willysmjeeps.com

I am trying to determine if the engine in my M38 is for a 51 or even correct. It was originally registered in California the spent the rest of its life in the midwest. Im about 90 % in its restoration. The engine compartment had been stripped of most of its military components by the previous owner but did have some original military parts on it such as the starter,regulator, cross over tube air cleaner. The jeep was issued to the Marine Corps and had the original undercoating on it when I got it. I know that the engine was rebuilt once after it was decommissioned and I beleive it was decked due to the Serial number above the water pump missing. The jeep is a 51 and the dash data plate SN is 29904 with a delivery date of 8-51. The body tag is missing. The block casting number shown on the right side is 8-24 641087-L-W10A. The copy of the old CA registration I have and the bill of sale shows a vin number of RMC78206. Im thinking the engine was replaced and that was the replacement engine number. Any help would be appreciated.

Ken

The RMC engine denotes a military replacement engine for the M38. So yes, it is "correct" as far as it being a military engine destined for the M38. It is not the engine your jeep left Toledo with originally. The original engine would have a serial number prefex MC.
There are then lots of other bits of the puzzle having to do with "early" and "late" M38. Can you tell if you have a late sealed bellhousing or early vented version?
Do a search on RMC and you will probably turn up all kinds of additional information.

Tom

Tom,

Thanks for the info. I have what appears to be the open bellhousing with the four bolt access plate and I dont see any threads in the bellhousing port for the cltuch rod. Do you know if there is any way that I can restamp the block the RMC number? It was probably originally roll stamped at Willys and not possible but I just thought to ask. I will also do the search on the RMC number as you suggested.

Ken

Ken,

The number can be stamped again. Just practice some first.

Sounds like you have the later bell housing that would require the later starter.