Clutch Problems

carrierbarry · #1 23-03-12, 00:00

Started the old girl today after a few weeks laid up.
She started on the button, but I can't get a gear. I'm thinking the clutch plates have stuck on.
Is there a quick fix or is it out with the engine?

shaun · #2 23-03-12, 00:29

If you can get it in a clear space try starting it in gear, and then driving it in gear ( and i hate to say it snatching the clutch up and down).

Or get it moving push the clutch down and stand on the brakes.

good luck !

rob love · #3 23-03-12, 01:23

If you remove the little clutch access plate, and get someone to step on the clutch, you will see if it's siezed to the flywheel or the pressure plate. Bend a screwdriver into a mini prybar and push/pull the disc away from whichever side it's siezed to. You mihgt have to rotate the engine and do this at two or three spots. I have always been amazed at how little effort it takes to unstick them, yet how much driving force they will have when siezed.

You can do the "against the wall and hit the starter trick" but I didn't tell you that, especially with a tracked vehicle.

Phil Waterman · #4 23-03-12, 01:28

Hi

Shaun is correct in his suggested next step, if you have a vehicle that does this you want to be sure to put it in neutral before starting, unless you need a new garage door. Neither my other trucks have this problem but you can be sure given that they are parked nose to tail in the shop that I put them all in neutral before starting.

My 1941 C60L Pattern 12 has done this occasionally since reassembly. Better believe the next time the engine is out the clutch is coming apart to identify the cause and fix it. In my case the cause is surface rust that forms when the temperature and humidity conspire. The problem is that with out disassembling I don't know if the problem is on the spline shaft (most likely) or the throwout bearing sleeve.

Good luck, may it un-stick easily and not return.

Cheers Phil

Lynn Eades · #5 23-03-12, 03:45

The problem is more likely caused by moisture in the plate lining, which causes the f/wheel, or p.p. to rust. If you can start it in gear, take it for a drive with the pedal in. I agrree with Rob. A small amount of rust will make it hang on an amazing amount.

shaun · #6 23-03-12, 10:05

I like Robs Idea, i have done it that way on many vehicles, but not sure if you will be able to get to much through the inspection plate on a V8 as the clutch is well in side the bell housing - sorry not trying to "POO POO" a good idea.

Ron Pier · #7 23-03-12, 10:55

I have released a stuck clutch by :- start the engine in neutral and let it warm up so that it will restart easy. Then put it in gear hold down clutch pedal and hard on brake pedal then hit the starter button. If the clutch is not too badly stuck it will usually work. Ron

carrierbarry · #8 08-04-12, 09:52

Finally got to move carrier over Easter.

Good news, started the carrier in gear and Bang!! it jumped free.

Good tip guys, shows the forum works.

Thanks

Barry