Correct Starter

[swat]

My M38 is Vehicle number MC56226, and the engine number is MC42908. I am planning to convert back from 12 Volts to 24 Volts. Should I have the early starter, or late starter?

[evanso1975]

According to the ORD-9, the late starter is "used on engines after serial number 74419". Of course, it's not clear if that's the engine serial number or the jeep serial number.

Since both your numbers are before this, then it doesn't matter. But an easy way to check is look at your bell housing. This great photo courtesy of Wes shows the differences:


Also, if your bell housing inspection plate has two bolts, then you use the early starter. If it has six bolts, you use the late starter.

Wbr,
Owen.

[swat]

Thanks for your great info. Got a visual on the bell housing plate and confirmend that it is an early one.

[wesk]

The MC74419 is in reference to engine serials.

Today you must ignore all serial numbers and make sure the starter fits the bell housing no matter how many holes the plate has as I believe the late civvy bells have 2 bolt inspection plates..

The early starter (These are referred to as small frame) will only mount in the early bell housings with a rear support bushing and two 3/8" mounting bolts. The early M38 starter pinion must go with the 124 tooth ring gear

The late starter (These are referred to as large frame) will only mount in the late bell housings without the rear support bushing and two 1/2" mount bolts. The late starter pinion must go with a 129 tooth ring gear.

Since mix and match has been common over the years and the the various bell housings will bolt to any of the Willys 134 engines and the various flywheel/ring gear combo's can bolt to any of the 134 cranks you must physically inspect to determine what you need.

[swat]

I'm almost certain it is the original bell housing, as most of the olive drab paint is still on it, and the rest of the jeep. It is a mostly unmolested jeep except for the 12V system. However, in this game "amost certain" is not for sure, so I will keep checking.

[wesk]

Both early and late bell housings were OD and umolested is a term that is not often easily applied to a 60 year old jeep that has spent probably 15 to 20 years in the military where molestation was common place and from there only God knows.


It is so simple to check. What size are the two bolts that mount the starter? 3/8" or 1/2". 3/" = early starter and 1/2" = late starter. Then make sure which ring gear you have on your flywheel. You can count teeth or measure the width of the ring gear.