Frozen Clutch

Post by **m0oses** » Thu May 18, 2006 5:44 am

Hi - I am new to your site. Here is quick question please:
Vehicle = 1967 Morris LCV, 1098 engine, 4 speed gearbox located in Upstate NY, USA (near Niagara Falls). Totally restored, normal running condition and then parked for a couple of weeks.

Problem is when I tried to start / drive the clutch is jammed in the engaged position and no amount of adjustment underneath or "bumping" with engine running will free it - you cannot disconnect the engine from gearbox, it is permanently connected (unless in neutral) at this moment.

Any diagnosis is appreciated as are any potential cures.

Many Thx
Nick

Post by **ian-s** » Thu May 18, 2006 10:33 am

I always try starting it in gear with the clutch pedal held down. If it doesn't free and actually drives off, try stomping on the brakes hard with the clutch pedal still held down as it lurches along.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Thu May 18, 2006 12:45 pm

or try driving over speed bumps fast in 1st gear with clutch pressed and full gas - this gives a very big shock into the driveline (much bigger shock than pressing brake pedal) by getting the rear end to bounce a bit the wheels speed up then slow down v.quickly when you land.
(don't blame me if you break a halfshaft though ;-) )

Post by **Willie** » Thu May 18, 2006 3:52 pm

Don't know if they have speed bumps in USA? You could also try raising the
rear wheels off the ground after securely chocking the front wheels and,when
the engine is running at a reasonable speed in third gear depress the clutch
pedal and then stamp on the brakes. I would recommend that you do not do this in front of a garage wall just in case!

Post by **ian-s** » Thu May 18, 2006 6:10 pm

I suspect if it won't unstick with all these measures you are left with removing the engine/gearbox and removing the clutch as the plate has just corroded onto the flywheel.

Post by **custommartin** » Thu May 18, 2006 8:30 pm

I would go with all the above.

It also helps to have the engine fully warmed up - using the heat of the engine to loosen things up - worth a try!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:41 pm

YES - that's the answer - just let the engine warm right up, and let the heat soak through the flywheel into the clutch plate - it often comes loose that way. I have also heard of folks squirting Coke in there - to loosen it - not tried this though! Have to say - this is not something that usually happens in just a couple of weeks - is the linkage all moving correctly ?

Post by **m0oses** » Tue May 23, 2006 2:28 am

Hi - This is Nick - I posted question:

Thank you for your answers. I tried the various suggestions over the weekend but no success. As the time between the "last drive" and the lock up of the clutch was so short (two weeks) I think an internal mechanical failure must be the cause.

I will pull the gearbox and clutch in the near future and look inside.

I'll let the messageboard know what I find.

Thanks again.
Nick

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue May 23, 2006 2:03 pm

Yes - two weeks is far too short a time for clutch to stick. Check all the mechanism first - and take the blanking plug off the bell housing and have a good look in there with a torch(flashlight) while someone else operates the pedal.