1990 Wrangler, 4.2 liter

I installed a new heavy duty pressure plate and dual friction disc (from Six States), new clutch slave and master cylinders. Now, the clutch works great on level ground but only on slopes (like a steep driveway) the clutch won't fully release. I replaced the slave, I replaced the master twice, bled the system every way I can think; on level ground, on a slope, by gravity, using a vacuum pump, pressing the clutch, etc.

I had my dealer replace the slave and bleed the system. It still does it. I have asked everyone I can find and no one can provide me any insight as to why it only happens on a slope and to my knowledge, only when going uphill.

Specifically, when I start to go up the hill, the clutch all of a sudden will depress about halfway before it engages, just like there is a huge air bubble in the line. Pumping the clutch doesn't help. As soon as I am on level ground, everything is fine.

Please help me!

David Ingebretsen

dingebre@3dphysics.net

Did you try replacing the line?

If not Try it.  You might have somthing caught in it or it might even be kinked.

Thats all I can think of.

Thanks for the tought. It isn't the line. I have found the problem and solution. With the help of a patient mechanic at my local dealer we lifted the front end of the Jeep on a rack and started to play around. The problem happened when the front end was up and the engine was running.

The problem was worn thrust bearings on the crank. With the front end up and the engine on, the crank walked forward almost 1/4 inch when you pushed the clutch. Turn off the engine or point it down or level and the crank did -NOT- walk. That play was enough to make the pedal feel soft and to cause the clutch to not release.

One for the knowledge bank on the 4.2 liter.

Thanks again