Clutch seized, again.

[JubileeNut]

[Muskydo]

In all my years in the motor trade I have never failed to un-seize a clutch either by driving a few miles, or more often jacking the driven wheels of the ground, starting the car in gear, (the highest possible), then just keep pumping the clutch and keeping a reasonable speed, (not over-revving) this way the pressure is being releived on the centre plate giving a greater chance of releasing.
Cheers and good luck
Steve

ps. it's worth starting the engine and warming it up normally before doing this, that way the engine is more likely to start when in gear.

[Philip]

Well I am very upset by this:

Went to get the Marina running today, I started it up to get the engine warm before taking it for a run only to be greeted by a harrowing screeching noise and lots of smoke coming from the bell housing. I put my foot on the clutch and the noise changed pitch and finally the pedal went hard. I switched it off and the slave cylinder had burst and the release arm had come off the release bearing. I think the release bearing has collapsed and or clutch fingers have broken.

[MarinaCoupe]

The only way a clutch slave can fail is for the piston to pop out the end. The only way for the piston to pop is for the clutch lever to push forward, so it suggests that the problem is with the clutch cover and/or the release bearing. The slave should only be a symptom, not the problem.





Chris
www.marinacoupe.co.uk
Sent from iPhone

[Philip]

Yes, I know that its a consequence of what I imagine is release bearing failure.

[MarinaCoupe]

Engine out and split the gearbox off then.

The release bearing is available as its common to many cars including 4 speed TR7 (Rimmer Bros etc.) pert no. GRB209.

You do have troubles don't you?





Chris
www.marinacoupe.co.uk
Sent from iPhone

[Philip]

Thanks Chris, troubles like you wouldn't believe.

[Gee tc]

Reminds me of my first ever breakdown.
On my 1.3 years ago the clutch stiffness started to vary.(It was one of the little 6inchers)
After a short while the presure plate siezed shut and the clutch pipe burst all over the exhaust.
Smoke everywhere!!
2nd hand plate solved the problem.
T