Clutch issue

Sequence of events:

Warm engine to operating temp before driving

Drive through town stopping at stop signs and stop lights downshifting to a stop

Accelerate from a stop up to cursing speed shifting through the gears

Come to another stop

When I let out the clutch it doesn't disengage allowing me to drive. Clutch pedal feels soft like its stuck but it returns to normal position. All linkage is machanical. If I allow the jeep to sit for a few min the clutch becomes firm and now will disigage property. It's like when it's hot the clutch gets stuck engaged. Any ideas what might be the issue. Not sure the brand of the clutch is but I have a sm420 transmission.

 

Throwout bearing binding on the front bearing retainer?
You state an SM420 transmission so I am assuming a V6?
How fast is cursing speed anyway?

Don

 

Yes sir it's a v6. Cursing is what I do when the clutch wont disengage. I had to drop it off at the local shop this morning. Unfortunately I need the vehicle and don't have the time to change it out. I'll get back with a fix when we have one.

 

With the SM420, I assume the linkage isn't the stock bell crank system? The only thing I can think of is that you are right at the limit as far as travel for releasing the clutch and when the linkage warms up, that is just enough to cause problems. If the linkage is adjacent to the exhaust that may be a real possibility. How much free play?

 

You bring up a very good point. The engine has headers installed and exhaust stops just short of the rear axle. I should of taken a pic of the linkage. It runs from the clutch pedal towards the rear along the driver side frame rail and then back to the bel housing. In the middle of the "U" that the linkage makes sits the header and exhaust. There is no doubt that the linkage is exposed to heat. There is not much free play before the pedal becomes firm.

 

Do you have an inspection cover that will allow you to check the disengagement distance when cold and hot?

 

Let us know what the shop finds out. Hope they don't charge you too much.
Most of us here do our own maintenance, finding a shop that knows how to work on these early Jeeps isn't easy.

Don