Clutch Issue
06-11-2012, 09:26 PM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Clutch Issue
My 72 LT-1 hasn't been driven in at least few months. Last time driven, everything was fine (hence, this was sudden, not gradual). This time, I could not get the shifter into any gear (grinded on each attempt with clutch pedal fully depressed). I verified that the clutch mechanism is functioning (lever going into the bellhousing that you can see without jacking / raising the car).
Obviously it will go into gear with the engine off, but will not when running. I'm good with most mechanical things, but not real familar with clutches. Much of this car is original, so it may have the original clutch plate.
Sound like the clutch plate itself or the throwout bearing? Or something else?
Obviously it will go into gear with the engine off, but will not when running. I'm good with most mechanical things, but not real familar with clutches. Much of this car is original, so it may have the original clutch plate.
Sound like the clutch plate itself or the throwout bearing? Or something else?
06-11-2012, 10:15 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
The clutch is just stuck. Typical when sitting for a long time. Get yourself plenty of runway, crank it in gear with the clutch in, and nail it. It will come loose.
06-12-2012, 02:08 PM
#4
I have heard that if the clutch disc has gotten thin by many miles of use, the rivets can "rust weld" themselves to the flywheel and pressure plate, given enough time and moisture. Unfortunately, it may be time for a fresh clutch, buddy, if you can't loosen it up.
But carefully check the linkage, first.
But carefully check the linkage, first.
06-12-2012, 06:10 PM
#5
Racer
I have had the clutch stick in my car. The disc stuck to both the flywheel and the pressure plate. This does sound like what has happened to your car.
Does the car try to move forward when you try to start it a forward gear?
Does the car try to move forward when you try to start it a forward gear?
Last edited by Big Block 69; 06-12-2012 at 06:12 PM.
06-12-2012, 10:03 PM
#6
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Thanks for the tips everyone. The linkage and shaft all seem fine, so again, I'm certain the issue lies in the bellhousing. I'll try to free it by starting the car in gear this weekend.
06-12-2012, 10:11 PM
#7
Race Director
If the clutch is stuck , and it sounds as if it is,starting the engine in neutral and allowing the engine to warm up,transferring heat through the flywheel has helped me in the past.
07-04-2012, 12:14 PM
#8
Race Director
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I'm trying to get my car moving again after three years in the garage. I can get it started but can't get it in gear when running. What can I do to free the clutch?
07-04-2012, 11:51 PM
#9
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Almost forgot to update everyone, but after only two attempts to start it with the car in gear, the clutch was freed. Drove great! Thanks for the tip...