Blown Head Gasket - M38

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Fri Feb 08, 2019 8:21 pm

I'm sure they're very nice, but not a jeep book in the bunch. No good to me. Unless of course, you were suggesting I go buy an old Plymouth and take my questions with me?

I'd rather give you the money and buy your new book! You won't let us contribute to the cost of running this website --- what else can we do?

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Sat Feb 16, 2019 11:54 pm

After 5 years of casually glancing at generic L134 motor mounts from various supplier ads all over the place, now that my motor is at the machine shop I've been looking more closely. (Take Nothing For Granted Department - thanks Wes!) I'm installing radiator support rods on the power pack this time.

Most of the mounts I see advertised are like what I have, open across the bottom. A few I've noticed lately have a flat plate tack welded across the bottom of the mount. Some forums and ads say this bottom plate is unique to the M38 to capture and reinforce the radiator support rods. Some folks in other forums say the extra 1/16-inch height from the plate is for correct drive train alignment and they're even used on CJ's. Hard to get to the ground truth. Nothing definite I can find in the TM's. Nothing in this forum on it that I could find.

http://willysjeepforum.kaiserwillys.com ... ount-Issue

It looks to me like these bottom plate style mounts could be universally used with an L134 anywhere, but capturing M38 radiator support rods seems the more likely reason to me, but what the heck do I know?

I'm thinking I should get a pair of them and get one step closer to M38 perfection. I haven't seen any NOS, but there seems to be some new reproduction around, reasonable prices.

Your experience and advice appreciated as always!

Post by **wesk** » Sun Feb 17, 2019 12:50 am

And this has what to do with a "Blown Head Gasket"????????????????????

You are not saving space or money by introducing a string of unrelated issues in the same posting. If anything you are burying the new topic where it can never be re-found during a search. If you have a new topic you want to introduce to the tech board and you want max exposure to possible answers then start a new post with the new topic.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Sun Feb 17, 2019 12:24 pm

Wes, Thanks for the tip. Done posted as a separate topic.

I did post a "sub-topic" title here, so it will hit on a search. I was thinking the topics are related --- I probably wouldn't be asking about motor mounts if I didn't have to remove my motor because of a blown head gasket......

But I do see your point. Thanks.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Feb 17, 2019 12:34 pm

I was thinking the topics are related --- I probably wouldn't be asking about motor mounts if I didn't have to remove my motor because of a blown head gasket......

That phrase can be stretched way over the horizon for any undertaking we take. Toilets and toilet paper are related but folks looking to repair their toilet are hardly looking for how to mount a roll of toilet paper on it's roller!

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Mon Feb 25, 2019 6:32 pm

Machine shop called today, finished their cleanup and inspection of my motor. The good news is the block can be repaired! I'm going to visit them Friday morning to discuss details, and get a parts list.

More to follow.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:39 pm

Well.........after 138 calendar days since January 30 when I dropped it off (101 actual work days minus weekends and holidays) I picked my motor up from the machine shop today --- ready for me to do my part and put it back together!

I'm pretty sure I'll be needing everyone's patience and expertise as I ask for advice and questions along the way --- hopefully not too many stoopid kind

. I've never done this before (not even a lawn mower engine) so right off the bat --- thank you!

I can say this today: without even hitting the starter yet, I'm tickled with the experience so far (ok, except maybe the wallet part not so much

). I'm pretty sure I found the best machine shop in South Carolina --- if not west of the Mississippi. Right in my own backyard (15 miles from my driveway anyway). If any interest I can post more photos and intimate details about the repairs, machine work, parts, and the rest as I go along.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Wed Jun 19, 2019 2:18 pm

Got to pull the main oil gallery fore and aft pipe plugs for a good block wash-down. Looks like Willys used an 11/32 square pipe plug? Really? I guess a 5/16 or 3/8 plug was too easy.

Oh well, what's another one-time $15 socket for my tool box. In for a penny, in for a pound(ing)

Blown Head Gasket - M38

M38 Motor Mounts