17 replies to this topic

[DUF2]

My Elf is undergoing a l o n g rebuild, just me being lazy! 
The clutch was replaced 3 years ago but the car has not been out on the road, it is still on axle stands.

The pedal feels fine and all seems in order, but I then thought, I bet the pressure plate is stuck.

So I fired up the engine, but with the clutch pedal down the clutch must not be disengaging as I cannot get it into gear.
Engine off gear selection is no problem, but engine running it won’t go into a gear, started it up in 4th gear, clutch pedal down the. put the brakes on and the engine stalls which makes me think the clutch plates are stuck together.

has anyone any bright ideas on how to free the clutch?

[cal844]

What you need to do is put the car on the ground then start it in gear... Make sure you have plenty room around the car.

If that doesn't work try using the handbrake once the car starts to move.

[GraemeC]

First make absolutely sure the clutch arm is moving properly when you press the pedal - the push rod should move out of the slave cylinder by approx 0.5"

 

If that's all good, then as Cal says - you need to try and shock it free. It will go suddenly!

If that fails, then its flywheel disassembly time!  Depending on what is stuck to what, you may be able to free it by removing the diaphragm and not having to pull the flywheel.

[Spider]

If Cal and Graeme's suggestions don't work, you can sometimes remove the Starter Motor, jam the Clutch arm out as far as it will go, then get a lever in through the Starter hole to separate the Back and Clutch Plate.

[DUF2]

I am thinking of how to shock this free.

i intend the wedge the clutch arm in the open position then run the engine in gear then stamp on the brakes. But which gear should I use? Top gear or bottom gear?.  I cannot get it into my head which way would be best.

[GraemeC]

Top

 

(think which gear you’d expect a clutch to first start to show signs of slipping)

Edited by GraemeC, 22 October 2020 - 09:37 PM.

[DUF2]

I have been unable to try out freeing the clutch until today. I wedged the clutch release arm fully open

3000 RPM in top gear, stamp on the brakes and the engine immediately stalls.

tried a couple of time using both bottom & top gear but the clutch STILL will not disengage!!!

 

I renewed the clutch around this time in 2017, but the car has not been on the road, so am not sure if the friction plate is just stuck or if I could have done something wrong when I replaced the clutch!

 

Any ideas on how to resolve this would be gratefully appreciated. 

Edited by DUF2, 20 November 2020 - 06:21 PM.

[GraemeC]

I’d whip the wok off and take a look.

(actually I’d pull the flywheel)

[bpirie1000]

Is the clutch in the right way round?

[DUF2]

Is the clutch in the right way round?

I did wonder about this, but GraemeC suggested this is not possible to do.

I have re assembled the car but have not yet fired it up. I suspect I have resolved the issue.

[MiniMadRacer]

Make sure the clutch arm ball has not cracked or snapped off. I have unstuck clutches the way you are doing it.... car on axle stands at the front,  hand brake on, rear wheels chocked, no one and no objects in front of the car, get the wheel spinng up to about 30 mph and depress the clutch fully and stamp on the brakes...after 3 or 4 attempts this has always worked for me.... only other thing I have done is make sure the car is fully warm.... a bit of heat transfering to the flywheel and clutch can help unstick it so make sure everyhting is up to temp before trying it...

[DUF2]

Issue resolved!!

I’m a bit embarrassed at the problem!!

thanks to all who offered advice.

Edited by DUF2, 27 November 2020 - 04:00 PM.

[cal844]

What was the fault? Asking for future reference

[DUF2]

What was the fault? Asking for future reference

Basically  adjustment.

I have never driven the car so did not know how the clutch should feel. The new return spring is quite heavy, When I was pushing the pedal I thought it was disengaging the clutch, but all I was doing was stretching the spring. In addition the hydraulics were full of air.
Once bled & adjusted the clutch now disengages, albeit a bit heavier than I thought it should be.

Rather embarrassing.

[Quinlan minor]

To quote one of my daughter’s Primary School teachers:
“Mistakes are good. You learn from them”
Glad you are up and running now.