trigolf Posted December 2, 2017 Report Share Posted December 2, 2017 I usually put the Vitesse away at this time of year for about three months to stop the dreaded salt worm attacking it. Over the years on several occasions I have found that the clutch plate has seized on to the flywheel at the initial start up after the layup.There then follows all the various attempts to free it off ! Although lots of people recommend 'pegging' the clutch pedal down to avoid this, I'm not very keen on leaving it permanently pegged, as I ended up with a snapped clutch pedal return spring - which failed during a trip, making changing gear 'interesting' ! So instead I go out to the garage once every couple of weeks and peg the clutch with a bit of suitable 2 x 4 wood, select second gear, handbrake off, but chock the wheels, front and back. Then using a suitable socket + extension bar on the crankshaft pulley bolt rotate the engine for a few full revolutions. If the clutch has stuck to the flywheel you will know, as the car will try to move - watch those feet ! I find it normally frees off with a little 'pop' if it hasn't been left for too long. Assuming the car does'nt try to move when you rotate the crankshaft, you can be confident that all is well with the clutch and will not require various methods - some more brutal than others - to free it off ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qu1ckn1ck Posted December 2, 2017 Report Share Posted December 2, 2017 My GT6 clutch was seized last Christmas after 3 months hibernation in the garage, most annoying ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted December 2, 2017 Report Share Posted December 2, 2017 It's happened to my car 3 times, twice I've had to take the bell housing off to free it. 3rd time it was in the garage for a re-spray, they towed it and slammed it into gear to free it. I don't like to think about it. I like TriGolfs idea, but why not take the spring off, then wedge it for the duration? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted December 2, 2017 Report Share Posted December 2, 2017 The other way, is to start the car in gear - push or tow start - then drive about with the clutch pedal down. Best done in first gear, accelerating and slowing, in an empty car park! Your clutch will eventually let go! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted December 2, 2017 Report Share Posted December 2, 2017 I fire her up quite frequently and never had a problem Just engage and a light slip keeps it from rusting on. damp makes sticking more likely On new trucks we had a additive on the disc and a lacquer on the flywheel to reduce this as trucks can be in static storeage for long periods but you cant add it once assembled . Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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