Distributor compatibility

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW Technical questions and discussions, regarding anything related to the WWII jeep.
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Galea
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Distributor compatibility

Post by Galea » Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:27 am

Hello all, some questions regarding distributors for someone who is knowledgeable in these matters:

Would a distributor from a GPW engine fit a later gear driven flathead engine (I think its from a CJ3A)?

Is the rotation of the distributor the same in both engines?

Does the post war Prestolite IAD-4041 fit both engines?

Thank you.
M4985796 Willys MB G503 (1942)
61KF95 Land Rover 90 TUL (1986)


Marty, SoCal
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Re: Distributor compatibility

Post by Marty, SoCal » Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:30 am

All flat head and F head distributors will interchange as a unit, they all spin counter clockwise.

The gear on the oil pump and cam is cut the opposite way so that it spins the pump the same way on gear or chain drive engines.
43 Ford GPW 92098
53 Dunbar Kapple M100
Sold: 61 CJ-5, 41 T207 WC-1 Dodge closed cab pickup
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Re: Distributor compatibility

Post by artificer » Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:31 am

It is my understanding that if the fitted drive gear is correct [they are interchangeable] all else will be fine.
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Re: Distributor compatibility

Post by Galea » Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:00 am

Thanks for your swift replies Marty and John. In your opinion, would both of these fit?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Military-Jeep-W ... 1534881201

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Jeep-W ... 1191694260

I believe the price is good for a new item. I am not concerned with originality, I would appreciate a good running engine more in this case.

Thanks and regards,

Joseph
M4985796 Willys MB G503 (1942)
61KF95 Land Rover 90 TUL (1986)

Marty, SoCal
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Re: Distributor compatibility

Post by Marty, SoCal » Tue Jul 22, 2014 11:07 am

The first one looks more correct and uses the same cap and rotor as the IAD4008, from the picture in the listing. The other one will work fine, though.

I'm pretty sure there are some vendors with similarly priced new distributors with electronic ignition, in case that interests you. Some seller in Europe will probably have them with less shipping cost.
43 Ford GPW 92098
53 Dunbar Kapple M100
Sold: 61 CJ-5, 41 T207 WC-1 Dodge closed cab pickup
MVPA #8266
USMC Tanker (1811, 1812), 85-93
ASE Automotive Master tech, former Chrysler-Jeep Level 4 Mastertech, CA state EA smog license

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Re: Distributor compatibility

Post by Galea » Tue Jul 22, 2014 11:11 am

Thanks Marty, much appreciated!
M4985796 Willys MB G503 (1942)
61KF95 Land Rover 90 TUL (1986)

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Re: Distributor compatibility

Post by Marty, SoCal » Tue Jul 22, 2014 11:16 am

Ron has the electronic ignition distributors for $175:
https://www.vintagejeeps.com/p-1511-dis ... 068-e.aspx

Regular for the same price:
https://www.vintagejeeps.com/p-432-dist ... 23068.aspx

Not sure what the customs/shipping is to Greece, though.
43 Ford GPW 92098
53 Dunbar Kapple M100
Sold: 61 CJ-5, 41 T207 WC-1 Dodge closed cab pickup
MVPA #8266
USMC Tanker (1811, 1812), 85-93
ASE Automotive Master tech, former Chrysler-Jeep Level 4 Mastertech, CA state EA smog license


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