Clutch won't dsengage

[darcher121]

Just finished putting a new floor in, as well as a new clutch pedal in. Linked it all up again and I can't roll the car when gear engaged and pedal down. Turned the engine over with gear engaged and pedal down and it lurches forward. I adjusted the clutch rod a bit tighter (1/2 inch on the rod or so?) and still getting the same. Seems odd as I have only done the floor and pedal and not done any work on the gearbox or engine and it was working fine before. It's been standing for about 6 months I guess.
Any advice gladly received before I take out the engine and take the box off for a poke about.
1960 2 door 948cc

[bmcecosse]

The clutch plate may simply have 'stuck' to the flywheel. Run the engine up to full working temperature and let the heat soak through to the flywheel. If that doesn't work then more drastic methods may be needed. ie - Tow starting 'in gear' with foot down on the pedal.

[liammonty]

Make sure you haven't over-adjusted it, as if you have, you'll wear through the thrust bearing in no time. If the free-play is correct at the pedal, then you know it's the clutch plate that is stuck.

[panky]

It's a common thing to happen on Commers and what usually works is variation on Roy's suggestion, that is to warm the engine up thoroughly then wedge the clutch pedal down with a piece of timber and leave it overnight. If it hasn't shifted start the engine again and warm everything up again - remembering of course to make sure it's in neutral.

[darcher121]

Thanks for the advice!
I'll give it a go tomorrow after adjusting the clutch rod back to where it was to start with.
Fingers crossed.....
David

[bmcecosse]

Should be opprox 1" free play at the pedal.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Ive known of a friends van clutch to stick to the flywheel after only three months in a damp garage, as above warm it up well and Ive found if you sit and push the pedal in and out once it warmed up it can help free off.

[darcher121]

Tried the tricks to free it earlier but no joy. I haven't tried to tow start it yet though.
I'll try it again over the weekend.
The attached pic was the best I could get with my phone from lying on the floor. Looks OK to me although it looks a bit manky in there, but the clutch assemply looks dry.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

The carbon thrust is quite worn! Try again with the heat soak.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Just noticed your in Annalong, we have an active club branch in Northern Ireland. We are out on Easter Monday, 50 or so cars are booked. We meet at Redz at Junction one Shopping Centre, Carrickfergus Castle for lunch and finish at Ramble Inn Ballymena for tea. We also have a club meeting night next Thursday.

Id be very wary of towing it, more chance of breaking something. Its the clutch plate thats stuck to the flywheel so you wouldnt see it through the bung in the gearbox.

[bmcecosse]

Tow starting works fine - second gear with the ignition off , of course. But try the heat soak first. You could watch through that hole (not when towing....) while some one presses the pedal down - to see just how much movement is being transmitted to the pressure plate.

[IslipMinor]

The freeplay for a 948 should be 3/4" of movement at the pedal before you feel any resistance to actually disengage the clutch. How much freeplay do you have?

[darcher121]

Several heat-ups later and my clutch is free!!
Thanks to all for the advice.
I'll now adjust the clutch freeplay to 3/4".

Now for the electrics... gulp....

Thanks again!