Jeeps were so rare — at least in my area — that their drivers usually
waved to each other out on the road. This was also a time when most
gasoline-powered vehicles had battery ignition systems with distributors
that used mechanical breaker points, as opposed to most of today’s cars
and trucks that have “breakerless” — and often computer-controlled —
electronic ignition systems. In other words, the distributors of most
modern vehicles, including most present-day MVs, do not have breaker
points. Tuning up such vehicles is a much different process than doing a
tune-up on an older vehicle or a vintage MV.
Most WWII U.S. military vehicles had six-or 12-volt ignition systems.
Distributors weren’t much different from their civilian counterparts.
However, most common post-WWII (or M-series) U.S. military vehicles
have 24-volt waterproof ignition systems. As you may have heard, most
of these vehicles, from M38 and M38A1 Jeeps, M151 MUTTs (Military
Utility Tactical Trucks), Dodge 3/4-ton M37s, Kaiser M715 1-^1 ⁄ 4 -ton
trucks, M211 and M35 2-^1 ⁄ 2 -ton trucks, along with most other tactical
U.S. M-series vehicles, will run underwater if fitted with the appropriate
accessory equipment. Even without fording kits, the waterproof ignition
systems of these vehicles — which basically consist of sealed
distributors, waterproof spark plugs and spark plug wires — allow them
to be driven through streams or landed through surf on beaches without
stalling out, because of water splash. (There are many other features and
components that make most M-series vehicles waterproof, such as sealed
generators, alternators and starters, as well as sealed fuel systems,
waterproof switches, dashboard instruments and wiring; but this article
will focus on ignition systems, specifically distributors with mechanical
breaker points.)
Thanks to growing up around engines, vehicles and equipment in my
dad’s scrap yard, I had a good working knowledge of such distributors.
However, the M38 was the first vehicle I had ever seen with a
waterproof distributor. It looked a bit daunting — like something not to
be messed with. Some people even thought my Jeep had a diesel engine,
because waterproof spark wires and spark plugs look a lot like fuel lines
and injectors.
Since the Jeep was running well, I left well-enough alone and didn’t
tinker with or even investigate the ignition system. I had to learn the