stuck clutch
stuck clutch
My own stupid fault. Haven't operated the clutch on my 1500fwd for over a month and the plate appears to be stuck to the flywheel. Have tried starting in gear with clutch pedal down and brakes on but no results yet. I know I did something drastic back in the 80's when the same thing happened on one of my Triumphs but the memory has failed me.
Re: stuck clutch
If you have a quiet road where the car is, start it in 1st gear, get some speed up then brake hard with the clutch down, normally releases with a bit of a bang, if not, repeat.
Re: stuck clutch
Thanks for replying, Tony. I have just freed it by jacking up a drive wheel, started in gear and jammed the brakes on. Worked second attempt. Like you say, quite a bang.
Re: stuck clutch
That is my technique as well, I use second and go hard on-off-on-off the accelerator with the clutch held down until it releases.
You go along a bit like a kangaroo but it has never failed me yet.
Russ Cooper
Dursley
UK
Dursley
UK
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Re: stuck clutch
And mine, never fails


Tony.
NOW A CLUB MEMBER 2017057 

- Larry 1300
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- Location: Glasgow
Re: stuck clutch
Hi I have the same problem. I don't drive but I will get my wife or son to do what you have suggested. Just one question please. I can't get her into a gear while the engine is running. If I turn the car off and put it in gear, will she run in that gear when she is started?
Thanks
Laurence
Laurence
Re: stuck clutch
You need to have a quiet stretch of road. Put the car in first or second gear and hold down the clutch. Turn the key. The car will lurch forwards like a kangaroo but if the engine has been all warmed up beforehand it should start and you will be motoring along. Then do what the others have said.Larry 1300 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 11, 2021 8:16 am Hi I have the same problem. I don't drive but I will get my wife or son to do what you have suggested. Just one question please. I can't get her into a gear while the engine is running. If I turn the car off and put it in gear, will she run in that gear when she is started?
Mike
(1969 MGB GTV8, 1977 Dolomite 1850HL, 1971 MGB roadster now all three on the road)
(1969 MGB GTV8, 1977 Dolomite 1850HL, 1971 MGB roadster now all three on the road)
- Larry 1300
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Re: stuck clutch
You are very lucky that you didn't snap the input shaft by doing that.
Some people are like Slinky's, they serve no real purpose in life but bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
Re: stuck clutch
My technique is to warm it up then start it in gear so you will kangaroo a bit up the road.
Then holding the clutch down drive it going hard on-off-on-off-on the accelerator and it will free off with a bang.
Never failed yet.
Then holding the clutch down drive it going hard on-off-on-off-on the accelerator and it will free off with a bang.
Never failed yet.
Russ Cooper
Dursley
UK
Dursley
UK
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- TDC Shropshire Area Organiser
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Re: stuck clutch
Oddly the 1500FWD is one of the few cars where it's quicker and better to do this properly rather than the violent method advised (and successful) above.
As Trust no1 said the input shaft on the 1500fwd is extremely weak, it'll snap if you look at it sideways (they are also near impossible to get these days)
Secondly, you can access the clutch easily by removing a tin plate under the bonnet. Do this then loosen the clutch bolts and slide a kitchen knife 'twixt plate and flywheel and prise gently, job done! Retighten bolts and replace tinware.
Don't get me wrong, i'm no sissy and have used extreme violence to free off stuck clutches more times than I can count. Just in this one case it's safer and simple to do it the more right way!
Steve
As Trust no1 said the input shaft on the 1500fwd is extremely weak, it'll snap if you look at it sideways (they are also near impossible to get these days)
Secondly, you can access the clutch easily by removing a tin plate under the bonnet. Do this then loosen the clutch bolts and slide a kitchen knife 'twixt plate and flywheel and prise gently, job done! Retighten bolts and replace tinware.
Don't get me wrong, i'm no sissy and have used extreme violence to free off stuck clutches more times than I can count. Just in this one case it's safer and simple to do it the more right way!
Steve
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!
Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!
Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.
Re: stuck clutch
when its done to a FWD as the O/P owns the bang will more than likely be the input shaft snapping
Some people are like Slinky's, they serve no real purpose in life but bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
- Larry 1300
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