Something that *May* be useful

[FrankenJeep]

I am in the process of returning my M38 to 24V as it is 1) original, and 2) more cost effective than doing a complete conversion to 12V. I put out a feeler the 'web for someone who may have a 24V distributor for an M38. This process has taught me something that owners may want to consider. The distributor looked authentic, but I noticed that it didn't have "points", but an electronic module. Hmmm, that's strange.....who would sell or get rid of a converted distributor? When I went to install it, I discovered the shaft wouldn't "reach" the oil pump. Now that's VERY strange, but I soon discovered the reason for both mysteries. I bought two distributors; the nice looking one, and another for parts (just in case). I discovered that the "new" distributor was for an M151 ()thanks to Ron Fitz) and that was the reason the shaft was shorter, and it explained the electronics that puzzled me at first. The distributors LOOK identical from the outside--use the same coil...but since the Ford and Willys engines are different, the shafts are different.

SO my mechanic that is helping me with this (once worked at a Jeep dealer and even worked on a few of these old war horses, and he thinks he can remove the "guts" from the 'old' distributor and use them in the 'new' unit. The shaft will interchange and will 'reach' the pump. If so, I will have a start on a more modern electronic ignition.

I thought that readers would like to know this, and be warned that the used distributor you have just bought may be for a Mutt, and not a Willys L-head. These facts are gleaned as we go in this hobby and I am sure all us "greenhorns" can use these tidbits as we restore our Jeeps.

FrankenJeep

[Ben Dover]

Best to I.D. the distributor by Part Number on the Data Plate riveted to it. It will eliminate the errors. You will note that the distributor housing for the M-151 Series Jeeps differs from those of the M-38/M-38A1. The boss for the Primary Lead Wire is at an angle which is different than that of the M-38/M-38A1 Distributor.

[FrankenJeep]

Ben, I would have done that......if I had any inkling they both weren't for an M38/M38A1 series. I suspected something when they arrived and the two were "different" as noted above. I am not familiar with the distributors and had never had one apart before since the two jeeps assigned to me 30 years ago had never given any ignition troubles at all during their assignments. I did want to put out a word of caution for those "greenhorns" like me who might run into this issue. The fellas who responded to my request for a distributor may not have been aware of the difference themselves since the two units look so similar and I don't think there was any attempt to deceive. It DOES look like I am going to be able to make a distributor that WILL work and look authentic. IN the file for the jeep I will place a note showing the changes so that the next owner (hope that's a long time from now!) won't be scratching his head like I was when I encountered all the Bubba mods. The electronic ignition module is a PLUS and will help with starting and long-term reliability.

An aside: While 'Willy" is in the shop, he is creating something of a stir for the customers who come into the garage. Everybody wants to know, "Where did you FIND that", "I've always wanted one of those", and "Is it for sale?" One guy who I just missed when I came in awhile ago to bring some OD paint for the engine and the replacement parts, stopped in his tracks. According to David (the garage owner) his jaw dropped.....literally! He is a rabid Jeep enthusiast, and wants to meet the owner. I told David if it is that much of an attraction, maybe I ought to be charging HIM instead of him charging ME!

FJ

[mharris162]

Housings for the 24 volt distribs and most parts still can be found at good prices at most of the vendors.