The usual way I imagine.

Nice OPSEC, Ninth...

Usual caveats:

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I would have thought fuel filters would deal with sand for at least a while - if they have them. Sugar would be better, but from what we hear of their provisions, they might be short of that!

If you read thread they ran out of replacement parts such as air, oil, fuel and other filters long ago and have been running without. It’s not just tyres and oil seals where the funds were embezzled….

I shudder at th3 thought of the condition of their equipment and it’s remaining life.

Weekend update. While the map is not changing a great deal (though it is changing) this week brings home the difference between what is happening on the direct battlefield, and what is happening behind with the preparations for battle (and how the latter determines the former).

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1...838601728.html

A reasonable comment, however wherever it is possible, I hope you will impose your normal rigour.

Surprised to hear that myth being aired here. Sugar does not dissolve in diesel or petrol. It has no effect whatsoever unless you put enough in to block the fuel lines, filter or smother the fuel pump.

A Soul destroying job.

​​​​It's such a favourite way for novelists and film-makers to disable a vehicle that I just assumed it was true. You live and learn.
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Water is what you need in fuel. Fuel floats on it when settled and engines feed from the bottom of the tank.

Does it have to dissolve though?

If it gets carried through into the cylinders and burnt, won't that have the desired effect?

Sugar will burn what you want is to block the filter Ior the jets in the carb or fuel injection.

Given the lack of repair resources the easiest way to disable the vehicle is just pour a gallon of water in the fuel tank Won't look like sabotage but will definitely screw up the works.

Likely would be a water drain under the fuel tank - much like an aircraft. Bit hard to drain sand.

An interesting question. Diesel engines do (generally) have a water separator so you'd have to dump a in lot of water (of course, I'm not sure about Russkie diesels). So what's easily available for troops in the field that they could do to an engine to disable it and not be caught? Sand down the intake? Sand in the oil fill? Potato up the exhaust (joke)? Cut an oil line (tough to disguise)? Water in the oil? 'Accidentally' drain the oil and replace the plug? Dump the electrolyte from the battery? Punch a hole in the radiator (could be a bullet)? Crack a fuel rail and hope for a fire? Cut the throttle linkage and assume there are no mechanics? Arrange for full throttle and hope for diesel run away? Punch holes in some of the tires (assuming not a tracked vehicle)? Pull out the tire valve stems (need to dismount the tires to repair)? Loosen some bolts in the drive train (wrench required)? Remove transmission drain plug (again, wrench required and evidence on ground)? Add water to the gearbox? Add sand to the gearbox?

Replacing the oil drain plug with a candle stub is supposed to be effective.

Since this method is hardly going to be inconspicuous concerning spilt oil, why replace the plug at all ?

I can see you've given this a lot of thought :cool: