Clutch Problem ???

[Guest smac1221]

My truck has sat for several years, started but not driven.

When I start it in neutral and try to shift into gear, it grinds the gears. Is the clutch plate stuck and what is the simplist way to free it, if so? I put it in reverse and started it and it lunged backwards even with the clutch pedal pushed in.

Any thoughts?

[grey beard]

Given a choice, I'd put it in high gear and either try to start it, or try towing it in high gear whilst holding the clutch pedal down. Otherwise, you might drop the flywheel-clutch bottom cover and see if you can get the disc to move while the linkage is depressed. Clutches sticking is nothing very new. Getting them unstuck is usually just a matter of finding the simplest recipe that will work. JMHO

[Merle Coggins]

You could try jacking up the rear axle and setting it on jack stands. Then put it in gear and start up the engine. The wheels will spin when the engine is running, but the truck won't move. Now, hold down the clutch and stab the brakes. Maybe you can break it loose that way.

Merle

[pflaming]

Had a small Ford tractor that did that. I would put it in a high gear then take it out and plow with it but hold the clutch pedal down. Eventually it would brake loose. Maybe do a similiar thing, put on a load then go for a drive on a country road with hills on it. NOTE: Do fasten your seat belt if you try this.

Good luck. I wish my truck was far enough along to have this problem.

PF

[Don Coatney]

When I was about 12 years old I was visiting my uncle in Southern Indiana. He had this pictured 1948 Buick that had been sitting in a shed for several years. I talked him into letting me get it running so I could drive it around in the cow pasture. Had to replace the fuel pump and it fired right up. Problem was the clutch had rusted to the flywheel and it would not release. The fix was starting the car in gear and driving it for a while with the clutch pedal pressed to the floor. After a few laps around the corn crib the clutch broke free and worked as it should.

[Guest smac1221]

Keep those ideas coming!

I may have to wait til the traffic dies down out front and roll it into the street and take off in high gear, guess I better check out the brakes first!

Thanks,

smac1221