willysmjeeps.com

Took my M38A1 to Michigan's Camp Grayling for the GLMVPA annual fall trail ride. I put almost 200 miles on the Jeep without too much trouble. One issue cropped up that I'd like some input on. Sometimes when I start in gear, even though the clutch is all the way to the floor, the Jeep lurches a bit when you hit the starter. We adjusted the clutch cable but it still does it. Not every time, but often enough that it can't be a fluke. I've taken to starting in neutral to avoid the problem. It doesn't grind gears when shifting or otherwise behave like the clutch is hanging up. Any ideas?

Tim

Does this happen only when the jeep is heated up after driving some time? Or does it also happen on the first morning start?

Both - but not all the time.

Tim

Does it do it when the engine is running and the clutch pedal is pressed in to? I hope it's not something where the flywheel is loose and when the starter is hit, it's cocking the flywheel enough to bind the pilot bushing to input shift, thus driving the tranny.
Brett

No. Once started everything behaves normally. We had the bell housing off when we changed the tranny but otherwise left the clutch alone. It shifts well, no grinding, funny noises or unusual vibrations.

Tim

Is the pilot bushing in the crankshaft possibly binding?