Chrysler Forward control amphibious

[super dave]

Originally Posted by rob love

As I went through the bins of the truck, I came across the waterproof distributor. Sorry, I forgot to take a photo, but I'll add one hopefully tomorrow. Anyway, the distributor was the same manufacture and style as the M38A1 jeep, and similar to the M37 and M151 vehicles. The difference was that the distributor cap has 8 terminals to work with the V8 engine. I have never seen an 8 cylinder distributor like this before, and after a bit of brain-wracking, figured out that the only 8 cylinder gas engine in an M-series vehicle that I could think of was the original M113 APC with the Chrysler 361 engine. Sure enough, it matches. I have to imagine the starter may also be from the M113.
I found one on ebay, but pricey.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/29307686051...3Avlp_homepage
So if I decide to revert back to the original distributor, there is some hope for spare parts. I also saw the original carb which appears to be a Holley similar to the old deuce. More research is needed.

Also the V100 Cadillac Gauge has the same 361 so more than likely the same waterproof ignition in it as well.

[rob love]

Right you are. I did see something about the v100 and Ontos having the same power plant. I suspect it is still going to be hard to find the 8 cylinder specific parts for this distributor. It looks like the top cover, the cap, and the rotor are all unique as will be the lobe section (including weights and springs). I'll have to see if there is an online parts manual for the commando or the early M113, or just as likely for that powerplant. I did just see the rotors on ebay so have a pair of those on order: let the hoarding begin. I also see an interesting cap for the M880 dodge which is basically a regular 318 cap inside a metal shell which has the threaded parts for the shielded wiring. That might also be an option.

I am in no rush though. The engine sounds good as is, and I'll be parking it away for the winter. I pulled the roof out of the back so I could view the spare parts stowed in the back as well as access the aux fuel tank to top it off

[Bob Carriere]

....do you have a picture???? I may have one, double barrel..... that I am not using. Came off a crate engine..... same yard.

[rob love]

I'll take one as soon as I get out to the shop. It looks very similar to the old M135 deuce carb.

[Colin Alford]

Rob,

Here are some images from the distributor section of a 1964 M113 parts list. I hope they may be of assistance.

Colin

[Paul Singleton]

I did some searching for the distributor cap on the parts sheet and found this:

https://www.veritableaerospace.com/n...15359/8722526/

[rob love]

Problem is Paul, those companies list every NSN available. Stock very often does not exist. I will keep an eye on ebay, as well as ask on the G503 when the time comes. Right now I am busy getting stuff stowed away before the snow flies.

Thanks for the photos from the parts manual Colin. They will be a great help. I do have to remember that the 361 in those photos, and the 318 are different engines. I researched the spark plugs shown in that manual, but they do not appear to be the correct shielded plug for the 318. Unfortunately, I do not have the parts manual for the RAM, but as I read through the maintenance manual and the failure reports, I'm sure the info will show up.

Attached is a photo of the carb for Bob.

I checked on some 16.00 - 20 tires today and they are 52" in height. I measured quickly and they are 10" larger than the existing 14.00-20 tires, and I do not think they will fit in the wheel wells. I guess the search for an appropriate tire will continue. I can also assemble a set of the 9.00x20 tires and save myself a high climb.

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Rob

Will be in the barn tomorrow but it does look very similar...stay tuned.... I know it came from a crate engine....stacked 6 high.... complete drop in 6 cyl. bell housing to water pump...... yard was in what is now down town Gatineau.... the yard was enclosed by old Ottawa street cars used as fences and storage area for parts........we just punched our fist through rotten bottom crate thin plywood walls and undid the carb nuts... we were into M37 at the time......

Hope it is the same.......

[rob love]

Sounds like good times, and something that is almost impossible to do these days. We still get a little of that with our one remaining mil scrapyard out here, but we know that nothing is forever.
Looking forward to seeing what you have.

[Bob Carriere]

.....in my cell phone and the cable to download to my puter are in my truck at the Ford dealer.... tomorrow......hang in there.......