Halloween morning. A foot of fresh snow. Sixteen degrees Fahrenheit. What better time to fire up a massive, 70-year-old diesel truck than when the world looks like a snow globe? In this icy adventure, we follow the resurrection of a 1955 Oshkosh W712 6×6—a bright orange beast powered by a Cummins diesel that’s been snoozing too long.
It’s not just a start-up video. It’s a showdown between man, machine, and Mother Nature.
The History of the Oshkosh W712
The W712 is part of Oshkosh Corporation’s legacy of building rugged, go-anywhere vehicles since the early 20th century. Introduced in the 1950s, the W712 was tailored for government, airport, and military service—especially in northern climates where snow and ice weren’t just seasonal, but constant. Its full-time 6×6 drivetrain and Cummins diesel made it a reliable workhorse in places where reliability meant survival. While few remain in working condition, restored examples like the one in this video keep the legacy alive.
Under the Hood: Specs Breakdown
Before the key turns, there’s a process—because cold-starting a classic diesel isn’t just “plug and play.”
- Engine: Cummins diesel, likely an NH-series, revered for durability and that signature low rumble.
- Drivetrain: Full-time 6×6 with a transfer case and heavy-duty military-spec axles.
- Operating Conditions: 16°F (-9°C), snow-covered, and a battery that’s already waving a white flag.
Cold Start Strategy:
- Check oil viscosity: If it won’t drip off the dipstick, it won’t flow through the engine.
- Slide a propane stove under the oil pan to warm up the engine block.
- Swap out the weak battery for a fresher one.
- Bring in a jump box and, eventually, a 225-amp engine start charger.
- Still nothing? Time for a whiff of ether—a.k.a. “giggle gas.”
Despite the prep, the first cranks are lethargic. But after heating, charging, and a dose of starter spray, the old Oshkosh finally coughs to life.
What Was the Oshkosh W712 Built to Do?
Speed? Nope. Comfort? Not really. The W712 was born for brute-force tasks: hauling, plowing, dragging, and getting through terrain that would stop modern pickups dead in their tracks.
Originally deployed for military and industrial work, this 6×6 rig was designed to function in extreme conditions. Think frozen tundras, muddy fields, or anywhere wheels shouldn’t roll. These days, it’s a showpiece for enthusiasts and a favorite subject for restoration channels.
Diesel Geek Candy: Fun Facts & Hidden Gems
- Year Built: 1955. That makes it older than most people’s dads—and still working.
- Still Running Highway Tires: Not even proper off-road lugs, yet it handles snow surprisingly well.
- Propane Heat Trick: No block heater? No problem. A propane stove aimed at the oil pan works wonders.
- Ether as Plan B: Still the best way to wake a diesel from deep hibernation.
- Looks That Kill: That WWII-style cab and blaze-orange paint scream vintage military muscle.
Why Old Diesels Hate the Cold
Diesel engines rely on heat and compression to ignite fuel. In cold temps, oil thickens, batteries weaken, and compression loses its punch. That’s why tricks like propane heat and ether spray are essential. Without warm oil and a strong battery, even the most robust diesel turns into a stubborn block of steel. And unlike gas engines, there’s no spark plug to help things along—just raw pressure, friction, and hope.
Tips: How to Cold-Start a Vintage Diesel
- Check oil condition and viscosity.
- Warm the engine block using propane or a block heater.
- Ensure the battery is strong or supplement with a jump box.
- Use short crank cycles to avoid draining the system.
- Apply ether sparingly—and only when other options fail.
Final Thoughts: Diesel Drama Done Right
After nearly an hour of tinkering, heating, and battling reluctant electrics, the 1955 Oshkosh thunders back to life. The engine roars. Steam rises. And snow gets churned under those heavy tires.
It’s not just about starting an old truck. It’s about honoring the grind, the grit, and the mechanical glory of machines that refuse to die.
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A locked Cummins, a frozen cab, and a tree growing through the frame make this 4070 revival one brutal challenge.