How can I release clutch from fluid driving plate on 48 DeSoto?

[MarcDeSoto]

I was trying to install my clutch linkage rod today, but couldn't because my clutch is engaged.  The clutch has been engaged for nie on to 40 years!  I tried to push the clutch fork back so the rod could go in, but it wouldn't budge.  So I am trying to remove the clutch pan to get access to the clutch, but I think the pan is connected to the transmission.  Do I need to pull the transmission to access the clutch?  I think so because it looks like two bolts go into the transmission.  When I get access to the clutch, what is a good way to disengage the clutch?  I was thinking about using spatulas to break the connection between the clutch and driving plate.  

[knuckleharley]

Maybe jack both rear wheels off the ground using jack stands,and then bumping the starter until it breaks free?

[Dodgeb4ya]

You do not need to remove the lower cover to install the clutch fork rod.

Just remove the fork push rod ...loosen the lock nut and shorten the rod as much as possible

Re-install the rod into the fork recess pocket... then other end onto the torque shaft pin....

The adjust the clutch pedal free play as described in the service manual to 1"

[MarcDeSoto]

1 hour ago, knuckleharley said:

Maybe jack both rear wheels off the ground using jack stands,and then bumping the starter until it breaks free?

That would be fine if I had the starter installed.  Not there yet.  There is Youtube video of a guy who jacks up his 40 Cadillac, starts the engine, puts his wife in there and then lowers the read end with bang.  Clutch broke free.  

 

 

Dodge, yes I thought about screwing the end of the clutch rod to shorten it.  Then maybe I could break it free by depressing the clutch pedal!  

[MarcDeSoto]

51 minutes ago, Dodgeb4ya said:

You do not need to remove the lower cover to install the clutch fork rod.

Just remove the fork push rod ...loosen the lock nut and shorten the rod as much as possible

Re-install the rod into the fork recess pocket... then other end onto the torque shaft pin....

The adjust the clutch pedal free play as described in the service manual to 1"

But if the clutch won't break free with the clutch pedal, then I might have remove the Transmission and clutch pan.  

[joecoozie]

You can remove the clutch/flywheel lower cover/pan assembly (6-10-2) without removing the transmission.

Once you remove that you will be able to see the clutch/pressure plate, etc

Then you can try to pry the disc from the plate using "stuff" - variety of tools.....

You could also try to rock the car back and forth while in gear to see if that will help.

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v65/DonCoatney/T-5/Clutch_linkage.jpg

[Dodgeb4ya]

It takes a huge amount of force by hand to move the fork enough to release the pressure plate and disc....I couldn't do it.

Thats why you need to do it with the linkage hooked up properly. 

Get it hooked up. It will all work correctly as long as the over center linkage has not been messed with.

As for the disc being stuck to either the pressure plate or flywheel...that's a whole different story...you cannot even know if that's a problem unless the engine is running and the trans grinds going into reverse or difficult to shift into low or high range.

Maybe need a little more clarification on this clutch problem. 

Shop is closed  now...?

[1949 Wraith]

If you have fluld drive I think you will have to disassemble. If a regular clutch I would try the Cadillac trick.

[knuckleharley]

7 hours ago, MarcDeSoto said:

That would be fine if I had the starter installed.  Not there yet.  There is Youtube video of a guy who jacks up his 40 Cadillac, starts the engine, puts his wife in there and then lowers the read end with bang.  Clutch broke free.  

 

 

Dodge, yes I thought about screwing the end of the clutch rod to shorten it.  Then maybe I could break it free by depressing the clutch pedal!  

OUCH! He published that and is still living? That is a bold,bold,man!

[Dodgeb4ya]

Well lets see....

Normal non FD stuck clutches are typically easy to break loose.

A clutch disc stuck hard to the clutch cover or flywheel on a FD coupling can be really tough to break loose because it is a fluid coupling. If you cannot break it loose dumping the clutch, starting in gear etc.... you will have to remove the large lower cast iron bell housing cover for access to the stuck disc?

...not too easy like on a Plymouth Dodge or DeSoto.

You need to double nut the two lower 7/16"  transmission studs and back them out of the lower cast pan housing threaded holes as far as you can. Studs remain in the trans.

Then there are two 1/2" hex bolts tucked tight right above the cross member...jack up the trans and bell housing just enough for access to unscrew both. Leave them loose in the cover as they will not drop out...space too tight.

The other ten or so bolts are easy.

The exhaust pipe shield needs to be shoved off to the side.

Drop the lower cover.

Two ways to unstick a stuck rusty disc...

First one is easy and fast if lucky..other way is longer and requires loosening all six pressure plate bolts..

 

***Push the clutch pedal to the floor and hold it it place with a stick or what ever..carefully use a putty knife or thin wide screw driver to wedge the stuck disc loose from either the flywheel or the clutch pressure plate.

 *** If the disc is still really stuck loosen all the PP bolts just about all the way...

 (make sure the clutch pedal is released)...then attempt to wedge the disc loose.

If it's still difficult to get the disc to break free you are in a little bit of trouble as if you remove all the PP bolts the PP will drop down 2-3 inches... it can be some what difficult to get the PP back up and centered to the throw out bearing...and yes now you should be able to break that disc free...?

I've been down this road on a few cars including a couple Fluid Drive cars...the last one was a 48 Chrysler T&C 4 dr.

Ended up pulling the trans as needed to see how rusty the parts were.

Good luck....

[greg g]

Don't know if it will work with the fluid drive but we broke on loose on a 50 Plymouth using the following.

 

Jack the rear of the car up so the tire are clear of a paved surface

Get in, Start the car and select high gear.

Rev the engine to 1500 or so with the clutch in

Let out the pedal and simultaneously Quickly drop the jack.

 

Apply full brakes asap after the wheels hit the pavement. Took two tries on the dry drive Plymouth.  Might work on fluid drive with several tries.

[MarcDeSoto]

Moving back a step, how do you reconnect the clutch overcenter spring.  Is there a certain order that you connect it back onto the clutch shaft?  Do you start by connecting the turnbuckle rod to the clutch pedal?