1952 M38 Starter question

[joebuck]

Howdy! I have a 1952 M38. Any suggestions on this fix would greatly be appreciated!
Here’s the skinny
1. Jeep when foootpedal depress slowly turns the starter. Even with 24 volts of new batteries. Been doing for several years. Finally last night when depressed …. Nothing happens
2. Battery cables to battery and solenoid are tightly secure
3. Ground to frame is good
4. 24.5 volts measured at starter
5 took a screw driver and connected positive and negative post on solenoid to “jump” start. Not a peep
6 last year or or so I would have to almost slam my foot on starter peddle to get it to start . AlwY made that slow Wa Wa Wa sound and somewhat barely starts

I am out of rookie try’s. Is bad starter just bad? Thanks for any advice

[wesk]

Which starter do you have? The two stock M38 24 V starters are:

early:

MBP-4301UT


MBP-4301UT

Late:

MCZ-4001UT

It is very important you ID the starter model/PN from the data plate for us to help you.

Also the Starters are covered for repair and maintenance in Autolite specific Army service manuals. TM 9-1825B dated 1952 covers the early MBP-4301UT and the TM 9-2920-215-35 covers the later MCZ-4001UT.

You can find these on our downloads page:

TM 9-1825B 1952 Autolite Electrical Components
Description: Covers most Autolite Electrical Components repair & overhaul
Added on: 30-Jan-2023 Downloads: 7 MBP-4301UT & also covers other Auto Lite accessories.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... it&lid=201


TM 9-2920-215-35 MCZ-4001-UT Serv. Man.
Description: Field & Depot Maintenance Manual for Starter (2920-025-9988) Auto-Lite Model MCZ-4001-UT. Tghis manual only covers the one late starter.
Added on: 19-Oct-2021 Downloads: 49
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... it&lid=188


A quick check if you have battery power to the starter's top mounted switch is to simply grab the lever that the foot pedal usually depresses and depress it by hand. If the start engages and turns over then you have only a lever throw adjustment to make. If it still does nothing then you have a bad top mounted switch or an internal issue.

[joebuck]

I have the mcz model. I have electricity to the switch. I ll take the switch off and inspect. I guess they can get dirty? It’s at my hunting camp mostly. Thanks Wes as always

[wesk]

Make sure you download the MCZ-4001-UT Starter manual TM 9-2920-215-35 before you start on the repair/overhaul work.

[joebuck]

One thing I might have not mentioned is over the last couple of years is it became harder and harder to start depresseing the petal. I would have to wiggle my foot a certain way and finally the last year is depress fully and fast to the floor. Thinking now my yoke stroke length might need to be looked at

[RICKG]

i have pics of my shorted mcz switch, it aint purdy. i'll try to post.

[joebuck]

I think by the time I pay a mechanic and parts I be better off with “new” to me starter
Y’all recommend any reputable sites to buy one? I see several on the internet. Thanks for all the help

[keats]

check the starter switch on the top of the starter. take it off, (4 screws), and then take off the front face plate (again 4 screws). check the insulator plates inside for any burning, and clean them off and clean the metal contact on the end of the plunger. could be your problem and an easy fix.

[RonD2]

That sounds better than maybe $500 for a rebuilt one --- if you can find it.

[joebuck]

Got my tracking info from the starter I bought. I am screwed!! It’s coming from Indonesia! I am such a dumba$$. No telling what kind of internal shape it’s in. Description said been sitting on the shelf for 10 years.

[RonD2]

Must've been a good price.

Good luck!

[4x4M38]

Could be US original manufacture or India.

Keep your hopes up. These things were everywhere at one tine.