Starter Problems

[ocwd]

Im having problems with my starter. It just stopped turning the motor. It just makes a high-pitched whining noise. It started making the noise intermittently a few weeks ago. Any ideas on what the issue may be?

Thank you.

[wesk]

Hello OCWD????

I moved your post from our projects following board to our technical questions board.

Several issues arise that can be the source of your problem.

1 - Ring gear teeth damaged or missing,
2 - Pinion gear teeth damaged or missing.
3 - Pinion drive gear malfunctioning.
4 - starter drive engagement adjustment is now off.

This all assumes you have a stock 24V starter and methods vary with the early vs late versions of the M38 starter. The M38A1 only came with the late version.

It always improves the trouble discussions if you have you first name and model jeep listed in your post signature. You can make that adjustment by visiting your web site profile.

Answers and methods are in your TM's. Operator's Handbook, Engine Manual, Electrical accessories manual TM 9-1825B dated 1952 for the MBP starter and TM 9-2920-215-35 for the MCZ starter.

[ocwd]

Thanks for moving my post. I have an early M38 starter. The NOS flywheel rig gear was installed before the engine was dropped onto the frame. I will check the Manuals as suggested.

Dave

[ocwd]

Looks like I have bigger problems. One of the copper vent lines came loose and fell on top the the positive post on the starter. The top cover to the distributor melted a bit. What components are likely damaged?

[RonD2]

Hi Dave,
Not in the ORD9, but I use one of these over the starter cable connection for exactly that reason https://www.ebay.com/itm/265322392538?h ... SwTV1hJQ9D

I'd recommend doing a close visual inspection and replace anything remotely looking melted, burnt, bubbled, or otherwise not normal.
I imagine your batteries might be dead? Hopefully they'll take a charge.
Electrical issues (like worst case short circuit to ground) with no fuses or circuit breakers, can be challenging.

Good luck!

[ocwd]

Thanks Ron. Batteries are reading 12 volt each so they are good.

[RonD2]

Dave,
Do you think the tube shorting to the starter post happened while the motor was running or while parked and not running? Did you find it welded to the starter post or did it knock itself off?

Just for clarity, which vent tube was it? When the loose end fell on the starter post, where was the other end connected?

It's awful hard to offer long distance electrical troubleshooting advice without seeing things and knowing all the possible details. If you inspected everything and replaced anything bad mentioned, you're probably ok to try and start it. Then proceed from there if it won't.

I believe 12V batteries should read minimum 12.6 volts. You might want to charge them up before attempting start.

[ocwd]

It was the vent tube from the bell housing to the air cleaner. When I got to it there was about an inch left and it was welded to the positive terminal.

I pulled the starter and the gear pops out when I push the lever down. I’m going to inspect the switch then bench test it on 12 volts tomorrow.

The distributor top is melted where the plug screws into the top cover. I tested the coil and got about 5 ohms between the posts and no reading between the housing and negative post.

[ocwd]

Starter tested/operates fine on 12 volts.

Checked batteries at 12.6 volts.