Will Honea

On Wed, 10 Jan 2007 04:51:21 -0800, '98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:

> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>
> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>
> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
> been the final blow.
>
> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
> the Jeep.

Just when you think you've seen it all, something new will come up. I had
just replaced the master/slave on mine when the pedal suddenly went to the
floor in a parking lot about 10 miles from home. I couldn't see the
problem but drove it home sans clutch (fun exercise!). Once I started
looking, I finally spotted the problem: the arm between the push rod and
the pivot shaft had busted a weld and fallen clean off the pivot shaft!
Taking the entire pedal hanger assembly out to re-weld is is no fun at all.

--
Will Honea <whonea@yahoo.com>

Will Honea

On Wed, 10 Jan 2007 04:51:21 -0800, '98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:

> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>
> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>
> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
> been the final blow.
>
> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
> the Jeep.

Just when you think you've seen it all, something new will come up. I had
just replaced the master/slave on mine when the pedal suddenly went to the
floor in a parking lot about 10 miles from home. I couldn't see the
problem but drove it home sans clutch (fun exercise!). Once I started
looking, I finally spotted the problem: the arm between the push rod and
the pivot shaft had busted a weld and fallen clean off the pivot shaft!
Taking the entire pedal hanger assembly out to re-weld is is no fun at all.

--
Will Honea <whonea@yahoo.com>

Will Honea

On Wed, 10 Jan 2007 04:51:21 -0800, '98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:

> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>
> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>
> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
> been the final blow.
>
> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
> the Jeep.

Just when you think you've seen it all, something new will come up. I had
just replaced the master/slave on mine when the pedal suddenly went to the
floor in a parking lot about 10 miles from home. I couldn't see the
problem but drove it home sans clutch (fun exercise!). Once I started
looking, I finally spotted the problem: the arm between the push rod and
the pivot shaft had busted a weld and fallen clean off the pivot shaft!
Taking the entire pedal hanger assembly out to re-weld is is no fun at all.

--
Will Honea <whonea@yahoo.com>

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O

Let me correct myself... the clutch MASTER cylinder was full. The
slave cylinder is evidently attached to the tranny and I'm in way over
my head.

I took it to a mechanic today, he's reputable, I've dealt with him
before. He agrees it's likely a hydraulic problem but can't look at it
until tomorrow, his lot was full, he's busy. Let's hope that also will
make him fast. He quoted me 4 hours labor on a clutch replacement,
which is amazing.

Are the stock clutch slave cylinders on the TJ's known for being weak?
I've read a lot of people having issues with them. Also, if the slave
cylinder was leaky, wouldn't that show up in the master cylinder level?

Also the lack of resistance may have been a red herring. There never
was a lot of "resistance" when pressing the clutch to the floor, and it
still returns to normal position just as usual. The only thing that
isn't working is the damn clutch isn't releasing so I can't shift while
the engine is running. There was a very unusual smell in the car when
I got it back, but I thought it was either cheap ethnic hair care
products or some unfamiliar smokeable product being used while they
were joy-riding. Regardless, the smell was foreign to me... the
mechanic said it may have been hydraulic fluid. It may also be that
the thieves used hydraulic fluid in their hair... but I digress... It
smelled kinda plasticky I guess. I'm not good at describing such
things.

Well now it's all in the hands of my trusty mechanic, I'll keep you all
updated, I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath to hear how my
adventures fair.

- Andy

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>
> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>
> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
> been the final blow.
>
> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
> the Jeep.
>
> - Andy
>
> On Jan 8, 6:30 pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com> wrote:
> > > so I can slide the key out while the engine is
> > > running. This allows me to lock the doors and run into the house for
> > > quick things and then come back out without putting undue wear on the
> > > ignition system.Undue wear? WTF is that lame excuse? Talk about being penny wise and pound
> > foolish!
> >
> > Still, good to hear you got your Jeep back. When they stole my XJ it was
> > found a mere mile away with an empty tank. I knew full well the night
> > before my FIRST stop was going to be the gas station... a HALF MILE away. I
> > kept driving the Heep for another 6 years with that busted ignition.
> > Funniest thing was two months later (iirc) the cops called me and said they
> > found my XJ. Now, this came as a bit of a surprise as I already had it
> > back. I asked the cop on the phone where this was and the street reported
> > was right in front of the office! I hauled *** out there and let them know
> > it had already BEEN recovered. I had no desire to repeat the impound lot
> > experience, again. Looking back they probably ran the tags because it
> > looked like a piece of ---- and was parked in a 'nice' neighborhood. Still,
> > at least they gave me the courtesy of a call before impounding. Wish they'd
> > done that THE FIRST TIME.

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O

Let me correct myself... the clutch MASTER cylinder was full. The
slave cylinder is evidently attached to the tranny and I'm in way over
my head.

I took it to a mechanic today, he's reputable, I've dealt with him
before. He agrees it's likely a hydraulic problem but can't look at it
until tomorrow, his lot was full, he's busy. Let's hope that also will
make him fast. He quoted me 4 hours labor on a clutch replacement,
which is amazing.

Are the stock clutch slave cylinders on the TJ's known for being weak?
I've read a lot of people having issues with them. Also, if the slave
cylinder was leaky, wouldn't that show up in the master cylinder level?

Also the lack of resistance may have been a red herring. There never
was a lot of "resistance" when pressing the clutch to the floor, and it
still returns to normal position just as usual. The only thing that
isn't working is the damn clutch isn't releasing so I can't shift while
the engine is running. There was a very unusual smell in the car when
I got it back, but I thought it was either cheap ethnic hair care
products or some unfamiliar smokeable product being used while they
were joy-riding. Regardless, the smell was foreign to me... the
mechanic said it may have been hydraulic fluid. It may also be that
the thieves used hydraulic fluid in their hair... but I digress... It
smelled kinda plasticky I guess. I'm not good at describing such
things.

Well now it's all in the hands of my trusty mechanic, I'll keep you all
updated, I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath to hear how my
adventures fair.

- Andy

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>
> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>
> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
> been the final blow.
>
> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
> the Jeep.
>
> - Andy
>
> On Jan 8, 6:30 pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com> wrote:
> > > so I can slide the key out while the engine is
> > > running. This allows me to lock the doors and run into the house for
> > > quick things and then come back out without putting undue wear on the
> > > ignition system.Undue wear? WTF is that lame excuse? Talk about being penny wise and pound
> > foolish!
> >
> > Still, good to hear you got your Jeep back. When they stole my XJ it was
> > found a mere mile away with an empty tank. I knew full well the night
> > before my FIRST stop was going to be the gas station... a HALF MILE away. I
> > kept driving the Heep for another 6 years with that busted ignition.
> > Funniest thing was two months later (iirc) the cops called me and said they
> > found my XJ. Now, this came as a bit of a surprise as I already had it
> > back. I asked the cop on the phone where this was and the street reported
> > was right in front of the office! I hauled *** out there and let them know
> > it had already BEEN recovered. I had no desire to repeat the impound lot
> > experience, again. Looking back they probably ran the tags because it
> > looked like a piece of ---- and was parked in a 'nice' neighborhood. Still,
> > at least they gave me the courtesy of a call before impounding. Wish they'd
> > done that THE FIRST TIME.

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O

Let me correct myself... the clutch MASTER cylinder was full. The
slave cylinder is evidently attached to the tranny and I'm in way over
my head.

I took it to a mechanic today, he's reputable, I've dealt with him
before. He agrees it's likely a hydraulic problem but can't look at it
until tomorrow, his lot was full, he's busy. Let's hope that also will
make him fast. He quoted me 4 hours labor on a clutch replacement,
which is amazing.

Are the stock clutch slave cylinders on the TJ's known for being weak?
I've read a lot of people having issues with them. Also, if the slave
cylinder was leaky, wouldn't that show up in the master cylinder level?

Also the lack of resistance may have been a red herring. There never
was a lot of "resistance" when pressing the clutch to the floor, and it
still returns to normal position just as usual. The only thing that
isn't working is the damn clutch isn't releasing so I can't shift while
the engine is running. There was a very unusual smell in the car when
I got it back, but I thought it was either cheap ethnic hair care
products or some unfamiliar smokeable product being used while they
were joy-riding. Regardless, the smell was foreign to me... the
mechanic said it may have been hydraulic fluid. It may also be that
the thieves used hydraulic fluid in their hair... but I digress... It
smelled kinda plasticky I guess. I'm not good at describing such
things.

Well now it's all in the hands of my trusty mechanic, I'll keep you all
updated, I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath to hear how my
adventures fair.

- Andy

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>
> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>
> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
> been the final blow.
>
> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
> the Jeep.
>
> - Andy
>
> On Jan 8, 6:30 pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com> wrote:
> > > so I can slide the key out while the engine is
> > > running. This allows me to lock the doors and run into the house for
> > > quick things and then come back out without putting undue wear on the
> > > ignition system.Undue wear? WTF is that lame excuse? Talk about being penny wise and pound
> > foolish!
> >
> > Still, good to hear you got your Jeep back. When they stole my XJ it was
> > found a mere mile away with an empty tank. I knew full well the night
> > before my FIRST stop was going to be the gas station... a HALF MILE away. I
> > kept driving the Heep for another 6 years with that busted ignition.
> > Funniest thing was two months later (iirc) the cops called me and said they
> > found my XJ. Now, this came as a bit of a surprise as I already had it
> > back. I asked the cop on the phone where this was and the street reported
> > was right in front of the office! I hauled *** out there and let them know
> > it had already BEEN recovered. I had no desire to repeat the impound lot
> > experience, again. Looking back they probably ran the tags because it
> > looked like a piece of ---- and was parked in a 'nice' neighborhood. Still,
> > at least they gave me the courtesy of a call before impounding. Wish they'd
> > done that THE FIRST TIME.

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O

Let me correct myself... the clutch MASTER cylinder was full. The
slave cylinder is evidently attached to the tranny and I'm in way over
my head.

I took it to a mechanic today, he's reputable, I've dealt with him
before. He agrees it's likely a hydraulic problem but can't look at it
until tomorrow, his lot was full, he's busy. Let's hope that also will
make him fast. He quoted me 4 hours labor on a clutch replacement,
which is amazing.

Are the stock clutch slave cylinders on the TJ's known for being weak?
I've read a lot of people having issues with them. Also, if the slave
cylinder was leaky, wouldn't that show up in the master cylinder level?

Also the lack of resistance may have been a red herring. There never
was a lot of "resistance" when pressing the clutch to the floor, and it
still returns to normal position just as usual. The only thing that
isn't working is the damn clutch isn't releasing so I can't shift while
the engine is running. There was a very unusual smell in the car when
I got it back, but I thought it was either cheap ethnic hair care
products or some unfamiliar smokeable product being used while they
were joy-riding. Regardless, the smell was foreign to me... the
mechanic said it may have been hydraulic fluid. It may also be that
the thieves used hydraulic fluid in their hair... but I digress... It
smelled kinda plasticky I guess. I'm not good at describing such
things.

Well now it's all in the hands of my trusty mechanic, I'll keep you all
updated, I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath to hear how my
adventures fair.

- Andy

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>
> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>
> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
> been the final blow.
>
> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
> the Jeep.
>
> - Andy
>
> On Jan 8, 6:30 pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com> wrote:
> > > so I can slide the key out while the engine is
> > > running. This allows me to lock the doors and run into the house for
> > > quick things and then come back out without putting undue wear on the
> > > ignition system.Undue wear? WTF is that lame excuse? Talk about being penny wise and pound
> > foolish!
> >
> > Still, good to hear you got your Jeep back. When they stole my XJ it was
> > found a mere mile away with an empty tank. I knew full well the night
> > before my FIRST stop was going to be the gas station... a HALF MILE away. I
> > kept driving the Heep for another 6 years with that busted ignition.
> > Funniest thing was two months later (iirc) the cops called me and said they
> > found my XJ. Now, this came as a bit of a surprise as I already had it
> > back. I asked the cop on the phone where this was and the street reported
> > was right in front of the office! I hauled *** out there and let them know
> > it had already BEEN recovered. I had no desire to repeat the impound lot
> > experience, again. Looking back they probably ran the tags because it
> > looked like a piece of ---- and was parked in a 'nice' neighborhood. Still,
> > at least they gave me the courtesy of a call before impounding. Wish they'd
> > done that THE FIRST TIME.

Mike Romain

I hope you trust him....

The pedal is spring loaded so it comes back up by itself. If that
plastic clip is busted that connects it to the master...

If the slave is toast, the master 'will' be down in fluid normally.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
> Let me correct myself... the clutch MASTER cylinder was full. The
> slave cylinder is evidently attached to the tranny and I'm in way over
> my head.
>
> I took it to a mechanic today, he's reputable, I've dealt with him
> before. He agrees it's likely a hydraulic problem but can't look at it
> until tomorrow, his lot was full, he's busy. Let's hope that also will
> make him fast. He quoted me 4 hours labor on a clutch replacement,
> which is amazing.
>
> Are the stock clutch slave cylinders on the TJ's known for being weak?
> I've read a lot of people having issues with them. Also, if the slave
> cylinder was leaky, wouldn't that show up in the master cylinder level?
>
> Also the lack of resistance may have been a red herring. There never
> was a lot of "resistance" when pressing the clutch to the floor, and it
> still returns to normal position just as usual. The only thing that
> isn't working is the damn clutch isn't releasing so I can't shift while
> the engine is running. There was a very unusual smell in the car when
> I got it back, but I thought it was either cheap ethnic hair care
> products or some unfamiliar smokeable product being used while they
> were joy-riding. Regardless, the smell was foreign to me... the
> mechanic said it may have been hydraulic fluid. It may also be that
> the thieves used hydraulic fluid in their hair... but I digress... It
> smelled kinda plasticky I guess. I'm not good at describing such
> things.
>
> Well now it's all in the hands of my trusty mechanic, I'll keep you all
> updated, I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath to hear how my
> adventures fair.
>
> - Andy
>
> '98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
>> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
>> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>>
>> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
>> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
>> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
>> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
>> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
>> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
>> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>>
>> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
>> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
>> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
>> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
>> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
>> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
>> been the final blow.
>>
>> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
>> the Jeep.
>>
>> - Andy
>>
>> On Jan 8, 6:30 pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com> wrote:
>>>> so I can slide the key out while the engine is
>>>> running. This allows me to lock the doors and run into the house for
>>>> quick things and then come back out without putting undue wear on the
>>>> ignition system.Undue wear? WTF is that lame excuse? Talk about being penny wise and pound
>>> foolish!
>>>
>>> Still, good to hear you got your Jeep back. When they stole my XJ it was
>>> found a mere mile away with an empty tank. I knew full well the night
>>> before my FIRST stop was going to be the gas station... a HALF MILE away. I
>>> kept driving the Heep for another 6 years with that busted ignition.
>>> Funniest thing was two months later (iirc) the cops called me and said they
>>> found my XJ. Now, this came as a bit of a surprise as I already had it
>>> back. I asked the cop on the phone where this was and the street reported
>>> was right in front of the office! I hauled *** out there and let them know
>>> it had already BEEN recovered. I had no desire to repeat the impound lot
>>> experience, again. Looking back they probably ran the tags because it
>>> looked like a piece of ---- and was parked in a 'nice' neighborhood. Still,
>>> at least they gave me the courtesy of a call before impounding. Wish they'd
>>> done that THE FIRST TIME.
>

Mike Romain

I hope you trust him....

The pedal is spring loaded so it comes back up by itself. If that
plastic clip is busted that connects it to the master...

If the slave is toast, the master 'will' be down in fluid normally.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
> Let me correct myself... the clutch MASTER cylinder was full. The
> slave cylinder is evidently attached to the tranny and I'm in way over
> my head.
>
> I took it to a mechanic today, he's reputable, I've dealt with him
> before. He agrees it's likely a hydraulic problem but can't look at it
> until tomorrow, his lot was full, he's busy. Let's hope that also will
> make him fast. He quoted me 4 hours labor on a clutch replacement,
> which is amazing.
>
> Are the stock clutch slave cylinders on the TJ's known for being weak?
> I've read a lot of people having issues with them. Also, if the slave
> cylinder was leaky, wouldn't that show up in the master cylinder level?
>
> Also the lack of resistance may have been a red herring. There never
> was a lot of "resistance" when pressing the clutch to the floor, and it
> still returns to normal position just as usual. The only thing that
> isn't working is the damn clutch isn't releasing so I can't shift while
> the engine is running. There was a very unusual smell in the car when
> I got it back, but I thought it was either cheap ethnic hair care
> products or some unfamiliar smokeable product being used while they
> were joy-riding. Regardless, the smell was foreign to me... the
> mechanic said it may have been hydraulic fluid. It may also be that
> the thieves used hydraulic fluid in their hair... but I digress... It
> smelled kinda plasticky I guess. I'm not good at describing such
> things.
>
> Well now it's all in the hands of my trusty mechanic, I'll keep you all
> updated, I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath to hear how my
> adventures fair.
>
> - Andy
>
> '98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
>> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
>> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>>
>> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
>> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
>> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
>> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
>> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
>> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
>> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>>
>> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
>> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
>> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
>> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
>> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
>> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
>> been the final blow.
>>
>> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
>> the Jeep.
>>
>> - Andy
>>
>> On Jan 8, 6:30 pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com> wrote:
>>>> so I can slide the key out while the engine is
>>>> running. This allows me to lock the doors and run into the house for
>>>> quick things and then come back out without putting undue wear on the
>>>> ignition system.Undue wear? WTF is that lame excuse? Talk about being penny wise and pound
>>> foolish!
>>>
>>> Still, good to hear you got your Jeep back. When they stole my XJ it was
>>> found a mere mile away with an empty tank. I knew full well the night
>>> before my FIRST stop was going to be the gas station... a HALF MILE away. I
>>> kept driving the Heep for another 6 years with that busted ignition.
>>> Funniest thing was two months later (iirc) the cops called me and said they
>>> found my XJ. Now, this came as a bit of a surprise as I already had it
>>> back. I asked the cop on the phone where this was and the street reported
>>> was right in front of the office! I hauled *** out there and let them know
>>> it had already BEEN recovered. I had no desire to repeat the impound lot
>>> experience, again. Looking back they probably ran the tags because it
>>> looked like a piece of ---- and was parked in a 'nice' neighborhood. Still,
>>> at least they gave me the courtesy of a call before impounding. Wish they'd
>>> done that THE FIRST TIME.
>

Mike Romain

I hope you trust him....

The pedal is spring loaded so it comes back up by itself. If that
plastic clip is busted that connects it to the master...

If the slave is toast, the master 'will' be down in fluid normally.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

'98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
> Let me correct myself... the clutch MASTER cylinder was full. The
> slave cylinder is evidently attached to the tranny and I'm in way over
> my head.
>
> I took it to a mechanic today, he's reputable, I've dealt with him
> before. He agrees it's likely a hydraulic problem but can't look at it
> until tomorrow, his lot was full, he's busy. Let's hope that also will
> make him fast. He quoted me 4 hours labor on a clutch replacement,
> which is amazing.
>
> Are the stock clutch slave cylinders on the TJ's known for being weak?
> I've read a lot of people having issues with them. Also, if the slave
> cylinder was leaky, wouldn't that show up in the master cylinder level?
>
> Also the lack of resistance may have been a red herring. There never
> was a lot of "resistance" when pressing the clutch to the floor, and it
> still returns to normal position just as usual. The only thing that
> isn't working is the damn clutch isn't releasing so I can't shift while
> the engine is running. There was a very unusual smell in the car when
> I got it back, but I thought it was either cheap ethnic hair care
> products or some unfamiliar smokeable product being used while they
> were joy-riding. Regardless, the smell was foreign to me... the
> mechanic said it may have been hydraulic fluid. It may also be that
> the thieves used hydraulic fluid in their hair... but I digress... It
> smelled kinda plasticky I guess. I'm not good at describing such
> things.
>
> Well now it's all in the hands of my trusty mechanic, I'll keep you all
> updated, I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath to hear how my
> adventures fair.
>
> - Andy
>
> '98 TJ Milo O]]]]]]]O wrote:
>> I know that's more or less a lame and contrived excuse. I did say in
>> all caps that I know this is stupid!
>>
>> Thanks everyone for your help, I'm going to look into the plastic clip
>> on the pedal tonight, if that's all there is wrong it'd be brilliant!
>> I'm certain that whatever did break saved my wheels from being
>> stripped, so in the long run even a complete clutch overhaul is cheaper
>> than a new set of tires and wheels. Oddly they took the spare tire key
>> from the center console but not the spare tire. These guys were either
>> in a hurry or stupid or both.
>>
>> BTW, the slave cylinder is full, that was the first thing I checked,
>> too. The reason I suspect the fork or the bearing is because this jeep
>> originally lived with me in Wisconsin and has been through some wet and
>> muddy places. I'm not hard on my clutch by any means, and this is a
>> clutch release issue, not a slipping issue. I suppose of that plastic
>> clip was weak and these guys stomped on the pedal hard, that could have
>> been the final blow.
>>
>> Will keep you all updated. The rental Lancer is really making me miss
>> the Jeep.
>>
>> - Andy
>>
>> On Jan 8, 6:30 pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com> wrote:
>>>> so I can slide the key out while the engine is
>>>> running. This allows me to lock the doors and run into the house for
>>>> quick things and then come back out without putting undue wear on the
>>>> ignition system.Undue wear? WTF is that lame excuse? Talk about being penny wise and pound
>>> foolish!
>>>
>>> Still, good to hear you got your Jeep back. When they stole my XJ it was
>>> found a mere mile away with an empty tank. I knew full well the night
>>> before my FIRST stop was going to be the gas station... a HALF MILE away. I
>>> kept driving the Heep for another 6 years with that busted ignition.
>>> Funniest thing was two months later (iirc) the cops called me and said they
>>> found my XJ. Now, this came as a bit of a surprise as I already had it
>>> back. I asked the cop on the phone where this was and the street reported
>>> was right in front of the office! I hauled *** out there and let them know
>>> it had already BEEN recovered. I had no desire to repeat the impound lot
>>> experience, again. Looking back they probably ran the tags because it
>>> looked like a piece of ---- and was parked in a 'nice' neighborhood. Still,
>>> at least they gave me the courtesy of a call before impounding. Wish they'd
>>> done that THE FIRST TIME.
>