Mudd Ox questions/Mudd Ox answers

[travisch]

hancock - the bildge pump runs very smooth and silent. I had to actually reach in an put a finger on mine to tell if it was running.
It also outputs on the right hand side of the machine. The output on the back of the machine is actually the fuel tank breather.
As far as water in the machine goes you will actually have a few inches in the bottom of one of the frame rail reliefs before it reaches the pickup of the pump.

[hancock]

thanks Travis. I thought that was the outlet for the pump on the back. I'd still like to know where to locate the suction lines and the pump itself......and if there is a fuse, (although since my last post I think I may have found some fuses in the electrical lines behind the switch panel. I need to go dig a little deeper).

Out of curiosity, what is the "frame rail relief"? Is that the length wise channel on either side of the tub that the chains run down? By the way, did you get my pm?

Roadtorque, they don't have an owners manual. You are right, that would be a good source of information and hopefully Matt is making that an addition to his newer models.

[hancock]

armed with the new and improved information of where the outlet is for the bilge pump, I was now able to trace the line backwards and locate the pump. I had assumed there were a pair of suction lines (like a scavenger pump), leading to the bottom based on the "W" shape of the bottom of the tub. Actually, the pump contains it's own filter and single point inlet housed on the bottom of the pump, (common with suction pumps), and sits higher than I had assumed, which is why I had trouble locating it earlier. It is just below the engine and just forward of the hydraulic reservoir on the left side. I believe the water would have to be 6 inches or so before it feeds, and I only had a couple in the very bottom, so I will assume it is still working and the water just wasn't quite high enough. I guess I'll use the drain plugs which are located nicely to totally drain the water out.

[akexpress]

The bilge pump is located next to the battery and behind the hydraulic oil tank resevoir . There are no suction lines and the base of it is where the water enters. Some times if it is run dry for an extended period of time they fail or if it gets clogged they also fail. Usually when they fail the top tends to bulge some. They are easy and cheap to replace if it happens and the water needs to be above the frame to work as it is not recessed in the channels of the machine.

[philipatmaxfour]

bilge pump

When I am hose washing my machine I have the habit of hosing into the pump outlet to clear the pump screen of any leaves or whatever, then I turn the pump on and do it again to check the operation of the pump. It shoots the water right back out at the hose. My pump would only be useful in a real emergency because there needs to be a lot of water in the machine before it reaches the pump intake. It helps that the nose rides low.

[AKfishhunter]

Bilge Pump

Already answered

[hancock]

The bilge pump is located next to the battery and behind the hydraulic oil tank resevoir . There are no suction lines and the base of it is where the water enters. Some times if it is run dry for an extended period of time they fail or if it gets clogged they also fail. Usually when they fail the top tends to bulge some. They are easy and cheap to replace if it happens and the water needs to be above the frame to work as it is not recessed in the channels of the machine.

Thanks for the info Mark. I had actually found it and it looks like we made a post at roughly the same time and you probably missed my post that is right above yours.

When I am hose washing my machine I have the habit of hosing into the pump outlet to clear the pump screen of any leaves or whatever, then I turn the pump on and do it again to check the operation of the pump. It shoots the water right back out at the hose. My pump would only be useful in a real emergency because there needs to be a lot of water in the machine before it reaches the pump intake. It helps that the nose rides low.

Thanks Phillilp. That sounds like a good idea to keep the inlet cleaned out and confirm the operation by spraying it with a hose. Also, I guess that must be common in these amphibs that they would need alot of water in the bottom before the pump is useful. I was a little surprised at how high the inlet was.

Hancock

[hancock]

Can one of you guys with the low gearing confirm the tooth count on the second axle, inner sprocket. My understanding is the high gear is 16. The low gear sprocket is larger, I presume? 22 or 24 teeth? Something along those lines?

Thanks
Hancock

[travisch]

hancock - if you count the teeth on the inside lower sprocket on the 2nd axle and post back I'll tell you what gear ratio you have.

[hancock]

Thanks Travis. Check your pms. I sent you that information Saturday. Let me know if you didn't get it for some reason and I will repost.

Hancock

[travisch]

I did indeed receive your PM but I need an exact tooth count as there is only a 2 or three tooth difference between high and low.

[hancock]

Alright, sounds good. I'll get a more precise count. It's going to take a little more hoop jumping to get an exact number. From the information I have gleaned from another owner so far, it appears that on the high gearing the inner sprocket has a tooth count of 16, (same as the outer sprockets on that axle and the sprockets on all the other axels). I'm starting to think I may have the wrong gearing installed, because my inner sprockets are definitely larger in circumference than the outers, and at first count appear to have a count of approx. 22, (plus or minus).

Hancock

[hancock]

I've confirmed the high gearing inner sprocket to be 16 teeth, (thanks Wayne)!! Mine is now confirmed accurately at 21 teeth on the inner, so at this point I am assuming that means it has the low gearing. Travis, you can back this up or dispel it based on what information you have to provide.

thanks guys for the time and effort
Hancock

[akexpress]

You definately have the low gearing and this is consistent with your GPS top speed. We have both high and low geared machines and high geared machines average 20-21 mph top speed in normal conditions 2-3 psi tire pressure and dirt. They may achieve 22-24 on pavement and higher tire pressures. If you want the higher speeds yuo can chage the gears, it is not to hard of a job to do. this may also help with your heat issues as the maxed out engine and hydrualic pump useage to try and get the higher speed you want will certainly raise all the temps. You have my number and feel free to call me if I can be of any help
Mark

[hancock]

Thanks Mark. I love it when a plan comes together. Once I get the gears swapped I will have the speed, (at least close), to what I am looking for. As you stated, it should also help the heat, and once I get the insulation lined under the seat and the muffler raised, things should be back on track.

You got, or at least ordered, a camo model at the same time I did. I wonder if they got swapped around some how and if that explains how the low gearing wound up in mine.

Hancock