Starter Motor

[djgg]

When i try to start my M38A1 some times the starter motor engeges sometimes all i get is the sound of the motor going round but does not engage the fly wheel . And yes i am pressing the starter button down hard with my foot .
Any ideas .

[usma41]

Check the starter selinoid

[djgg]

Sorry if i am a bit slow but how do i check the starter selinoid ?

[usma41]

The contacts on the selinoid may be burt out, I,m not sure if you will have to remove the starter or not, but it would seam best to do so. Before you do, Also check your ground wire connection to the starter. One thing I found could be dirty battery terminals. If sometimes it works and not other's it is more then likely a loose connection somewhere. Even at the starter switch. The starter selinoid is what engage's the starter cog into the flywheel.

[wesk]

Looks like we have mixed up starter types. The M38 and M38A1 24 volt starters do not have a solenoid. They have a very simple kick start system where when you depress the pedal the drive pinion is manually inserted against the flywheel then just as the manual insertion is completed the pedal then closes the starter power switch contacts and voila the starter will spin.
The sliding pinion gear is mounted on an overiding clutch so when the engine fires and spins faster than the starter this clutch disengages the pinion gear so the gear will spin freely with the flywheel until you release the pedal so it can all return to it;s original position .

You check the adjustment of yout pedal and switch by confirming that when the pedla is depresed the pinion gear is fully engaed with the flywheel BEFORE the lever contacts the power switch.

Since you say you are getting full travel on the pedal and that sometimes the starter will only spin electrcially while not turning the engine and other times will turn the engine ok means it's time to remove the starter and clean the pinion and overrunnibg clutch assembly with contact or brake parts cleaner and blow dry. Then spray just a wee bit of spray silicon on the sliding surfaces and reinstall the starter.

If you are still a member of our old Yahoo group then you'll find the complete manual instructions for the starter rebuild and adjustments there on the backup willys m jeeps yahoo group.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/willys-military-mjeeps/files/TM9-1825B/
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[usma41]

I stand corrected. Thats why I wait to do anything from the forum until the disscussion is completly worn out. LOL

[djgg]

Thanks all for your replys .
I will do as wesk states . I will remove the starter motor this weekend
and will report back

David