I will take a closer look in about 10 days... I just got back from Panama today, and I am heading out to Tokyo at 6:30AM tomorrow, so I barely had time to finish installing the boomerang shackles today, and I am not doing any more work on the Jeep today 'cause I got to pack and sleep!
Anyway, regarding some of the comments...
In any case,
I usually go by smell and feel when I can´t tell for sure by looking at a drop of fluid from the jeep. You should be able to tell what it is and then go from there.
That's not a bad idea... I have not thought of that! Can you tell I am a rookie at this?
DOT3/4 looks and feels a lot lighter then 10w30. Problem with either is that the clutch can get soaked and if that happens it will need to be replaced as well.
Honestly, I dont think this is the case, as it slips ONLY when it is cold (and it has done it since I got the rig). But I DO have a new clutch in my garage (along with an inertia ring). I have not installed it because I am too lazy to take the tranny down if I dont absolutely have to!
Felipe if I remember correctly you have had problems with a sticky clutch or atleast one that does not release very well.
That's true, but I found PART of the culprit... The slave cylinder was a mess when I took it out, and now, except for early in the mornings when the jeep is nice and cooled down from staying put all night long, the clutch does not slip or stick or have any issues at all. It only comes up when I first drive off in the morning.
One of the causes is oil from the transmission getting into the clutch. a leaking engine rear main seal will not get oil on your clutch. But if the front seal of your transmissiom leaks it will get into the clutch and make the clutch stick and can also cause it to slip. The biggest problem it causes is that it becomes hard to get the jeep into gear when it sits still. transmission oil is kinda clear not dark/black like motor oil and its a bit sticky compared to brake fluid
Last time I looked at it, it did kind of looked like tranny fluid, because after I replaced it, the lubricant in the housing was much cleaner. So I am thinking it could be the front tranny seal... and boy will that be a lot of work to do by myself if it is! I REALLY dont feel like dropping the tranny!
Don't forget the valve cover gasket which is a common faiure in jeeps. It's also misdiagnosed as a rear main seal because the valve cover gasket generally leaks at the rear, down the bellhousin, and sometimes onto the clutch.
I guess I should check that just to be 100% sure, but it does not seem to be, as the fluid looked more like tranny fluid... But not sure; I was dressed for work, and did not actaully get under the jeep. And today I kind of forgot to look at it.
Mine does the exact same thing. I had assumed that my main seal had a small leak. My hope was that the oil would be kept behind the flywheel so that it would not get on the clutch disc. Are you sure it is hydralic fluid or is it trans or motor oil. A trans leak would cause the clutch to slip as the oil could get on the disc.
Desert, I do believe that whatever I got, it is the same thing you got, so if you get to it first, let me know what it is! I will do the same from my side... And no, I am not sure of anything at this time, because one time I did not want to get all dirty, and today I kind of forgot...
Felipe
