14 replies to this topic

[nrkee]

Hi, my 1996 cooper sport MPI has been in storage for months and when I started it up and depressed the clutch, the clutch stayed down. The pedal returns to the original position, but there is very light pressure to depress. The clutch isn't releasing, as it'll go into any gear, pedal up or down and there is no release.

Any help, or suggestions what it may be would be appreciated!

[cal844]

make sure the carpet in the drivers football is dry.

Now you want to check the master cylinder has sufficient fluid if so check under the dust seal on the slave for moisture.

Try bleeding the system if all these check out ok.

[nrkee]

Thanks, I'll give those check a go!

[cal844]

If all checks out make sure you have plenty space and start it in gear, the clutch plate can stick to the flywheel

[nrkee]

Hi cal844, tried all you suggested and no leaks, all topped up, no air, and tried starting in gear - tried a few revs and running for a few minutes but nothing freed up.

Any other ideas?

Thanks

[hunterg30]

Check the arm that fits into the wok area might have seized up, spray some lube onto it and push the arm back into the slave cylinder using your hands you might have to move the ecu to gain access

[Stevie W]

It sounds as though you depressed the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch and it has stuck in this position, hence you can select gears with the pedal up or down.

I'm also assuming you have no drive, which would mean the clutch is stuck in the disengaged position.

It sounds like the clutch arm and plunger have seized in the disengaged position. Is the arm in this position (furthest point away from the slave cylinder)?

A liberal application of plus gas around the bell housing central boss may help release the clutch. The grease on the plunger can dry up causing it to seize inside the boss.

Hope this helps, Steve.

Edited by Stevie W, 25 September 2019 - 05:42 PM.

[nrkee]

Hi all, thanks for all the suggestions, I think the arm is out on the slave cylinder, at least it is 3-4 cm off the bottom of the slave cylinder. I've tried to move it by hand but it is solid, so I'll try some spray lube.

Fingers crossed!

[Spider]

It sounds like the Plunger is jammed in the Clutch Cover, probably from some rust on the Plunger.

[rich_959]

I had this on an MPI back in the day when it had sat in the garage unused for two months. AA man fixed it with a hammer and a length of wood. I assume he was tapping on the clutch cover to disengage it?

[Pigeonto]

I had this on an MPI back in the day when it had sat in the garage unused for two months. AA man fixed it with a hammer and a length of wood. I assume he was tapping on the clutch cover to disengage it?

Or through the starter motor hole I wonder

There's probably some benefit in trying that

I've released them on tractors and Landrovers  by towing them in top gear with clutch depressed

[MiniMadRacer]

If the Clutch Plate has stuck to the Flywheel I free them off by jacking both wheels off the ground and put the front of the car securely on two axles stands.. Warm the engine up on tickover then turn it off put the Gear lever in second and re start the engine. The wheels will now be spinning freely in the air.... rev the engine up to 2 / 3000 revs and press the clutch..... then stamp hard on the brake to lock the wheels... this will "shock" the flywheel / clutch free.. if its really stuck you may need to do this 2 or 3 times... make sure the engine is warm first though so some "heat" gets into the clutch and flywheel which does help in releasing it.

[nrkee]

All, managed to free the arm that goes into the bell housing and all working again. Thanks for all the help.

Nigel

[Stevie W]

Well done Nigel and thanks for updating us!

[bpirie1000]

Stick some grease on your shaft..

Lubrication is the key here..