Vulture

Guys Came across this on the web today. Fascinating stuff. (Apologies if this has already been posted) http://www.warhistoryonline.com/articles/sherman-m4a4-restoration-part-2.html Kind regards to all Ian (aka Vulture)

Hi Mike It's a good thought, but no, I haven't done any what you would class as off-roading at all with the grey lady in the three years I've had her. I'm not counting here the odd gentle drive across some grassy fields. I treat her with kid gloves from that point of view :angel:. Kind regards Ian

Quick update, there has been no progress at all at this end. Hope to do the bleed this week. Damn work keeps getting in the way

Currently under the cosh at work this week. Hoping to make time on Friday lunch-time (weather permitting as well) to bleed all the brakes.

In the second video, the engine is on, and it's a similar story. [video=youtube_share;gQ07oZbx6mY] Howard is the drain plug your talking about the one in the middle of the back you can see in the pic I posted earlier ? Wednesday' I'll get chance (weather permitting) to take it for a tiny test run (not on the public roads). We definitely have some brake action going on here, but the pedal going the floor, that's not normal is it ? Kind regards to all Ian

In the little time I had today I checked: 1) The brake fluid level, which is fine, I haven't lost any, 2) For any obvious fluid leaks, there weren't any, and 3) For a collapsing hose on the pipe that goes down to the Hydovac from the engine - it looks fine. I did take two small videos, and find myself non-plussed. On this first one, the engine is off. I put my foot on the brake and it goes to the floor, but it will pump up. [video=youtube_share;YBHGZtbr438]

Managed to grab a quick 15 minutes. From these pics it looks a series 2 (I think)

Guys Thanks for your thoughts. Was so busy at work today I couldn't make time to get to the truck to investigate further. Very irritating to say the least:mad:. As luck would have it, after weeks of dry weather the forecast is rubbish for tomorrow with heavy rain due for most the day here in York . Weather permitting I'll have a look at it on Sunday. Kind regards to all Ian

Did not check, but will do so tomorrow. Ian

Gentlemen Can I ask you to take a deep breath and indulge the mechanical novice that I am :n00b:. :help: Brace yourself to provide some advise on the subject of CCKW brakes... After 5 weeks of inactivity I started the truck this lunchtime (it's not at home currently) and was giving it a check over in preparation for possibly bringing it home this weekend. I only had a narrow time window so there wasn't going to be time to run it around, but I thought I'd move it backwards and forwards a bit and exercise the brakes. Given that the brakes were fine when I used it last, I was completely taken aback when my foot went to the floor..:shocked: Did this three times, with the engine note changing each time towards the end. I then rev'd the engine up whilst at the same time pumping the brake pedal. This firmed up to when it would normally, but as soon as I backed the revs off, the pedal went back to the floor again. That said even with the pedal on the floor I could feel that there is some breaking activity happening as I very slowly moved the vehicle backwards and forwards. There are no fluid leaks apparent. Like I say I didn't have time to get into it today, but I intend to return tomorrow. Again time may be limited, and I won't have any tools with me, so what easy things can I start looking into. I will have my phone, so can take pics/video. Any thoughts / ideas would be much appreciated. Kind regards to all Ian (aka Vulture) P.S. Here's a pic of the old girl earlier in the year with a rather nice add-on :-)

See you there

Excellent stuff

Good video Jessie, thanks for posting.

Went along on the Sunday and had a most enjoyable time. Wish the weather had been better, but it didn't spoil the day. Managed a photo op with the 25pdr late on the Sunday for a combination you don't often see

Fingers crossed for the weather at the weekend :-)

Fingers crossed Ian

Not withstanding that he says its out of warranty, in court you may be able to argue that it wasn't fit for purpose... Who was the manufacturer by the way ?

V bad luck there Steve

Including the couple of motorbikes we had 70 vehicles in attendance :-)

Weather forecast is looking good

Excellent pics and article, thanks for posting.:-) Vulture

9th-10th-11th May 2104 BATTLEGROUP NORTH organised by members of the MVT in the Yorkshire area at North Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, York. Three day event with free camping for entrants, open to military vehicles of all ages, and re-enactor groups. All entries must be submitted beforehand on appropriate forms, that can be found on the web site www.battlegroupnorth.co.uk. Superb location at the Yorkshire Air Museum, with lots to see and do over the weekend, aircraft displays, trade stalls and NAAFI open all weekend with food and bar Friday and Saturday evening. For more info see web site. Contact Brian Slingsby brian@fourplus4.co.uk

13th April - 'CRANK UP', organised by members of the Yorkshire Area of the Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) at the York Castle Museum, Cliffords Tower, York. This annual event now running for over 12 years, sees the spring airing of military vehicles of all ages. Start time from 11.00 am onwards. Contact Chris Smyth. E-Mail: chris-smyth@tiscali.co.uk

Looking forward to coming along Stu

Was the film any good, or is it only worth watching for the CCKWs ?