Clutch pedal travel

[Boomlander]

Hi all,
Just went to take the car out for a short run as it has been standing idle for quite a while.
Started up fine but couldn't get into 1st gear.
Clutch pedal moves halfway down with slight resistance (return spring?) then moves to the floor with stronger resistance (actual clutch disengaging?)
If I've got this correctly the clutch should be disengaging with a lot less pedal movement.
Any advice greatly appreciated as always.

[simmitc]

It sounds like the friction plate has stuck the the flywheel. You are feeling the clutch cover lifting off but the friction/driven plate is still being turned by the flywheel and thus the gearbox input shaft is also turning, meaning that you cannot get into first or reverse. You might be able to use synchro on second, but you really need a shock to jolt the plate free.

Depending on what space you have available, try bump starting the car but with the clutch pedal pressed right down and the ignition off.

[Boomlander]

Ah I see,
I'll give it a try when I have some time off work.
Thanks for the advice.

[Boomlander]

No luck I'm afraid,
I moved the car forward and back with the coil off using the starter motor in 1st 2nd & reverse.
After several attempts the clutch is still engaged.
I will have to get the local mechanic to trailer the car to the workshop.

[panky]

Try wedging the pedal down with a piece of timber between pedal and seat, run the engine until good and warm and leave over night. Commers are renown for sticking clutches and this usually works. If not there's a more brutal way of doing it

[geoberni]

I had that once many decades ago (around 1979 ) on my Viva. I won't bore you with the reasons why, but it had been stood outside for about 10 weeks over the winter, while I was elsewhere.
From what I remember, what I did was like this...
I ran the engine for about 5 mins until it warmed up a bit.
I pushed the car back from the wall it was facing so I didn't hit anything and had some space in front.
Stopped the engine and put it in 2nd.
Keep Clutch pedal pressed down from now.
Start engine, pulled out choke to increase the revs.
Other foot on brakes and let clutch up smoothly but fairly quick.
For me that worked 1st time, there was a loud crack and it came unstuck.

Whether that will work for you, I've no idea.

I did find this interesting blog on the subject, on the MOSS website, dated 1996....
https://mossmotoring.com/free-seized-clutch-disc/

[Boomlander]

Thank you for your replies.
I will certainly try the methods you have suggested and not allow the car to sit idle for too long in future.
The interior refit took up quite a few weeks so I should have run the car every week just to keep things free.
Oh well...... Live and learn!

[Boomlander]

I have ordered a replacement clutch kit from the usual supplier in case I can't get it to free up tomorrow.
There are a number of mobile clutch fitters nearby so one of them should be able to do the job as I can no longer lie under the car wielding the spanners with my dodgy back and inflatable knees!

[mowogg]

This used to happen to mine a lot when it was outside and not used much. As others suggest get it warmed up 1st by running in idle. Then turn off

Start either in second or reverse depending where you have clearance with the clutch on the floor. I think once it took 3 times to come free but normally it frees up the 1st or second time. You really should not need the new clutch.

[serowman]

surely if you have a too much free play in pedal, the clutch is not freeing.
Geoberni h0w did you start your Viva in gear if clutch was stuck??

[panky]

You shouldn't need, it will free off with a bit of determination and, possibly, brute force.

[geoberni]

surely if you have a too much free play in pedal, the clutch is not freeing.
Geoberni h0w did you start your Viva in gear if clutch was stuck??

What?
Select the gear, then start the car...
A clutch only disconnects the engine and gearbox, it doesn't stop you selecting a gear when all is stationary.....

[oliver90owner]

The way we would do it with tractors is start in low gear and run the tractor into something solid (with the clutch pedal depressed), or start in gear with the cutch pedal depressed and the tractor chained to a tree (or similar). With a car, likely start in gear (bottom or reverse would do) and, with the clutch pedal depressed, bang on the brakes hard.

[kennatt]

Make sure there is plenty of space in front, Start it in neutral get it hot,switch off,select 1st gear,press clutch to floor, and keep it there, Hand brake off ,start up again it will start and move car forwards in gear,and in hardly a couple of turns of the wheel will brake the plate free. if it dosent break free on start up give it a bit of accelerator as it moves keeping the cluch down fully. Worst I had ,after 5 years layup took about 20 yards. If that dosent free it Then would think its Not a stuck plate, and need further investigation.

[serowman]

Geoberni Sure you can select any gear when engine is not running,but my point is that you stated you started engine and let clucht up slowly.

I f clutch was stuck as soon as you started the car would drive forward

[Boomlander]

All attempts at freeing the clutch have failed so the car is going to the local Classic specialist with the correct equipment on Monday.
I've asked them to sort the oil leaks at the same time to save me grovelling about on my back in the freezing cold weather!

[Boomlander]

New clutch working fine.
When the garage went to take off the gearbox they found the crossmember that supports it had been welded in place and had to be ground off!
Any ideas why that would be welded and not bolted?

[philthehill]

It could be that the captive nuts which retain the crossmember had stripped or failed which is a common problem.
Welding the cross member in place is an easier option than replacing the captive nuts but leads to problems at a later date.

[Boomlander]

Many thanks for the info.