m38A1 first engine start
Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 11:26 pm
Well, I decided to try and start the engine on my M38A1 today. I want to make sure it will run and doesn't have any major engine issues before I tear it down for a frame off restoration.
So, I connected a lawn mower gas tank (factory tank is rusted out) to the electric fuel pump and hung it on the grille guard. then I hooked a fresh battery to the cables, turned the Master Switch on and hit the starter button and it started cranking...yeah!
So I could watch things better I hooked a trmporary starter switch to the start soloniod under the hood, hit it with a shot of starting fluid and it bucked and kicked backfiring out the carb and tail pipe. A quick check found two plug wires were crossed. I hit it with starting fluid again but it would only run on starting fluid. I did get it to run for about 10-15 seconds (on starting fluid) and it ran smooth.
Called it a success (it will run) and ordered a carb kit and 3 manuals!
Mike B
So, I connected a lawn mower gas tank (factory tank is rusted out) to the electric fuel pump and hung it on the grille guard. then I hooked a fresh battery to the cables, turned the Master Switch on and hit the starter button and it started cranking...yeah!
So I could watch things better I hooked a trmporary starter switch to the start soloniod under the hood, hit it with a shot of starting fluid and it bucked and kicked backfiring out the carb and tail pipe. A quick check found two plug wires were crossed. I hit it with starting fluid again but it would only run on starting fluid. I did get it to run for about 10-15 seconds (on starting fluid) and it ran smooth.
Called it a success (it will run) and ordered a carb kit and 3 manuals!
Mike B