Deep Water Fording System

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:25 pm

The tops of the axle differentials look like they have breathing valves. I had an FJ and in order to make it fully water proof I ran tubing up inside the body and put tiny filters on the ends. Are they breathers, and how is this dealt with?

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:59 pm

They are vented check valves on the M38 & M38A1. They resist the entry of water and allow for release of any pressure build-up inside. Except for the M38 6 pilot model jeeps Willys did not try and include the axles with the pressurized fording system. In the pilot model jeeps the axles had a tube venting them to the air cleaner.

The ingestion of water in the axle housing when deep water fording is a fact of life for the M38 & M38A1. The Army's answer to the problem was simple. Withing so many hours after deep water fording the vehicles must be turned in for flushing and reservicing.