1952 M38 Starter question

joebuck · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 6:01 pm Post subject: 1952 M38 Starter question

Howdy! I have a 1952 M38. Any suggestions on this fix would greatly be appreciated!
Here’s the skinny
1. Jeep when foootpedal depress slowly turns the starter. Even with 24 volts of new batteries. Been doing for several years. Finally last night when depressed …. Nothing happens
2. Battery cables to battery and solenoid are tightly secure
3. Ground to frame is good
4. 24.5 volts measured at starter
5 took a screw driver and connected positive and negative post on solenoid to “jump” start. Not a peep
6 last year or or so I would have to almost slam my foot on starter peddle to get it to start . AlwY made that slow Wa Wa Wa sound and somewhat barely starts

I am out of rookie try’s. Is bad starter just bad? Thanks for any advice
_________________
1952 M38

wesk · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:05 pm Post subject:

Which starter do you have? The two stock M38 24 V starters are:

early:

MBP-4301UT

MBP-4301UT

Late:

MCZ-4001UT

It is very important you ID the starter model/PN from the data plate for us to help you.

Also the Starters are covered for repair and maintenance in Autolite specific Army service manuals. TM 9-1825B dated 1952 covers the early MBP-4301UT and the TM 9-2920-215-35 covers the later MCZ-4001UT.

You can find these on our downloads page:

TM 9-1825B 1952 Autolite Electrical Components
Description: Covers most Autolite Electrical Components repair & overhaul
Added on: 30-Jan-2023 Downloads: 7 MBP-4301UT & also covers other Auto Lite accessories.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=201

TM 9-2920-215-35 MCZ-4001-UT Serv. Man.
Description: Field & Depot Maintenance Manual for Starter (2920-025-9988) Auto-Lite Model MCZ-4001-UT. Tghis manual only covers the one late starter.
Added on: 19-Oct-2021 Downloads: 49
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=188

A quick check if you have battery power to the starter's top mounted switch is to simply grab the lever that the foot pedal usually depresses and depress it by hand. If the start engages and turns over then you have only a lever throw adjustment to make. If it still does nothing then you have a bad top mounted switch or an internal issue.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

joebuck · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 10:51 am Post subject:

I have the mcz model. I have electricity to the switch. I ll take the switch off and inspect. I guess they can get dirty? It’s at my hunting camp mostly. Thanks Wes as always
_________________
1952 M38

wesk · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 11:39 am Post subject:

Make sure you download the MCZ-4001-UT Starter manual TM 9-2920-215-35 before you start on the repair/overhaul work.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

joebuck · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 6:24 pm Post subject:

One thing I might have not mentioned is over the last couple of years is it became harder and harder to start depresseing the petal. I would have to wiggle my foot a certain way and finally the last year is depress fully and fast to the floor. Thinking now my yoke stroke length might need to be looked at
_________________
1952 M38

RICKG · Member Joined: Aug 31, 2010 Posts: 1744 Location: SO IDAHO

i have pics of my shorted mcz switch, it aint purdy. i'll try to post.
_________________
keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a

joebuck · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:30 pm Post subject:

I think by the time I pay a mechanic and parts I be better off with “new” to me starter
Y’all recommend any reputable sites to buy one? I see several on the internet. Thanks for all the help
_________________
1952 M38

keats · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 2:12 pm Post subject:

check the starter switch on the top of the starter. take it off, (4 screws), and then take off the front face plate (again 4 screws). check the insulator plates inside for any burning, and clean them off and clean the metal contact on the end of the plunger. could be your problem and an easy fix.
_________________
Gary Keating
1949 C3A, 1952 M38,
1954 M170, 1957 Cj3B

RonD2 · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:06 pm Post subject:

That sounds better than maybe $500 for a rebuilt one --- if you can find it.
_________________
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

joebuck · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 7:19 pm Post subject:

Got my tracking info from the starter I bought. I am screwed!! It’s coming from Indonesia! I am such a dumba$$. No telling what kind of internal shape it’s in. Description said been sitting on the shelf for 10 years.
_________________
1952 M38

RonD2 · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:47 pm Post subject:

Must've been a good price.

Good luck!
_________________
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

4x4M38 · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 7:53 am Post subject:

Could be US original manufacture or India.

Keep your hopes up. These things were everywhere at one tine.
_________________
Brian
1950 M38
MC11481
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album372&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php


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