Iltis Overheat Question

[rob love]

Not necessary. The army did it as a safety precaution. The instructions were that you would go to 2 wheel drive if doing tight maneuvering on hard ground such as a parking lot. On dry pavement, there is no need for 4 wheel drive at any time. I remember changing a lot of worn axle joints on the regimental police Iltis which was regularly operated around camp. The bulk of the Iltis just went down the highway and into a training area.

In the icy season though, or when things are wet, it might make sense.

Note when shifting back into two wheel drive, you merely flop the lever forward and let it pop in when it's ready. If you force it, you will bend the linkage and be stuck in four wheel drive. I straightened many many many of those over the years.

[RichCam]

Thanks Rob for the 4x4 advice. Maybe the Iltis will get a little better fuel mileage in 2x4 rather than 4x4?
So, mileage can only be measured if you know how far and how fast you are going. This Iltis also has a non functioning speedometer. I was told that the speedometer needs to be replaced by the owner and he has a replacement. Problem is, it isn't the speedometer, it was a frozen speedometer cable. By freeing both ends of the cable, dumping in some anti-seize and twisting the cable cover, I was able to free the cable. Inserting the transmission end of the cable into a cordless drill and activating it registered on the speedo. It appears that the speedo drive gear is pooched (stripped) and I have a replacement gear on order. I actually have 2 on order in case someone else needs one. They should arrive next week.

[rob love]

The problem with 4 wheel drive all the time is that it would depend very much on tire pressures being at the proper pressure, based on load (which can vary), so that the deflection is even between front and rear. Even then, sharp turns result in a different turning radius between the front and rear wheels. So yes, driving in two wheel drive will save some fuel and definitely save some mechanical wear over the long run. The only wild card is if the Iltis driver ends up in accident that 4 wheel drive might have prevented, then any savings are negated.

Certainly, disconnecting the front axle for the summer months would be a good idea. Are there people actually driving these things in the winter? Mind you, I used to drive a M38A1CDN to work during a Manitoba winter, so who am I to judge? Just seems to me that if someone was driving an Iltis in the winter in Ontario or Quebec, the vehicle would turn into swiss cheese from the rust within a few seasons.

Tell the Iltis owner not to toss that new speedo head. They were problematic as well. But it is certainly a good idea to perform proper diagnosis before ordering in expensive parts.

[RichCam]

Rob,
This Iltis is well cared for during the winter! It has it's own storage shed, dry floor and is put away before the salt hits the road. Right now, it is in my workshop and I will only take it out for a test run when it is nice and dry. I am hoping to work out a deal with the current owner to "borrow it" for some events next summer. It should be "exercised" to keep it in good running condition.
When I have it all buttoned back up, I'll post a couple of pictures. It would make a cool kind of summer to and from work driver!

[rob love]

Originally Posted by RichCam

Rob,
It would make a cool kind of summer to and from work driver!

Get a Willys....you will spend a lot less time in the shop.