Ran great, then motor stopped dead!

[WESTCOMVIC]

Had my 1953 M38A1 out for a run after a sucessful go in a local parade,
took the wife out for her run and with no warning or splutter the motor stopped dead. Like the ignition switch was shut off. Checked the switch and have 24.7 volts from the battery side to the positive side of coil. no shorts at condensor. Checked the circuit breaker,bypassed but still no joy.Can a coil breakdown that fast?I have no high tension spark to plugs. Any suggestions,(other than too much estrogen riding along!) Come on Wes, bail me out! Thanks,Dave

[RICKG]

Happens all the time, Dave- 1 sweetheart gets jealous of
the other sweetheart and quits ya just like that!!
_________________
keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a

[jimm]

Yes, I've had two coils (non-M38) fail suddenly, leaving me stranded out in the boonies. Check the coil with an ohmmeter per instructions that can be found in this forum, and let us know what you find out. Also check the points.
_________________
Jim McKim
1952 M38 son-father project
Slowly turning rusty parts into OD parts

[DJ]

[TomM]

You confirm 24v on the + side of the coil.
Also, have you checked that the points are opening/closing and have not slipped closed?

[WESTCOMVIC]

Yes Tom, confirm 24 volts at + side of coil and points are working correctly. Took the coil in to auto electric place,and although they could not actually test it, suggested the secondary was shot and also confirmed an immediate failure like that was indicated.

[wesk]

The offshore coils have had a much higher failure rate. They may not tolerate the heat well. Is your vent system connected through the distributor properly?
_________________
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

[WESTCOMVIC]

Thanks for the comeback,Wes. Yes, the vent lines in and out are unimpeded.
From what has been said I think I'm in line for a new coil. Any suggestions on a reliable source?

[TomM]

Mullens, AJP and MWM had USA Made, NOS, USGI coils a short time back.

[WESTCOMVIC]

Thanks for the tip Tom, I did score one from Erik's Military and Industrial Surplus in Ca.

[Cacti_Ken]

Let us know how that new coil works out.
_________________
Tropical Veteran
35th Inf. Reg. "CACTI" 4th I.D. VN
Amateur Radio K5XOM

[artificer]

I assume most everything with this system is similar to any other conventional system or magneto.

You said no spark to the spark plug. Working backward, did you check from the coil centre to ground? If you get a good saprk here this could indicate trouble with the rotor or shorting/tracking inside the cap.
_________________
John GIBBINS
ASE Master Medium/Heavy Truck & Auto Technician 2002 USA
Licensed Motor Mechanic NSW # MVIC 49593 Current
YOU CAN'T TROUBLESHOOT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND

[jbjeeps]

I want to add my thanks to all who replied to this question. My '53 did the same thing yesterday. As a life-long less than amateur wrench turner, I'm always grateful to the knowledgeable folks who help to bail me out when I get into trouble. Thanks!
_________________
1953 M38A1 (His)
1963 CJ5 w/Tuxedo Park Mk III (Hers)

See you at the Old Jeep Rendezvous in Ashton, Idaho 9:00 am - Noon on the first Saturday after July 4th. All pre-1970 Jeep vehicles, military or civilian, stock or modified welcome.

[wesk]