M38 Distributor Rebuild

Discussion topics on Willys Overland M series vehicles
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Naugha
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Post by Naugha »

I'll keep my eyeballs peeled for spare 24V parts. You're going to need them.
. 👍

My M38 came with a 24v system which I now understand to be a major restoration and future maintenance challenge ...... so be it.

Like a Florida snapping turtle, once my jaw is set, I seldom let go.
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G740
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disitributor parts

Post by G740 »

We have both types of filters in stock. Early round one that went under the coil which is the one that needs to be soldered. The late one is a quick install and does not require soldering. Early type takes the shorter coil as well. We also carry the short coil.
John
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Post by RonD2 »

John,
The note about solder and shrink tube is on your ad for the input power lead not the filter. https://shop.midwestmilitary.com/produc ... utor-lead/

Does the input power lead also require solder and shrink tube?
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

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Naugha
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Post by Naugha »

I would like to replace the cam/cam plate (same part) and weight springs but have yet to find a source for these parts.

Image

Image

Image

Could the worn inside slots of the cam plate be spot wielded and filed/polished to original size?

Does the worn edge of the one cam lobe look bad?

I see some governor weight springs for sale but not the correct ones. Can old springs be reused? Anyone know a source for IAU4006AUT distributor parts?

Would anyone like to give me a $500 rebuilt IAU4006AUT. :D
Last edited by Naugha on Fri Oct 01, 2021 2:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Don Alvarez
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Post by Naugha »

Ron- Does the input power lead also require solder and shrink tube?


Yes. The faux radio noise filter is now just a fancy wire & post.
Will add some more pics later.

Don
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Post by RonD2 »

Yes. The faux radio noise filter is now just a fancy wire & post.
Will add some more pics later.

Don
Hi Don,
Yes, I realize that. I was asking John (MWM) about the note on his advertisement that says solder and shrink tube is needed on the Distributor Input Power Lead --- because it appears not to apply to that part, but rather to the filter (that he advertises in another spot). Maybe I'm missing something, and was asking if he could clarify.

It's a good thing when one of our venerable vendors of hard-to-find military parts <<<HINT>>> is following your post. Have you called him to ask about the distributor parts you seek?
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

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Post by Naugha »

Close to finishing the distributor disassembly / making a list of needed parts. Will start searching and calling around more next week.

This distributor looks in good shape (to me). With replacement of a few smaller parts it would be ready for another life. I hate to zip it up with a worn cam/cam plate. Maybe also replace a thrust washer or two.

Several folks rebuild these things. Where do they get new parts or do they cannibalize old units.

Heck.

'Metal Shaper' would toss a short section of RR track on his lathe and fabricate the whole unit in under ten minutes.

Scott Schiller would punch in the part numbers and have a box full of RF parts delivered before the video ends.

The other YouTube War Jeep guys could MacGyver an entire half-track from a wrecked Ford Pinto.

I just need a few do-dads that would all fit in a brown paper bag with enough room left over for a pint of Wild Turkey.....
but no luck. 8)
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Post by RonD2 »

Will start searching and calling around more next week.
Pretty sure unless John@MWM continues monitoring your post here, that's what it's going to take.
Unless some of the few folks here running 24V would kindly sell you some rare spares from their stash?

Might need to post in the "wanted" section for that.

Just curious, do you know if the distributor worked before you began the rebuild?

Not sure that luck has anything to do with it....but a sense of humor helps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL7B5GXdm-8
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

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Naugha
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Post by Naugha »

Just curious, do you know if the distributor worked before you began the rebuild? Ron
The nice old fellow I bought the jeep from said it had been doing fine before he had a stroke and couldn’t fix a few things.

Do salt of the earth folks from central Texas towns (only one stop light) ever stretch the truth?

Seriously, the jeep was above average in every way, which is to say that nothing probably worked but there was no evidence it had ever been burned. :lol:
Last edited by Naugha on Fri Oct 01, 2021 7:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by RICKG »

Don, don't get your hopes up just yet but the long forgotten bones of a iau4006 are somewhere on the back of a shelf in the shop. give me a chance to check it out.
keep 'em rollin'
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Naugha
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Post by Naugha »

Be still my foolish heart. 😁
Thanks.👍 Let me know what turns up.

Don
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Post by Naugha »

Not sure that luck has anything to do with it....but a sense of humor helps. Ron
👍 I liked Rambo .... but then I have never been shot at.
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Post by RICKG »

Image

I believe this is what you seek. i might have a spare dist lead connector as well.
keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a
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Naugha
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Post by Naugha »

The cam plate and lobes look in good shape.
Look at the markings on my part in above pics.
Is it from a IAU4006AUT? If so, I would like to get the part.
Maybe drop me a message.

I have already ordered a connector.

Don
Don Alvarez
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Post by RICKG »

Image
yes, 4006. dropping you a pm with my phone#
keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a
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