M38 - Condensor Failures

j3shane · Post by **j3shane** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 5:56 pm

I have an M38 converted to 12v, but still using gutted old mag (points and condensder still used with external 12V coil) with 24V type spark plugs and cables still in use. Ran fine for a couple years but needed new points recently. Replaced points, condenser, and distributor cap, rotor, and gapped points, timed engine, etc. Ran great for a few hours and then sputtered like crazy with any acceleration, almost acted like water in the gas, idle wasn't great either. After much reading I bought some more condensers from another provider and replaced. Bingo - ran great again - but same thing happened after a few hours of running. Any ideas on what the issue could be? Bad coil? Coil stated tit had internal resister, no external resistor needed, so bypassed. Old coil used the resistor so it is still there, just not in the circuit, so could easily be used if needed.

Thanks in advance

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 5:35 am

Check the voltage being supplied to the battery. If the regulator is letting too much voltage out and overcharging things, it can fry your points. John

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 6:22 am

I can't tell if you are using a civvy distributor or the military.

IIRC, somebody sells a 12 volt coil that will fit into the 24 volt distributor.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 2:11 pm

Look for one of these issues:

1 - Operating voltage to coil too high.
2 - Shorted points. Look carefully at the insulator strap on the contact's lead attachment post.
4 - Check distributor bearing wear
5 - Bare or pinched wires inside the distributor.
6 - Point and/or plug gaps too wide.

On another note: I noticed these posts of yours are showing up first in our web sites administrative email system. Try to only post here on the boards. This is often a problem when using portable equipment like pads and phones to communicate with our web sites older format.

j3shane · Post by **j3shane** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 2:50 pm

Thanks Wes, will check on those things. I don't believe there is a voltage regulator on this Jeep. Would that cause it and should I add one? If so any recommendations on which one? Thanks

Post by **wesk** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 11:33 pm

You said converted to 12 volt but you did not tell us which alternator or generator was used for the conversion. The so-called "One Wire" alternators have the regulators built in. The rest require a regulator mounted somewhere in the engine compartment. Pictures are ALWAYS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!