Engine Dies When I Press Clutch Pedal

[shanespurlock]

So I have a 1973 CJ5 with the AMC 304 . All original. It has 104,000 miles. Up until now its been very reliable although the oil pressure is low and it burns some oil. Complete engine rebuild coming soon.

This morning, not very cold out, starts just fine, runs normal and I go inside to let it warm up. When I come back out, its not running. That in itself has never happened before. It starts but is a struggle. Get it cleared out and idling properly and as soon as I press in the clutch pedal, it dies. It shut off so instantaneously I thought maybe the clutch pedal was shorting out a wire from the ignition switch, but I checked and nothing is going on there. Under the hood I made sure the fuel line somehow didn't come unattached and work its way over and is now getting pinched by the clutch linkage, but thats not the case either.

Any ideas would be helpful and GREATLY appreciated!

Thank You
Shane

 

[Torxhead]

I would think that the fast idle cam on the choke would keep it running.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Since you posted this question on another forum, I will say this.
Next time it's run'n-Jiggle the ign switch, and see if it dies.
Also Ck the coil's power supply for issues. That horseshoe clip is a well known problem area.
Look under the dash for wiring near the pedal area.
LG

 

[shanespurlock]

Thanks lumpy, I appreciate it. I have to think its something electrical. I pulled all the wiring aside so I made sure it was nowhere near the clutch pedal, but there are a few times that after it dies if I still have the clutch depressed it won't turn over. But for the life of me I can't find a single wire that is even close to the pedal or linkage.

 

[Hedgehog]

If there is no wiring issues under the dash, check for wiring issues under the hood around the clutch mechanisms.

 

[FLYNHYCJ7]

Have you looked at the fuse block area? maybe something is loose :dunno:

 

[DVz75CJ5]

If you have an ignition module it could be the problem. A hairline crack when cold, opens up when hot creating an open circuit within the module and stops any electrical. Have a buddy turn it over and you check coil for spark. No spark = bad coil or module. 50-50 chance at Napa. Easy check, but so is checking everything else suggested by everyone, like a loose wire hanging near clutch, hope there's only one. Gotta luv chasing sparky.