Sticky Clutch

1967 CJ-5, Dauntless, T-14, cable operated clutch

I've been noticing an issue with the clutch on my CJ-5. Under lower speed driving it works just fine. When I'm driving at higher speeds for more than a mile or so the clutch gets "sticky". When I push on the pedal it takes a little extra force to disengage the clutch and a feel a little "pop" as it releases. Once it's released it works normally again.

I haven't quite narrowed down if it's speed or engine rpm or load that influences this happening. It generally seems to happen when I'm demanding higher power output from the engine. It's more annoying than anything.

This Jeep has the OEM style cable operated clutch. The cable is a US made model. My exhaust setup is a dual muffler setup with each muffler outside the frame rail below the door openings. (I plan to do something more OEM style once I decide if I'm doing Saginaw steering or not and therefore settle on what exhaust manifold.) This takes the clutch cable fairly close to the muffler. I was wondering if this might be getting the cable too hot. I wrapped the cable in heat shield sleeve and this didn't change anything.

I don't know what brand clutch it has or how worn it is as I've never had the bellhousing off the engine. I've never noticed it slipping under load or chattering. This issue only appears when the clutched is engaged for a bit under some load. Other than that it behaves nicely and drives well.

I'm kind of stumped for what to check next. As this is a relatively minor issue I hate to pull the transmission just for this. I'm not sure if this is a sign of a larger issue. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Ken

 

You say OEM cable but in 67 didn’t CJ5 still use the torque tube mess?

 

as the clutch plate wears . clutch fork / pedal changes
the pop you descried . sounds like it might be a clutch issue
and only one way to find out

 

I'm not sure. It's titled as a 67 but PO said the serial number points to 68. Either way it's something of a conglomeration of parts. The cable appears to be the stock cable setup from whatever year used them.

 

After more driving I'm pretty sure it's not the cable. I get slight pedal movement before it stops so the cable is free. I'm guessing it's something to do with the clutch fork / release bearing / pressure plate. It would be easier to understand if it didn't happen only under higher engine power conditions. But what part would get stuck only when it gets hot or loaded is a mystery to me.

Does anyone have a guess? It wouldn't be such a big deal except that I have an opportunity to take it on a road trip middle of this month. It would involve driving a couple hundred miles each way at speeds averaging 55 mph, plus whatever trail riding miles I accumulate while I'm there. I hate to embark on a trip like that with an unknown clutch issue but I also don't have time to pull the transmission between now and then.

 

Mice and acorns in the pressure plate? Is there an inspection plate on top of the bell house?

Before a trip like that, I would at least put the front bumper against a tree and see if the clutch is capable of stalling the engine. Might reveal more clues.

 

Most clutches have weights that make them grab tighter under higher RPM. You might be feeling that effect. It shouldn't really "stick" though.