stuck clutch

[jimW]

With a new distributor cap, leads etc I now have the engine running and ticking over reasonably smoothly so I have been able to get her up to operating temp. The next phase of the ongoing problem is to try and free the clutch which has stuck solid after 12 years storage. I have looked at all the methods and opted for the 'jack up the back wheels, engage third and apply the brakes' method. Tried today but without any luck.

I havnt given up yet and may well yet get the wheels back on the ground and try driving in first as the next option.

Beyond that I guess I will have to split the engine and gearbox. Are there any openings in the clutch area that I could get a screwdriver in to try and break the 'bond'? Otherwise how accessible is the gearbox when changing a clutch? Is it an 'engine out' job?

[BillB]

I don't think there is anywhere in the clutch cover to get a lever in other than the gaps between the lands where the cover bolts onto the flywheel. To get at those you would be going in flat across the back face of the flywheel so you would have to split the engine & gearbox and pull them apart a bit and slip a thin blade in and you might just be able to break the friction plate to flywheel bond. Whether you could do that without disengaging the input shaft from the spigot bearing I don't know - I think it goes in about 20mm. You wouldn't get at the friction to pressure plate bond that way - that would need the cover removing from the flywheel which needs the engine & gearbox fully separated.

Sorry but I haven't had any experience of getting the gearbox out - I left mine in place when I lifted the engine out - but others on here reckon they come out together easily but it looks like a high lift.

Regards
Bill

[chrisw2811]

Might be worth calling the guys at Lotusbits http://www.lotusbits.com for information / advice.
I like your webpage. Here's to the next instalment.

[Red Excel]

Jim, I once had an old Ford 100E that had stood a fair few years and had the clutch well and truly stuck. I tried the usual method of raising the rear end and stabbing the brakes while the clutch pedal was depressed to no avail. I then tried taking it along the A13 when clear as possible whilst being followed by my mate in his car in case of breaking down. After about 7-8 miles of revving, clutch dipping, brake stabbing etc it did free off. The awkward bit was starting in gear and keeping momentum till I got to the main road. Best of luck!

[jimW]

Thanks all, I've got her off the blocks again and might try a drive round the industrial estate later!

@chris ....many thanks, website just another project on the go!

Cheers, Jim

[AndyC]

My Esprit is the same colour and plate is 896 instead of 907, we'll have to make sure they get parked side by side at local meets.

[jimW]

Look forward to that Andy ...athough my first gear excursion tonight ( failing to free the clutch) means I may be looking at hoiking the engine out. I will try and get down on the 18th and say hello. In the meantime working on a lifesize cardboard cut out to park next to you!

[jimW]

she was registered 1/8/84 by the way. I will look up which dealer tomorrow...chances are supplied by the same as yours ( from memory its somewhere in the NE but I will check.)