Mulit-disk clutch stuck

Bob Johnson

Bob Johnson

Well-known member
I am working on a 1928 RIGHT HAND DRIVE Phaeton. The vehicle was last operated late last year.


The problem is that the clutch will not disengage. There is normal spring resistance on the pedal. I removed the inspection plate to see what was going on. The throw out bearing moves in when the pedal is pressed. With the pedal depressed the disk at the back of the clutch is free and can be move forward and backwards indicating that that disk is not under pressure. I have tried several things to free up the disk pack. With the pedal depressed and the car in gear I did the following. Hand crank the engine, bump the car forwards and backwards, hit the starter. In no case did the clutch disengage.


Any suggestions?


Anyone know where I can get a RHD clutch housing?


Bob
 
If it was functioning OK last year when it was put away, I assume it's just a "frozen clutch" I have freed these by simply driving them a few hundred yards and doing "clutchless" gear changes but with pedal depressed... [ yes, start in gear with a warm engine ] or by the usual shock treatment of driving ( or on very secure axle stands) and hitting the brake and clutch pedal simultaneously. New Zealand ( and possibly UK) is a useful source for RHD bits.
 
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People on the Barn have reported that is method works: This is what John is recommending in the post above. This is assuming that the clutch and brakes are properly adjusted.

Put the rearend on jackstands so that the wheels are off the ground. Start the engine and warm it up in neutral. Stop the engine and put the car in high gear. Start the engine and rev it moderately. Push the clutch pedal to the floor and then stomp on the brake.

I broke free a clutch this way but it was on a car with a single plate clutch. I don't have any experience with multiple disk clutches.
 
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Half of the clutch rides in the drum splines. They get debris in them and it has no where to go so they stick in there. At some point the plates will have to come out for cleaning. This was the reason Ford discontinued the multi disc clutch.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. The clutch was removed a couple of years ago and cleaned. I will try some suggestions and report back.


Bob
 
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