Slow Clutch

[xj98]

While driving my 80 CJ-5 today, I encountered a problem with the clutch not wanting to release. It is an intermitent problem. It will do this for a while, then it will work fine. That was me on Portsmouth Blvd. waiting for the light to turn red before I burned rubber through the intersection.

It is a hydralic clutch between a 151 4 banger and a 4 speed.

Checking the Haynes manual there is a bleed procedure and R/R for the master and slave cylinders.

I was wondering if anyone had any idea if bleeding the clutch would solve the problem or if I had to replace any parts, and if so, what?

I am wondering if it is a heat problem? Once it cools down it for a minute it will go away.

Luke

[jpnut]

Ok I'll bite but I only have knowledge on TJ clutch slave cylinders.

Have you noticed if you are losing any fluid from the clutch master cylinder? Any signs of leaks on either side of the firewall? How close does the line run to the exhaust (you mentioned heat)? Kenny Smith might be the one with some answers. I'm told he's worked on these things before.

Jonathan

[xj98]

No fluid leak. The line does not appear to be close to the exhaust.

I usually drive the cj around home and don't usually take it very far. Driving it more and more it seems between adjusting the way I use the clutch and just plain exercising it has pretty much cured the problem.

I drove it to P-town twice and I only had a problem once which I was able to overcome relatively easily.