Getting the Project on the Road

Now that the cab is on, it's time to take care of the electrical, cooling, lubrication, and fuel systems and go for a drive! Sounds easy doesn't it?

Electrical Considerations for the Turbo Diesel 404

Electrical Requirements:

You must decide if you want to keep your Unimog-S 24VDC or make the change to 12VDC. I decided to keep the truck as it was manufactured – 24 VDC. Not much in the way of electricity is required for a diesel engine. For the engine to run, electricity must be provided to turn the starter motor, and also is needed for the glow plugs when starting cold.

I chose to keep the original OM617A starter in 12 VDC. I spin it, however, with 24 VDC! This provides much higher cranking RPM and faster starts. It will most likely result in accelerated starter wear, but I carry a spare junk-yard starter in the Unimog. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts at twice the voltage. I have many older pieces of Caterpillar equipment, all with 6VDC electrical systems. I have been starting those engines with 12 VDC for ten years with NO troubles. Time will tell!

I exchanged the glow plugs for new Bosch 24 VDC glow plugs. There are Bosch part number

As for the gauges, with the exception of the fuel gauge, they are all mechanical. All gauges are stock Unimog. I did add the VDO boost gauge to monitor manifold pressure due to the removal of the switchover valve.

I must apologize here!  I didn't realize this section was so incomplete.  Selling the project, Andie's greenhouse, the U1300L camper, and many other things have gotten in the way.  I'll have to find the photos in my archives and get this page finished!  (April 26th, 2002)