Time for a rebuild?

I've driven the cj5 a little when it runs, and I know it needs a clutch. The rest of the suspension and axles seem offhand to be ok. My current concern is the engine. I'm no mechanical genius, but right off I could tell it needed a carburator. Looks like the stock carb that came on it. It's in bad shape. The motor smokes excessively, not just going down the road, but as soon as you crank it at an idle it's pumping smoke out. I know the exhaust manifold needs to be replaced, as well as the pipes all the way back. My real question is, how do I know if it just needs to be rebuilt, or if there's something I can do without going that far?

 

P.S. Did I mention it smokes a LOT?

 

I wouldn't make any assumptions yet. Do a dry and wet compression check, and measure your hot idle oil pressure with an aftermarket mechanical gauge. This will give you an indication of the condition of the rings and the bearings.

What color is the smoke - white, blue or black?

 

Sounds like the motor needs help. What color is the smoke? That will help narrow down possible problems and give you an idea of what you might want to work on if you don't want to do a complete rebuild.

Usually, if it's more black, it's a fuel problem (carb maybe?), if it's white, it's a water/coolant problem (intake manifold maybe?), if it's gray/bluish it's an oil problem (rings maybe?).

 

black smoke

 

Fuel. Most likely the carburetor running too rich. What doe the spark plugs look like?

 

Another question. I know I need to bolt the plate back down over the flywheel. When I drove it the other night and parked it for a few minutes, there was a little pool of oil under the flywheel. How much is supposed to be coming out there?

I know I have a lot of question. I'm just overwhelmed. I've never undertook this much at once.

 

Spark plugs are new, but I havn't taken them out for inspection yet.

 

Would you suggest rebuilding or replacing the carb?

 

My CJ5 had severe runability probs. and was putting out a lot of black smoke. I took the carb into my friends shop who does an excellent job rebuilding carbs. After he rebuilt the carb. my 304 felt like a brand new engine. I forget exactly what was wrong (not good with carbs) but he said that there was a valve boot that cracked and turned inside out so it dumped gas into the intake manifold. As for the oil under the flywheel, I had the same issue and when I replaced the clutch I also replaced the gasket and bearings on the trans gearbox (plus two syncros. Not gonna tell) and I don't have that problem anymore. Is a t15 trans. I hope that sorta helps. But check the spark plugs, you will know right away if there is too much fuel.

 

Just pulled a plug out and it's pretty smutty and there was an oily residue on it. Does that mean too much fuel?

 

None should be coming out. Most likely a rear main seal leaking. If your going to be puttin in a new clutch you can replace that seal while you have everything apart pretty easily.

 

It's the 304. If a rocker arm is broken wouldn't it make a racket when driving?

 

That's what I was thinking. I really need to replace the clutch (I think) so that won't be hard to fix. As for the clutch, it works, but after I get going and use it a little it starts grinding lightly, even in neutral rolling. I was thinking that it might not be disengaging all the way. Sound about right?

 

The 2100 is a simple carburetor, and if you're careful, you should be able to rebuild it. Your friend was probably referring to the power valve, which is a usual problem with those. Either buy a kit and some dip and rebuild it, or buy a rebuilt through your FLAPS. New OEM carbs are no longer available.

 

No, I don't know what you mean. The clutch won't grind. Slip, catch, chatter yes, but once you're moving it won't make noise.

 

I swear you guys are great.

 

Oh man you're scaring me now.

 

Not meaning to scare you - but your description doesn't connect. Maybe a little more detail? Does it make noise all the time? Have you checked oil level in the trans and TC?