working on my M38A1 again

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 11:11 am

The original color of the military engines was OD2430. Original civilian F134's came from Willys black.

The engine serial is above the water pump on the small flat that extends out from under the front edge of the head.

tommy · Post by **tommy** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 10:27 am

PROGRESS!!! I have two pistons out now. I put diesel fuel in the cylinders , with the engine upright, Thursday evening. This morning, Saturday, I turned the engine upside down and began pounding on the rods with a 2x4 and big hammer. There was quite a bit of corrosion between the pistons and the cylinders. I believe the pistons and cylinders will clean up ok. The compression rings were not stuck in the grooves, but the oil rings were. IF the remaining rings are free and look as good as the first two sets I would like to reuse them. However, I don't like the looks of the expander from the first piston. Anyone know of a source for just the expanders or maybe just the oil rings?Meanwhile I'll be soaking and pounding some more. Thanks.

Post by **wesk** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 1:19 pm

Bead blast the pistons and inspect the ring lands very close with a 10x glass for cracks from the shock of the removal hammering. Don't use any with cracks. It is best to install new rings. It also pays to hone the bores until they clean up and dial bore check them before making any decision on rings.

tommy · Post by **tommy** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 1:38 pm

Thanks. I will check the pistons thoroughly but blasting won't be necessary. I am dealing with an engine that was rebuilt , then the Jeep was driven only two or three times. It probably has less than 200 miles on it. So far all the corrosion has been on the piston skirts , with a little in the oil ring area. Everything inside the engine is very clean. I have already cleaned the corrosion from the two pistons that are out , but will try to take some photos of the other two before cleaning. Thanks again.