Hi all,
I am looking to purchase a H1 or HMMWV. I know the maintenance/problems with these vehicles. I think I just need reassurance on my purchase.

Currently Im looking at a 1996 H1 Wagon with a 6.5 L Turbo. The truck is in good shape, some light surface rust on the frame in areas. The guy wants 30k for it. The kicker is that the carfax reported it stolen... but the owner said it was missing for a day and was recovered without any damage. hence the cheaper price.

I have my eyes on a 1989 HMMWV M998 for 15k. It has a newer 6.5 NA and 3 speed trans, installed in 2005. Its in really nice with LED lighting and maintained very well. Clean NC on road title.

The only thing ill be using the truck for is taking my ski boat to the lake and going around town and showing it off. Please give me your two cents.

thanks,

 

Pics, The H1 has 71,000 miles

 

The 96 has the at risk block if it hasn't been changed. It will also tow more and more easily than the NA motor will. The 6.5 NA with the TH 400 tranny is pretty bulletproof but top speed will be 60-ish. 96 will have AC, real doors, be much more comfortable, etc.

 

Where do I look for block cast number and which motors are known for the block cracking?

 

All original 6.5 TD motors from 1996-2000 are considered at risk motors. Have the seller verify if the motor has been replaced.

 

The owner has no clue about the casting problems. kinda makes me wonder if he has kept up with maintenance. Hes the 4th owner and has had it for 13 years.

 

Most at risk motors failed by 35,000 miles, but not all of them. I lost one at 82,000 miles

 

Ok so I found another H1 thats I like a lot, its a 1997 with the 6.5 turbo with 40k miles. The difficult part is its 800 miles away... I have have the sales team at this dealership sending me several photos, carfax and a inspection report by there service department (I took that with a grain of salt). I had them send me a video of a cold start (they actually had to jump the truck off) it smoked from the the exhaust for a second and then stopped. I think I'm getting a decent deal on the truck for 36,000 with 40,000 miles. Im going to have to spend some time flying out and shipping. Should I worry about the smoke? everything on the truck is functioning except for the ctis system is disconnected. Ill add a screen shot of the smoke