Joined: Jan 31, 2012 Posts: 197 Location: West Point, VA
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:34 am Post subject: M38A1 Engine question.
Hey Guys,
So I'm in the process of looking at engines for my A1. I have the opportunity to look at one for sale. What is a good asking price for this engine? It is complete with Carb, Fuel pump, water pump and even a 12V distributor. The owner doesn't know if it works but says it turns freely. What would be a good price to pay for an engine that may or may not work? I'm assuming the worst and going to say it doesn't work. Here are a few pics. Thoughts?
Also, for those trained in the art of A1's, Everything is there for the engine that can be seen from the outside correct? I know the water pump is missing the fan, I know the generator is not attached. I plan on turning it back to 24 and will need the distributor. But other than that, this is a good base engine platform correct?
The best you can offer for that engine is what a rebuilder like Midwest Military or Surplus City Jeeps parts requires for the core charge on an exchange. Even then the core value drops if the cam and crank are bad. I have purchased dozens of 134 Willys engines over the years and for one laying on the floor with no warranty it will run and no way to hear it run I have never paid more than $150 for it.
What is not correct on that engine?:
1-Front mount plate is for a pre 1952 chassis. Both mount ears face aft.(Civilian)
2-Wrong fuel pump.(Civilian)
3-Wrong carb. (Civilian)
4-Wrong distributor.(Civilian)
5-Wrong water pump pulley. (civilian)
6-Wrong crank pulley. (Civilian)
7-Wrong rocker arm cover. (Civilian)
8-Wrong oil filler tube. (Civilian)
9-Wrong generator mount. (Civilian)
10-Missing lower pulley shield.
11-Missing oil filter.
If you are lucky and can find all these parts used and rebuildable you are looking at over $800 in used parts and another $500 in rebuilding costs for them. If the engine's crank is not rebuildable another $200 or more. To overhaul the engine another $800 to $1500.
I would pick that engine up for no more than $75 as a parts unit and continue to shop for a later more correct F134. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Jan 31, 2012 Posts: 197 Location: West Point, VA
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:22 am Post subject:
THanks Wes! The reason I ask is because I'm looking for a motorpool quality restorable engine. I figured this was a CJ5 engine and was just wondering what a good price was. His asking prices is way more than $75 so I may just leave this one alone. Thanks again for your help! _________________ Dave
52 M38A1
That wasn't a CJ5 engine. With that front mount plate it was eitehr modified to fit in a flat fender jeep 41-52 or it came out of an early F134 pickup or wagon or jeepster from 1947 thru 52. The engine's serial number will ID what chassis it came from. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Jan 31, 2012 Posts: 197 Location: West Point, VA
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:50 am Post subject:
wesk wrote:
That wasn't a CJ5 engine. With that front mount plate it was eitehr modified to fit in a flat fender jeep 41-52 or it came out of an early F134 pickup or wagon or jeepster from 1947 thru 52. The engine's serial number will ID what chassis it came from.
He said it was in a CJ3a he bought. He said it wasn't the correct engine for a CJ3A so he wanted to sell it. I asked for the serial number above the water pump and he said that there wasn't anything there. I have some pictures of the casting numbers if that'll help. Send me a PM with your email and I can send them to you. _________________ Dave
52 M38A1
Then that explains the modification of the engine with the early rear eared front plate. There were only two F134 casting numbers back then. 646228 up through 52 and 807895 from 52 on through most CJ production by Willys & Kaiser. It's possible the serial number was machined off the block during an overhaul but more likely he did not take a little spray brake cleaner and a scotchbrite pad to clean it up and view the numbers which are usually lightly stamped. At any rate my estimates should be heeded no matter how proud he is of that engine. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
I would put an ad in the MVPA for an engine. I would bet that someone local has an MD engine looking for a jeep. It is not that rare of an engine given the production numbers.
If you can make it to the Aberdeen show in May someone might have an engine or know of one too. It is amazing what shows up there!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum