Oil under air cleaner

[OmarScares]

Hi all. I'm considering a remote purchase of this 1971 CJ-5 (https://listings.kruseauctions.com/listings/auction/AF26/1971-jeep-cj-5/304).

I had someone from the auction do a walk-around and cold start via FaceTime. It started pretty well - cut out the first time, but then with a little gas it started and idled well. Not really concerned about that. But I did notice during the video a small pool of oil on the engine under the air cleaner. I've never owned one of these (or a car this old) and thought maybe the experts here could give me their opinions. I know leak and seeps are common, but is this a red flag to anyone?


Also, while I'm at it, here is a picture of the underside that I am curious about as well. I don't really know what I'm looking at, but it almost looks like the frame has two repaired seams? Or is just rusty liquid coming down from the body connection? Anybody know what I'm looking at?


Thanks in advance!

 

[colojeepguy]

1st pic, I think that's from gas. Probably the carb has been flooding and gas is leaking out of the throttle shaft. Not the end of the world but it would need a little attention.
The second pic, IDK

 

[1967 CJ5A]

Agreed about the gas, and I bet the second picture is where someone spilled some brake fluid while filling the master cylinder which is right on the other side of the frame. Brake fluid will strip off paint.

 

[Jw60]

I normally enjoy nit picking this stuff.
Looks like the body mount is loose and rubbing the top of the frame rail. Then when washed the rust came down the frame rail. No concern here.

Oil on the manifold looks fresh. Possibly overfilled and coming up the pcv. It is not milky or dirty. Not a deal breaker just something to address and will probably be cheaper to fix than the price difference if other bidders see it.

Bumper and front turn signals are not original. The turn signals are an earlier year but well adapted. Bumper is a home made deal. Again it looks like effort was done to keep it in good condition.

 

[compostwerks]

55 year old vehicle. Show me one that doesn't have a few skeletons. At least you'll have something that most people can actually repair without computers and highly specialized tools. Agreed on that body mount. That's an easy fix for sure. If that's an oil bath setup, I can tell you that mine leaks as well but is on the firewall where a pool of oil would never accumulate. Could be stuck float on the carb too, but you'd smell the gas bigtime when the engine is hot. That in it's own right is not much of a problem, and within the grasp of many folks. 304 is a tough (arguably industrial) motor with nice low end torque. I had one in an IH Scout many years ago and it was rock solid (for me). I got about 15 MPG tops.

 

[Beach66Bum]

55 year old vehicle. Show me one that doesn't have a few skeletons. At least you'll have something that most people can actually repair without computers and highly specialized tools. Agreed on that body mount. That's an easy fix for sure. If that's an oil bath setup, I can tell you that mine leaks as well but is on the firewall where a pool of oil would never accumulate. Could be stuck float on the carb too, but you'd smell the gas bigtime when the engine is hot. That in its own right is not much of a problem, and within the grasp of many folks. 304 is a tough (arguably industrial) motor with nice low end torque. I had one in an IH Scout many years ago and it was rock solid (for me). I got about 15 MPG tops.

100%. This one looks nice and clean, it has already had a refresh for sure. For the motor, it’s a Dauntless oddfire 225 V6.

 

[Oldpappy]

That doesn't look like an oil bath air cleaner, and what can be seen of the carburetor bowl is wet. I think the "oil" is minor fuel leakage from the carburetor, possibly float out of adjustment, more likely leaking from wear around the throttle shaft.
The rust stains on the frame look like they have came down from both sides of the body mount, so agree it is likely washed down when vehicle was washed, or could have been causes by spilling some brake fluid.

To me it looks like a very nice Jeep that has been carefully, and tastefully restored by someone who knew what they were doing. As pointed out, the bumper and marker lights are not stock, but the fabrication of the bumper, and adaptation of the earlier lights are well done. I never liked the big lights anyway.

Nothing I see would be a deal breaker. Having a carburetor rebuilt, or replaced, is of little concern.

 

[jeepdaddy2000]

As to the frame.
ECJ frames are prone to cracking around the spring hangers. Seeing a crack or repair is common.
Other things of note:
The V6 is IMHO, the best engine ever put in a CJ.
The 71 will have a flanged offset D44 in the rear. Highly sought after.
It should have a 1 piece bellhousing. Can't see very well, but that one looks short. I'd be suspect over the silicone around it as well.

I don't see anything that would stop me from buying it, unless the price is prohibitive.
How much?

 

[givemethewillys]

This is in my opinion the best year CJ5 ever made. I hope it's in your driveway now!

I didn't see anything overly concerning from the pics you posted, knowing that for a vehicle as old as it is, there WILL be tinkering and messing around with it.