what is the correct flywheel # of teeth, correct starter, and correct bellhousing? Can I make my current good running L-head work with all the other correct parts? I have a 1951 m38 with mfr ser no 34911. I'm running a L-head from a cj2a or earlier and want to continue using this motor. I'm also trying to convert it back to 24 volt. My current flywheel is a 97 tooth. the bell housing may or may not be stock, it does have the pilot hole for the starter can the 124 or 129 tooth flywheel fit in this bell housing? Did some of the early m38's have this and use the open faced starter? and what defines an early m38? I have a 24v open faced starter with 9 teeth and don't know if this is the correct starter. Which flywheel does this starter fit 124 or 129 tooth?
I know i'v asked lots of questions and would appreciate any help the more detailed the better.
Thanks Keith
In the downloads section of this website M38/M38A1 - clutch file, there is a photo of the 3 different flywheels and the part numbers of the starters they work with and the number of teeth. The starter should have a data plate with part number on it.
Your M38 would originally have the early flywheel and starter setup. The starter has an open flat looking end.
You have a Sept. 1951 M38. You should have a 124 tooth flywheel ring gear. The bell should have a 2 bolt inspection cover. Your timing marks should be on your flywheel and your starter mount bolts should be 3/8". You should use the 24V small frame. open nose starter MBP4301UT.
The CJ2A engine can be accessorized to match the correct installation requirements of the M38. You'll need the correct generator bracket and adjusting bar, the two groove crank and water pump pulleys, the correct M38 carb YS637S and the correct intake manifold with the holes drilled and tapped for the primer system and the vacuum tap.
Don't forget that the engine would also have timing marks on the cam cover plate with a corresponding hole on the back side of the 2 groove crankshaft pulley.
Enabeling it to be timed at the front or back of the engine.
Did some of the early m38's have this and use the open faced starter? and what defines an early m38? I have a 24v open faced starter with 9 teeth and don't know if this is the correct starter. Which flywheel does this starter fit 124 or 129 tooth? 
