M38a1 fuel pump and front plate

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 5:51 am

It doesn't have the fording system on it anymore (although he has that on his "want" list for the future - it's an early '52 model). I haven't checked that vent line - maybe I can get home before dark tonight and check that. From what I have seen so far, it is completely possible that it could be plugged! Now my biggest problem is finding time between work and daylight savings time to work on it. It might have to wait until I'm off again next week.

I'm not getting any vacuum at the wiper valve either - I am going to have to check all of those lines to track that problem down too.

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 5:53 pm

OK, final update.

I checked the vent line this morning - it was clear. So when I got home this afternoon I pulled the carb and put my spare one on. The Jeep fired up, warmed up and ran/idled great. I drove around for about 45 min under varying conditions (slow/low range, high rpm to road speed) with no problems. I called my friend and told him he needed to order a rebuilt carb, but could come get the Jeep and drive it around until I get off work next week and the new carb arrives.

He still has other problems that need to be addressed like the temp gauge not working, wipers not working (no vacuum at hose despite new pump), banging under the body on bumps, VERY noisy 1st gear and popping out of 2nd and noisy/soft clutch. Other than that, the Jeep is pretty decent - no rust, decent paint and interior/top - runs great.

At least he will be able to drive it a little and enjoy it now. I can work on the other stuff as he gets the money and I have the time.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 6:58 pm

Bravo Matt. I commend you for finding/spending time in your schedule to help a friend. Ain't that what it's all about?

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 7:26 pm

Yes, it is! He asked me how much he owed me. I told him I had $82 in parts. He asked how much the labor was - I told him that I wasn't charging any labor, that I enjoy working on these old Jeeps and just want to help keep them on the road. He said that was great and very much appreciated, but didn't want me to do it for free. I told him Merry Christmas.

Proud to help out an old vet that wants to relive a time in his life from 53yrs ago.