RPM of engine lower when clutch is pressed

[jcoalter532]

The RPM of my morris minor van lowers to almost the point of stalling the engine when the clutch is pressed compared to when the clutch is out and it is idleing in netural but the clutch is working fine pulling up hills great. And changing gears perfectly. The only thing i can think of is that it maybe something to due with it being layed up for a few years not being used. Any ideas on how to fix this and what is causing it would be much appreciated

[nebogipfel]

If you mean that the engine appears to be labouring when the car is in gear and the clutch is depressed it could be that the clutch is not fully clearing and is dragging slightly - is the car also trying to move?

Sorry I just re-read your question. Please ignore the above

If the revs drop when in neutral and you press the clutch then it is likely to be end float on the crankshaft i.e. the clutch is applying a force to the end of the crank and causing the crank to move within the bearings causing frictional loads to increase. The crankshaft thrust faces/bearings would likely be the problem.

A slight decrease in tickover is nothing to worry about but your question suggests yours is excessive?

[8009STEVE]

Get somebody to look at the crank pulley when you push the clutch down with the engine running. I did this on a volvo some time back. It was interesting to watch the pulley move forward and back.

[bmcecosse]

It' just drag from the clutch release bearing - and of course internal friction from the thrust washers. Just lift the idle speed slightly - and whenever possible on a Minor - don't 'ride' the clutch. The carbon release bearing wears away at an alarming rate if you do this.

[ColinP]

The RPM of my morris minor van lowers to almost the point of stalling the engine when the clutch is pressed compared to when the clutch is out

On all the Minors I've driven, there is always a drop in revs when the clutch pedal is down.
As BMC says, raise the idle speed a bit (mine's about 900 rpm when warm) just a little fast compared to the "book", but it doesn't stall, and seems ok.

Colin