1997.5 H1

[mikracer]

So besides the newer ac/heater controls, what distinguishes a 97 from a 97.5? Also, do the 97.5's have the easier setup for alignment, or do all 97 models have the shim system? Is there a way to check for it?

The quest to get a 97.5 is actually alive again. The one I originally was thinking about getting is still available. Again, its got 81k miles with no documentation of it getting its motor replaced, but from what people have said, it shouldnt be a problem this late in the game. I'll probably run a block test kit on it to see if theres any exhaust gasses in the radiator. If that checks out, then I guess I can feel somewhat comfortable that it should be fine.

[mikracer]

One thing I should note is that I drove it around for about 5-10 miles and after I brought it back on the lot, I wanted to check under the hood. I tried to open the overflow tank and there was a lot of pressure built up. So much that I barely cracked it and it sprayed out. I didnt try to open it anymore after that. I know that hot motors will have pressure, but wanted to know if it should be that much in the overflow. I never looked under the hood and didnt even see where the radiator was.

[audiofetish]

H1s use a completely pressurized coolant system. There are actually 2 bleed screws in the lines to bleed the air out. Don't worry so much about the pressure. You need to look for foaming. I would also get one of those kits that you suggested. Again, with 81k miles I wouldn't worry at all. It is almost unheard of to have a #8 block after 50k miles. Many true Hummer off roaders consider the 97 1/2 to be one of the best H1 years made.

[mikracer]

Good to know about that pressurized system. I'll have to check out that bleed line and see if it foams out. But when you say foam, are you talking about just bubbles, or something different?

Also, is there anything else about a 97.5 thats blatant to look for? I know the AC controls are the newer ones, but how else can you tell?

[ssgharkness020147]

Originally Posted by mikracer

Good to know about that pressurized system. I'll have to check out that bleed line and see if it foams out. But when you say foam, are you talking about just bubbles, or something different?

Also, is there anything else about a 97.5 thats blatant to look for? I know the AC controls are the newer ones, but how else can you tell?

With the truck cold; fire it up for one minute then shut it down. Crack the radiator fill cap you should get a quick short burst of air, maybe with a small amount bubbling. If there is alot of pressure, say more than two seconds it would be wise to investigate further.

[audiofetish]

Originally Posted by ssgharkness020147

With the truck cold; fire it up for one minute then shut it down. Crack the radiator fill cap you should get a quick short burst of air, maybe with a small amount bubbling. If there is alot of pressure, say more than two seconds it would be wise to investigate further.

ssgharkness explained a lot better than I did. Not much else really sticks out with 97s. Check out this page http://flashoffroad.com/humdefault.htm. Also humvee.net is a great place for H1 answers. It specializes in H1s and HMMWVs.

Also,
I am assuming you are looking at the red wagon in San Luis Obispo. If so I am sure there are members of humvee.net that are in that area that would love to go and look at the truck with you. Where are you located? I am originally from Thousand Oaks

[mikracer]

Yeah, thats the one. I'm in Santa Maria so I'm pretty close to it. I'll check out the wesites you mentioned to see if there are any skilled H1 inspectors that would want to go check it out.


Thanks!

[JustinOK]

Originally Posted by mikracer

Good to know about that pressurized system. I'll have to check out that bleed line and see if it foams out. But when you say foam, are you talking about just bubbles, or something different?

Also, is there anything else about a 97.5 thats blatant to look for? I know the AC controls are the newer ones, but how else can you tell?

The VIN! .......76477 and up are 97.5s!

From Lynch's site:
The first "1997.5" has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of VE176477 (last 8 digits). Changes for 1997.5 included a much improved HVAC system that was both much more efficient and easier to service and the new Monsoon stereo system with overhead console.

http://www.lynchhummer.com/changes/h...ges/97/97.html

[audiofetish]

Originally Posted by JustinOK

The VIN! .......76477 and up are 97.5s!

From Lynch's site:
The first "1997.5" has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of VE176477 (last 8 digits). Changes for 1997.5 included a much improved HVAC system that was both much more efficient and easier to service and the new Monsoon stereo system with overhead console.

http://www.lynchhummer.com/changes/h...ges/97/97.html

the vin he is looking at is "77036" so he is in the clear.

[mikracer]

Lets hope I can score a deal on this bad boy!

[dunefox]

FYI my 97.5 #8 cracked at 68k miles . I still have not replaced after 14 months . If you have the engine replaced with a rebuilt engine it will cost 6 to 7k . If you use new designed block add 3k . If you use HUMMER Dealer it is 15 to 18k .
PS my engine started with a slight loss of water and ran fine for over 5000 miles before complete failure .