24-volt Electrical System
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Frank F
The owner says that he has (2) batteries. so I am making the assumption that this is a good indicator that it is a 24v system ? 12v x 2 =24v ? If it is a 24v system, are there parts available ? or is lack of parts the main reason folks convert to 12v system?
I would guess that the 12-volt conversion is for parts availability. GMWillys and I come from the "keep it original" school. I left the '48 truck 6-volt when I restored it. If you pay attention to cables and grounds, 6-volts works fine. In a 24-volt system, starter currents are a lot lower and cables and grounds take less attention once you get them right.
The M38A1's were all equipped to be outfitted with a radio communication package and the radios needed 24-volt power. 24-volt parts really are more expensive, but you'll usually only replace something once - and if its working now it will probably keep on forever with just minimal attention. It was built to be abused and ignored and you're not going to treat it very roughly.
The only issue with 24-volt systems is a tendency for batteries to self-discharge - it's kind of a mystery - with a lot of reasons. You might want to keep a battery minder on the vehicle to keep the batteries topped off.