starter arm travel setting

lilm38 · Post by **lilm38** » Thu Jun 17, 2021 6:35 pm

I still can't get my M38 running. I spent many hours tracing all the shorts in the piece of trash wiring harness that was wrapped in new tape and swapped with my existing vintage wiring of Maine harnesses by the "restoration shop" but since all the switches and sending units are also junk as well, I gave up and will have to buy another new harness.

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... .thumb.jpg
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... .thumb.jpg
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... .thumb.jpg
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... .thumb.jpg

Now I'm just trying to
get the engine to turn over by disconnecting everything but power and bypassing the on/off switch. using a screwdriver across the starter terminals I get only a whirring sound. No change with plunger pushed in. It did engage the drive before but doesn't now because I messed about with the jam nut.
Is there a specified adjustment for that bolt and it seems that when the plunger is pushed the lever on the starter feels like it should be pushing against something that has some "give" instead of a "solid wall" type feeling?

With luck I will run into that fat, pipe smoking sob someday.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jun 17, 2021 11:53 pm

I take it that electrical troubleshooting is not fun for you!

You should start with TM 9-1825B dated 1952. This Autolite component maintenance manual has all your answers. You can view the section on that starter in my photo album or go to our downloads page and download the entire PDF manual for free.

If you have never had to replace a starter flywheel ring gear you are not aware of how much pain toying with the throw on the shaft of that starter can cause you.

My album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

The Downloads Page: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... oad&cid=57

lilm38 · Post by **lilm38** » Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:41 am

As usual thank you Wes. I downloaded the manual. With luck I can get this babe running before I have to vacate my brother's garage. Clock's ticking.

cobra5 · Post by **cobra5** » Sat Jun 19, 2021 5:41 am

The whirling sound is the armature spinning and the starter clutch not engaging. Does the jeep run? If so you can always push start it.

lilm38 · Post by **lilm38** » Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:53 pm

I haven't been able to get the engine started because I keep discovering more broken parts so it's fair to say it doesn't or wouldn't run even with a push start. I only had a few weeks to work on it at its present location, which has now expired, so it goes out Monday for what I hope won't be another 8 years in storage.
One day, Mr "poor as a church mouse" fat tub of *&%$ will have that pipe shoved up his *&^.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Jun 20, 2021 10:51 am

If you look at our web site's Photo Album index you'll see an entire album devoted to the Army's PS Magazine:

lilm38 · Post by **lilm38** » Sun Jun 20, 2021 12:07 pm

Thanks Wes. I'll try to fabricate that bracket today and give it one more shot. As always, thank you for your generous assistance. Can't say that enough.