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Grabby Clutch

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by kenb, Sep 1, 2019.

  1. Sep 1, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Messages:
    670
    Hello,
    My M38A1 has a grabby clutch. It's very difficult to start from a stop without shuttering. I don't have any issues with it slipping under load.
    The other issue I have going on it an oil leak from the front of the bell housing. Based on the feel of the oil I think it's engine and therefore the rear main seal.
    I'm wondering if these are related? If there is oil contamination on the clutch disc?
    I was considering dropping the transmission and replacing the clutch and rear main seal both. Does anyone have any thoughts?
    I know the engine is a civilian F134. I'm not sure but I suspect the transmission is also civilian. Because of this I don't know if I have an 8-1/2“ or 9-1/4" clutch. Is there any way to tell from outside?
    Does anyone have a recommendation on a source for a clutch kit?
    Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Ken
     
  2. Sep 1, 2019
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    It could be a broken spring in the friction disc. My jeep had that happen and it would shudder like crazy when taking off.
     
  3. Sep 3, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Messages:
    670
    I'm hoping it will be something obvious like a broken spring when I get it apart. I'm going to try and pull the flywheel off my spare engine today and get it resurfaced. Planning to just swap flywheels when I have the transmission off. Hopefully this way it can be a one or two day job.
    I see Quarter Ton and Military sell a clutch kit on eBay. Has anyone tried this?
     
  4. Sep 3, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    I’d put money on it. I’d pull it, resurface the flywheel, get a new clutch kit and replace the seals.






    Here comes the stay-cable debate. :whistle: :poke:
     
    juffer likes this.
  5. Sep 3, 2019
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Messages:
    1,450
    I chased a shudder on take off problem forever, pulled tranny, new clutch etc. couldn’t figure it out forever. Turned out to be worn clutches in my power-lok.
    Not suggesting that’s your issue but it’s another piece of data for your puzzle.
     
  6. Sep 3, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754

    You said it, I didn't. But I was thinking it.
     
  7. Sep 4, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Messages:
    670
    Thanks for the replies.

    That's interesting about the power-lok. I would not have thought that could cause that issue. Mine has no such technology; I'm running the original military axles so at least I don't have that to contend with.

    Interesting you mentioned the stay cable. My Jeep doesn't have that installed. I was removing it from my spare engine as I was taking off the bell housing wondering what the heck it was. Also I was crawling under my Jeep to work on fuel lines and wondering what the empty holder in the frame was for. You learn something every day. I'll probably pick one up just to be correct. Unfortunately the one from the spare engine was bent.

    My spare engine was equipped with the 9-1/4" clutch. Unfortunately someone had done a clutch job and one of the bolts was broken off in the flywheel. I also learned yesterday that there are two types of pins for the flywheel. Since I have no idea what my jeep is equipped with I canceled the idea of getting spare engine flywheel machined. Will need to wait and see what I find when I open up my Jeep.
    This project has been educational.
    Does anyone have opinions about 9-1/4" VS 8-1/2" clutch?
     
  8. Sep 4, 2019
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    Bigger=better
     
  9. Sep 4, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
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    What's the improvement? Less likely to slip under load? Smoother operation? I'm just trying to understand why
     
  10. Sep 4, 2019
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    More surface area. If you beat on it, it'll last longer.
     
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