edsonh2000

   

Hi folks:

My two kids and I loaded the Amphicar onto its recently acquired
trailer and drove our old 1978 Dodge RV 140 miles out into
California's Mojave desert between Barstow and Las Vegas to visit my
friend's private lake.

I have posted several photos under the "Photos" section for your
enjoyment.

Crystal Lake is a quaint 40 acre lake that was dug in about 1980 and
is filled with well water from the ancient Mojave River, which is now
300 below the surface of the desert. Small vacation homes surround
the lake with direct ramping ability for small waterski boats,
jetskiing, tubing, etc.

Each of the three days we were there it was an amazing 108 degrees
(that's not a typo -- that's one hundred eight degrees!).

There were two things that were interesting about this visit from a
historical point of view. According to one of the homeowners who has
owned his lot since the lake's beginning, mine was the FIRST Amphicar
ever in Crystal Lake! Additionally, there is an island in the middle
of this lake, and I of course am the ONLY car that has ever been on
the island! Imagine those homeowners who were not there this weekend
wondering how tire treads got on the island?!?!?

Now for the mechanical report. At the beginning of the visit, Amphi
performed well, considering the high desert temperatures. However,
towards the end of the visit, it was quite difficult for me to drive
out of the lake because it appeared to me that the clutch is
slipping. This slipping condition persisted once I return home and
drove Amphi around the block. I admit that I am in need of new double
lip oil seals due to recurring "buttermilk" in the tranny, but I had
taken the precaution of changing out all of the gear oil right before
this journey.

Would anyone care to comment with their expertise???

Thank you all for your help in advance. At least I did not get stuck
on the rocks like Billy!

Ed Howard
Orange County, CA
64 Red

Ken Chambers

   

> Now for the mechanical report. At the beginning of the visit, Amphi
> performed well, considering the high desert temperatures. However,
> towards the end of the visit, it was quite difficult for me to drive
> out of the lake because it appeared to me that the clutch is
> slipping. This slipping condition persisted once I return home and
> drove Amphi around the block. I admit that I am in need of new double
> lip oil seals due to recurring "buttermilk" in the tranny, but I had
> taken the precaution of changing out all of the gear oil right before
> this journey.
>
> Would anyone care to comment with their expertise???

I found that the clutch pedal free play on my Amphi decreases with temperature.
I at first adjusted the free play to a minimum thinking the cable would expand
with temperature. Just the opposite occurred and resulted in an engaged clutch
release bearing and a slipping clutch. I now run with excess free play when
cold. When everything heats up the free play decreases a bit - and no more
slipping clutch.

I this a characteristic of the Amphicar?

Ken Chambers
'64 Amphi