horn swtich

1950 - 1952, M38, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38.
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JMZ421
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horn swtich

Post by JMZ421 » Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:43 pm

My horn has not worked for a few years, actually since I purchased. I read the horn switch itself will corrode or freeze up because of moisture and so forth. Prior to purchasing a new switch, does anyone think the existing switch can be fixed with or soaked in something to free it up. Right now when you press my horn button nothing depresses. The horn itself does work though, Thanks, John


Joe Gopan
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Re: horn swtich

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Sep 07, 2020 4:23 pm

The Rubber boot seals the outside' If you were to see under the rubber, you would discover the two wires are soldered to two studs. The M-38A1 has the same switch with shorter leads.. Remove the switch and work the switch by hand and we will go from there. Brent Mullins used to offer a similar switches he adapted from a tank. I used to buy these from Jeep thru the 70's. Not sure if any originals are being offered.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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JMZ421
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Re: horn swtich

Post by JMZ421 » Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:50 am

Horn switch was removed, cleaned, and works perfect. The horn rod was the culprit as it was broken or rusted or both. That plus the horn rod tube is being replaced both NOS. I was glad my original switch was OK, John

jnissen
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Re: horn swtich

Post by jnissen » Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:03 am

Good to hear. So I’m guessing your horn tested good as well?


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JMZ421
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Re: horn swtich

Post by JMZ421 » Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:12 am

May have spoken too soon. When I press the horn button, the horn stays on at times like the button is stuck. The button does depress but there must be a short in the switch. John

Joe Gopan
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Re: horn swtich

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:53 am

THE M-38/M-38A1 JEEPS with the rubber Horn Button have an adjustable threaded horn push rod with an adjustable push rod washer. If the Push Rod is adjusted too long, the horn will blow.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

JMZ421
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Re: horn swtich

Post by JMZ421 » Wed Jan 27, 2021 9:20 am

Right now(as I just re-installed the steering gear) the long 42 inch horn tube is just sitting on the switch plunger with that small brass adjuster at top and no rubber cap. There is no pressure on the switch. When I press the switch and let go is when the horn sometimes stays on!! When I had the switch out the plunger seemed to have resistance to it, meaning it did not pop right back up but instead kind of smoothly came back up, if that makes sense. I assume a new switch that plunger would be very touchy and free. John

Joe Gopan
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Re: horn swtich

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Jan 27, 2021 3:03 pm

Install the OEM Horn Rod with the threaded Washer per the SNL. The switch may be bad,
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

JMZ421
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Re: horn swtich

Post by JMZ421 » Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:28 am

Reproduction horn switch quite impressive and looks nearly identical to original. Very nice quality. John


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