clutch problem

[tomlucke]

Hi folks,
I wonder if someone can help?
I've fitted an Ital engine with the modified back plate and flywheel and a new clutch to my traveller.
It's all taken quite a long time as it's my first attempt at anything like this.
The engine finally went in about 4 months ago but I haven't got round to "firing" it up until last week.
The problem I have now is that the clutch won't dis-engage.
The clutch pedal feels normal but when I try to select a gear...it just grinds!!
Do I need to adjust the linkage? Could the clutch be seized? Or have I done something stupid...quite possible.

thanks

[Bazzalucas]

It is possible that the disc has rusted to the flywheel. I have had this happen with cars laid up over the winter. Just a thought.

[bmcecosse]

As above - start the engine and bring it up to working temperature - and keep it running for 30 minutes or so. The heat soaking into the flywheel may loosen the plate. Then switch off - select 4th gear - foot hard down on the clutch and try to start the engine..... make sure there is nothing parked in front!!!

[moggiethouable]

This new clutch? is it hydraulic as per rover sd1? or mechanically linked?

[tomlucke]

It's just got the ordinary mechanical link

[bmcecosse]

Why would it be hydraulic - with a standard Minor gearbox???

[moggiethouable]

I asked because the magic words modified and Ital were raised,I missed the statement regarding "standard Morris".
having built a car utilising Ital/rover/marina bits and parts, I had experience of an intermittent seizing clutch that I cured eventually.
You would probably already have experience of that particular fault so I wont bore you with the detail.