Help with T18

[Drew6524]

Hi guys,

I am new to the forum as a poster but have been an observer for the better part of this summer. About two months ago I purchased a 79 CJ7 , I purchased it as a "drive-able project" and so far it has been just that. I have found a wealth of knowledge here but now I have a question of my own.

Two 2 weeks ago I was driving steady in 4th gear and my Transmission started screaming/whining at me. I pulled over and had the Jeep flat bedded it back to my house. After identifying my trans as a T-18 (top number #13-01-065-907) I popped the drain plug expecting to find no gear oil. Much to my surprise there was gear oil, and lots of it! Important detail: The three days leading up to this event my shifter became harder and harder to engage (in any gear). I suspected, based on the various oil spots under the jeep, my trans was a slow leaker and in need of more oil. Because I am a weekend warrior I have not yet had a chance to fill up the trans and see if my problems are solved. I wanted to throw out my symptoms and see if anyone could offer some advice in the case a batch pf fresh oil does not remedy my screaming T-18.

One last thing. When I pulled my floorboard to expose the top of my trans I noticed a strange cap with the marking "S W" or "M S" depending on perspective. I have attached a stock picture with a blue arrow pointing to this cap. Can anyone identify this cap and tell me what is the purpose?

 

[HackFabrication]

The 'cap' you have pictured is the Transmission breather. It prevents pressure from building up inside the transmission.

Are you certain it is a transmission issue and not a Transfer Case issue?

 

[Drew6524]

I am not certain it is a Transmission problem. The hard shift's made me suspicious but it could very well be a Transfer Case issue.

Can anyone tell me if the T-18 and Dana 20 share oil? I have heard mixed opinions on this topic. The amount of oil drained from my trans would lead my to believe my trans and t-case are sharing oil; whether by design or not.

 

[HackFabrication]

They are not designed to share oil.

 

[Hedgehog]

My jeep has screamed for help on a couple occasions. 1 - the trahsfer case wasn't fully engaged. 2 - the starter motor engaged and wouldn't disengage. The solenoid was stuck in the "on" position. Even though it was a solenoid problem the starter was ruined.

One more ting to check, how is your through out bearing? If your clutch is warn out it is possible that your throw out bearing has been turning and finally simply gave up.

T-18 's are solid transmissions, if oil is present they are very difficult to truly detonate. I would bet on a new clutch.

 

[HackFabrication]

If you've got enough room to pull the top cover through the body pan, you can take a look-see at the guts. To make it easy on yourself, put the Transmission in neutral before you pull the shift lever (don't forget the tiny dowel pin).



Pull the skidplate/crossmember and remove the oil pan cover from the Transfer Case and look-see in there.

We can guess forever, but: You're not going to know until you start taking stuff apart.

 

[Drew6524]

To remove the top cover I just remove the shifter (with retaining pin), then unbolt the 6 top bolt and pull up? Are there any alignment issues during this?

 

[Hedgehog]

You shouldn't need to remove the stick, it's part of the top. Take the plunge, it is really hard to screw this up. If the gears move, move'em back, the same with the stick.