Gear Oil Leak

whydahdvr · Post by **whydahdvr** » Sun May 10, 2009 7:01 pm

I took the jeep out for a ride this afternoon, about 20 minutes or so around town and got up to 40+ on some roads. About a block from home the spedometer stopped working. When I got home I noticed a gear oil leak, possibly from the transfer case or transmission.
Question: When the spedometer stops working is that likely due to the cable breaking or something else? I believe that the gear oil leak is related to the spedo cable issue but want to verify.
I haven't crawled under to take a look and had to leave on a business trip this afternoon so do not have access to my resources. Guidance? Thanks!

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Sun May 10, 2009 7:50 pm

I would bet the cable became froze and broke causing damage to the cable housing which allowed fluid to leak.

Tranny fluid often leaks into the cable housing.

Just my guess. I would take the cable loose and check it out.

whydahdvr · Post by **whydahdvr** » Mon May 11, 2009 7:18 pm

Ryan, I agree that sounds the most plausible. I'm going to take a look underneath. How hard are the spedo cables to replace or repair?

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:42 pm

Take it to a speedometer/guage shop. There is one around the corner from me. They can make new cables and lube them.
The M38 used a captive cabel - locked on both ends with a metal ring.

The cable housing is the hardest part - it is water proof and I don't know if it can be duplicated very easily or not.

whydahdvr · Post by **whydahdvr** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:54 pm

Ryan,
It sounds like the cable can be repaired but the housing probably needs to be replaced. I also spoke to Pete DeBella and learned that there were different lengths and sizes used so I'll need to match up what I have currently to get the correct part.
Anything else I should look for? I looked under the vehicle last night and it definitely looks to be come from the transfer case, but it's hard to tell exactly where. What else is likely to need to be replaced or repaired?
Thanks.

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Wed May 13, 2009 8:19 pm

The oil from the tranny usually seeps slowly into the transfer, which is usually not a problem for the transfer, so don't be alarmed if you have way too much in the transfer and a little low on the tranny. Make sure the tranny stays were she needs to be on fluid levels.

The M38 used two different lengths on the cables and went to one that was slightly longer during the fall of 1951.

I would take the length of the one you have as your guide. You may check your seals and your speedo gear while you are down there.

Wes can surely provide some more expert info.