Regular attention to the oil and grease lubrication points, and correct lubrication is far more important with the Ferret’s older design than for a modern car, for its hub reduction gear and other components are heavier and run under greater load. In service, the Army required routine vehicle inspection, called the Commander’s Functional Test. Here are two versions to download: one from 1969 and the other a much later 1984 copy.
Classic SAE30 engine oil, with no, or low, detergent additives is used in the Ferret. Besides SAE30 engine oil, its essential also to keep a stock of extreme pressure EP-90 gear oil. I buy my stocks of both in bulk from Rye Oil.These pages show the 25 litre drum of SAE30 engine oil and the EP-90 GL4 gear oil. There are other companies, Castrol, Miller’s, Opie, Silkolene & Classic Oils, but, having bought from these other suppliers, I use Rye Oils for three reaons (a) their bulk drum is cost-effective and I always have oil to hand (b) they are at the big MVT displays and (c) their oils are used in the Daimler Ferret Owners’ Group workshop. Marcus Glenn sells OM13 transmission fluid for topping up the fluid flywheel. Here is a list of oil capacities in the Ferret.
I also keep a stock of lithium-based EP2 grease to grease hinges, and particularly the grease nipples of each wheel station at the start and end of the display season. A waterproof grease has also been recommended by experienced owners. Display charts of the grease nipples that require lubrication on each wheel station (front and rear) are available for download (the old version is here). At the rear of the engine, on the right-hand side, near the oil dipstick, you’ll see this grease nipple. It is to pack the cavity between the two engine fording seals, and needs no attention unless you plan to go swimming. If you do fill it up, just give it one pump of grease gun slowly so as not to push the outer seal out.
Diagrams of the engine oil circulation system and the water cooling circuit can be downloaded using these hyperlinks. Use classic SAE30 straight for the engine and no greater than 20% blue antifreeze in the coooling system. Although the EMERs say up to one third anti-freeze can be added to the water coolant, it is recommended that no greater than 20% concentration is used to prevent the engine overheating.
Based on the older Servicing Guide; the Servicing Schedule 1963; the later Maintenance Schedule 1984 and from my experience of keeping a Ferret, I have written this civilian servicing protocol that I use to maintain my vehicle, which you can download in the sidebar. Here’s a servicing check-list which you can print off for each time you service your vehicle. Here’s the Word format, so you can amend it for your own use.
