Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 344 Location: Wichita, KS
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2018 3:45 pm Post subject: Possible short?
Trying to get my stock 24v 1951 M38 to start. It had been starting fine, but it has set for a few months and now nothing. My batteries are fully charged (and I have 24v to the starter switch) but whenever I hit the foot starter switch the voltmeter pegs to the negative and the stater does nothing. I took the starter off and cleaned the contacts in the switch and "bench tested" the starter and it spins. The engine is not stuck as I can turn it over with the fan and belts.
Any clues on what the problem may be?
Thanks for any assistance.
Kendall _________________ 1951 M38
1952 M38
1952 M38A1
1942 Dodge WC-55
1951 M100 trailer
1942 Ben Hur trailer
Joined: Feb 17, 2012 Posts: 530 Location: Del City, OK
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2018 5:49 pm Post subject:
When measuring your voltage is it 24v or 28v if only 24 then one or both of your batteries are weak... charged batteries should hold 13.8 volts (approx) each this about 27 volts... if the batteries are weak then you will not get enough to spin the starter...
I say this as I have the same problem, I know I need to replace the batteries but do not have the funds to do so at this time...
Pull the lead between the batteries and see if you have one weaker than the other... and go from there... when using a 12v charger I charge one then the other...
Hope this helps... _________________ Hal, KB1ZQ
TSGT, USAF (Ret)
1952 M-38 CDN CAR 52-31313
1952 M-100 Strick #104
1951 Willys Wagon (For Sale)
1954 Willys M38A1 201001205
Tornado Alley
Del City, OK
Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 344 Location: Wichita, KS
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2018 4:54 pm Post subject:
Thanks Hal. As an update I replaced both batteries with new ones from Sams (Merry Christmas to me) and now it starts like it is supposed to.
Kendall _________________ 1951 M38
1952 M38
1952 M38A1
1942 Dodge WC-55
1951 M100 trailer
1942 Ben Hur trailer
Joined: Feb 17, 2012 Posts: 530 Location: Del City, OK
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2018 7:24 pm Post subject:
I did the same thing about a week ago... now to get it ready for storage before the weather really gets bad... _________________ Hal, KB1ZQ
TSGT, USAF (Ret)
1952 M-38 CDN CAR 52-31313
1952 M-100 Strick #104
1951 Willys Wagon (For Sale)
1954 Willys M38A1 201001205
Tornado Alley
Del City, OK
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