm socket, funny thing is that I actually used a 1 1/8AF socket on the offside nuts with a little bit of play....and they came undone ! Neither the 28mm or 1 1/8"AF socket with 1/2" drive would touch the n/s nuts though, I fully expect to loosen them with the 3/4" gear, then I can finally get to see what is (or isn't) going on in the Hamworthy axle brake department. Thanks for the tips.

Thanks Richard, I guess I'm a bit of a caveman, I've never had the pleasure of a torque multiplier. I did try to tighten the nuts first, but had no success. I can't think of any machine I've had before thats had 28mm wheel nuts, I've had larger and obviously smaller....but I don't recall 28mm ! You've got me thinking now re the multiplier, I'm getting to old for standing on scaffolding pipes ten foot up in the air.

Fascinating thread, look forward to following the progress.

Thanks Rob, there was/is no "L" stamped on the end, and no cut half way down, this is pure operator error and has taught me not to use a piece of scaffolding pipe on a 1/2" extension bar....even though it worked on the offside nuts !

Thanks for that, I knew I was pushing my luck with the 1/2", I'd been spoilt with the o/s/r nuts and thought I could get away with it again. There's only a fraction of thread showing, hence it's difficult to make out the direction, I'm sure the 3/4" drive will sort them out....one way or another !

Might sound like a silly question, but having snapped a 1/2" drive socket extension today whilst trying to remove a 28mm wheel nut off the n/s/r of a 1985 ex MOD FMW tug, can I presume that it would be a standard right hand thread ? axle is a Hamworthy. The o/s/r nuts came off with no problem, I have come across left hand threads before....but nowhere near as late as 1985 ! I'm presuming it is right hand thread....and that I should really have found my 3/4" gear ! Any comments welcome thanks.

Many thanks gentlemen for these snippets of information, it's much appreciated. I was familiar with the FOMOCO meaning but had only heard of Borg Warner, I will watch out for any markings on the gearbox unit to confirm this. Thanks also to MTH83 for bringing the FMW name to light, apologies for jumping on to your thread, I was just surprised to see the FMW name....but knew both types of vehicles had been used by the military ! Once again, if anyone has a spec sheet or similar literature for a FMW TT40 tug, I would be only to glad to hear from you.

That's interesting, the manual FOMOCO gearbox in the 1965 Mercury tug I have is I'm led to believe the same type as utilised in the very early Transit. The 1985 FMW TT40 tug has a three speed auto, I don't yet know who that's by, ditto heavy duty rear axle, brakes etc....until I start delving ! Oh for a manual or a spec sheet to give me a head start. I wonder if Princess Anne ever considered a Reliant three wheeler as a replacement ?

Many thanks for the information, facts like these are most helpful to know.

I've heard of the starting issues before, but must be lucky as I've had no starting issues at all, I don't know if the earlier models had a different engine to the Mk1 Transit in this one, I've yet to see any literature whatsoever concerning these models....as much as I've tried ! The only fact I've noticed is that they were taken over (if that's the correct word) by Electricar, who then produced what looks like an upgraded but very similar looking model. I also have a mid 60's Mercury tug (found in a hedge a couple of years ago) fitted with a Perkins 4.99, this will not start without the pre-heater....even on a warm day ! The main issue I've had with this one is obtaining the obsolete replacement tyres. Thanks for your interesting comments.

As they say....beauty is in the eye of the beholder ! I only put it on here as the Forces did use this model in many locations, rare to see one these days though.

Recently started restoring an ex P & O FMW TT40, I think it's a 1985 model, usual issues of no foot brakes, dodgy electrics etc but engine is sound and it is mobile with care...and quick use of the handbrake ! I don't suppose for one minute that a manual (of sorts) for these machines exists anymore....but it would be handy if one did ! Thanks to Whiskers comments above, at least I now know the background to FMW, the electrics are now functioning, just waiting for the dodgy weather to move on, then I'll get it up on railway sleepers and have a proper rummage underneath. Engine is 2.5 litre diesel Transit, running gear I haven't got the foggiest until I get underneath, if it's anything like a Mercury tug it could be a selection of various makes. Any comments or advice most welcome.