Military Vehicles, February 1997,: M38A1 hard Starting -Reply

M38A1 hard Starting -Reply

WIDD-James (RiceJ@silltcmd-smtp.army.mil)
Mon, 03 Feb 1997 09:23:14 -0600

Sounds as if your starter is dragging. What has happened is the
bushings have worn to the point where the armature is touching the
field. When this occurs, all the new batteries in the world won't turn it
over. If it is dragging and starting "reluctantly" as you say, it is only a
short time from not starting at all. Be careful and don't continue to
operate it in this condition. If you do, it will overheat and sling all the
solder from the armature, necessitating a rewind. Many automotive
electrical shops can rebush the starter and, if necessary, rewind the
armature for you. When you have the work done, also have the
button/switch on the starter replaced. I didn't and it failed about a week
after I had the starter rebuilt. The additional cost is only about $12.

I went through this same scenario with my 54 M38A1.

Good luck,

Jim Rice
RICEJ@USAFAS.ARMY.MIL [work]
jimrice@iamerica.net [home]

>>> G. Kein <gfk@totcon.com> 02/02/97 05:36pm >>>
Hi all,
I recently purchased a un-restored 1955 M38A1. Even though it is
un-restored, It's in verry good shape. The only ad on's are 24 volt
directional signals, a pinicle front tow bar and warn overdrive.
The only problem I am having is it is rather difficult to start. The
starter drags and turns over slow and reluctantly. It has new batteries,
the voltage regulator is putting out 26.5 volts. I put on a new distributor
cap, rotor and spark plugs.
Being a newbee and not very mechanical I could sure use some
advice.

thanks,
Jerry Kein