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Electronic Ignition

Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:54 pm
by Lyle
What modifications are needed to use the M151 Electronic ignition on a M38?

Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2024 4:47 pm
by RonD2
Hi Lyle,
If it helps --- you can use the search button directly above and search "Pertronix" --- you'll get a couple of dozen hits about it.

Here's a few, including one of yours that seems to indicate you're already using Pertronix in your M38?

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php? ... =pertronix

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php? ... =pertronix

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php? ... =pertronix

Good luck!

Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2024 11:18 pm
by wesk
The pointless ignition upgrade for the M151 distributor came in two versions by two different manufacturers.

1 - Early system was a Prestolite Upgrade using a hall effect sensor and the small rotor.

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2 - Later system was the Swiss Controls system which had the large rotor.

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The two distributors M151vs M38/M38A1 differ considerably in particular they rotate opposite directions.

I can't find Eric Maes' old coversion writeup. If anyone has a dwonloaded copy please post access to it here.

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:42 am
by Lyle
Again thank you for the information.

The Pertronix MV141-a ignitor I had failed after 3 years. So I’m just trying to figure out if it’ll be cheaper to use the M151 electronic ignition.

Is the M151 electronic ignition magnetic or hall-effect?

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2024 12:09 pm
by Lyle
Sorry. The Swiss type Electronic Ignition, Magnetic or Hall-Effect.

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:26 pm
by wesk
Again, None of the three are ELECTRONIC ignition! All three are Pointless ignition and all three are Hall effect which is basically magnetic. The only reward you get by using any of the three is not have to clean and adjust points every 2500 miles or so and replace them every 5 to 8 thousand miles.

On another side of the coin is cost. If you only drive 1,000 miles a year and only around town then either can any of the four systems can serve you reasonably well. If you use the jeep in the outlying areas cruising mountain trails or hunting it's a lot cheaper to carry a spare set of stock points and a condenser than a spare Hall effect kit for field emergencies!

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2024 11:54 am
by maeserik
Here it is, put it on in 2007 and so far no problems !

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gr. Erik