Questions from New Owner of 78' CJ5

But is it possible that I could have gotten mud up in there (through a worn boot on the clutch linkage) that would keep me from being able to use the clutch? Would it be safe to spray water up inside the access panel to rinse out the mud? I don't want to create more problems (ie rust or water in places it shouldn't be) Thanks again, I really appreciate the help.

 

Any thoughts? I am heading to check out the jeep Sunday morning and don't want to mess anything up more...

 

I don't think it's going to cause any harm to spray water up into the bellhousing.

 

Not to be too simple but have you checked the bulbs? Grounds need to be paint free as well. Fuses are another obvious first check. The harness has a connector that connects up several circuits and if its loose or dirty that could be it. I know nothing of '78s but a sample can be found at www.c104.net of the type of thing you are looking for. The brake lights on the 73s have a switch on the brake pedal that if missing / dirty / etc could not be completing the brake circuit.

 

Thanks for the comments. Most of the lighting problems have been solved. There must have been some loose or mudded up wires. Right now I am working through some bigger issues.

I replaced the starter today and finally got her to start again. I also cleaned out inside the bellhousing real good because there was a pretty good amount of mud and gunk in there. I was unable to see to the clutch, but I think that I will have to replace the clutch. Basically, the linkage seems fine and the lever comming out of the bellhousing doesn't want to move much. How much movement should it have? Also, when the jeep is running and "in gear" it doesn't move. When I press in the clutch you can hear sort of a spinning rub, maybe like the clutch it slipping. To the very inexperienced observer (me) this seems like I may have burned out the clutch and that it is just slipping, not allowing any power to be transfered to the tranny. Is this likely? As always, thanks!!

 

I can't seem to find any information on how much the lever (throwout fork) coming out of the bell housing should move to engage and disengage the clutch. It doesn't move much at all right now even if I try to push it by hand. Also, the noise mentioned above worries me. I'm pretty confident that I will have to replace the clutch, but I want to see if this sounds like it is the problem (and the only problem) before I order the parts and get ready to pull everything apart.

Thanks!