M38 Distributor Rebuild

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Sun Oct 17, 2021 3:01 pm

Thanks Wes.

I could not find any matching numbers for the parts I need....
although the shaft seal on the Auto-lite IDA 4008 (right) looks like it would fit my IAU 4006AUT. (Pic #2)

The 4008 cams & shafts are similar to the 4006 but longer.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:02 pm

I would gladly rehome the IAD4008 if you don't part it out Don.

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Mon Oct 18, 2021 5:16 am

Parts Delivery Update

The Idaho Muleskinner’s Cabal in support of USPS workers lunch break demands has stopped delivery of M38 distributor parts to the entire Southeast. This has temporarily delayed several important M38 military revitalization projects being secretly conducted with approval from >redacted<.

We are working with the VFW and DARPA to resolve the conflict and eventually receive the vital parts. A formal complaint and demand for delivery may soon be sent to the USPS by our operative in Idaho. With luck these unpleasantries can be resolved without involvement of the Canadian Special Forces base in Boise.

BTW. Never use the word u-n-i-o-n in your WMJ posts. I would tell you why but then .....

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Mon Oct 18, 2021 12:47 pm

The Post Office lost your mail? Say it ain't so!

I've mailed a couple of packages over the last month or so. The cost has just about doubled, and so has the delivery time. Tax dollars at work.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Oct 18, 2021 7:43 pm

Careful Ron!

The US Postal Service is US in name only since they were privatized quite a few years ago. No tax dollar at work with our Post Office. They are at mercy of the current administration's management of our economy!

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:55 pm

Deleted.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Oct 18, 2021 11:43 pm

I suggest you read pages 60 thru 65 of this US Postal Service Publication:

https://about.usps.com/publications/pub100.pdf

1982 ended the Postal Service use of tax payer subsidies.

It operates much like a public utility or electric company. No taxes supporting but plenty of Government price controls and service laws.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 5:44 am

Deleted.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 7:42 am

RonD2 wrote: This has drifted way off topic. Not supposed to discuss politics at the table.

Now back to your reqularly scheduled programming..

Don has filed the necessary lost shipment request with the carrier.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:14 am

This has drifted way off topic. Not supposed to discuss politics at the table. Shocked

You and Don started it with the prolonged postal service discussion here on the technical board. All I did was correct you and add a reference to enlighten you then you replied with another essay!

There are times I tire of policing this web site.

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Wed Nov 03, 2021 8:14 pm

Back to business.

It's all about Mission Commitment..... like pulling the pilot from a damaged Corsair then dumping the plane into the Pacific.

While waiting for USPS to finish their mission (or not) I used my HF mig to fix the worn spots of my cam plate..... then I ordered a NOS cam plate from a foreign source that may be A-OK..... they used a really BIG box for a small item so the postal guys think it's important enough to actually deliver. With maybe three cams .... well, you know.

I also located a source for the shaft oil seal I messed up.

And I made one of those little tabs that I don't understand ... it was broken (on right) then I lost it ... so I made another.
What do they do??

Tomorrow I will make the gasket that goes between the distributor and the block.

Please take a look at what I have done.... stop me if disaster is imminent.

I tried to clock the cam per instructions/pics etc. but found the process as complicated as reassembling a Mauser Broom Handle pistol.... Found the LPS2 at Granger then hopped the razor wire at the local armory and scraped a wad of Artillery Grease off a BFG.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:32 pm

And I made one of those little tabs that I don't understand ... it was broken (on right) then I lost it ... so I made another.
What do they do??

They lock the points plate to the body. You'll see..

Amazing.. you got parts from Greece in less time than it took to lose the Idaho parts

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Thu Nov 04, 2021 6:30 pm

Amazing.. you got parts from Greece in less time than it took to lose the Idaho parts.

I think it has something to do with the Canadians ..... anyway....

* Wire brush wheel & PB blaster used to clean up all the dirty parts
* Cleaned and painted exterior
* NOS Cam plate * New wiring * New coil * New points & condenser
* Turned the ‘radio noise filter’ into a dummy to reduce problems.
* Added a thrust washer above the collar to tighten things up a tad.
* Replaced damaged oil seal.
* Upper thrust washer OK
* Upper shaft spacer OK with grooved side down.
* Weights & springs look OK
* Wicks look OK / lube added
* Internal cam locking spring & anti- chatter spring OK
* Anti-chatter collar at base of shaft OK
* Made locking tab
* New bushings added with holes drilled for the oil
* Clocked cam position using pics from album
* Making distributor to block gasket

My mechanic will set the points / timing / install the distributor & oil pump and double check what I have done. He will also evaluate the engine rebuild job before I put it back in the jeep.

The voltage regulator and generator are up next.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:09 am

Nice work Don!

For next time, in case you don't want to make them:
https://shop.midwestmilitary.com/produc ... plate-kit/
https://shop.midwestmilitary.com/produc ... se-gasket/

Your photo's are extra good.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Fri Nov 05, 2021 8:02 am

just remember the anti seize when installing the distributor.