Joseph P. Indusi Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 For the 4th time I have had to break the clutch disk loose from the flywheel on my 1948 Special Sedanet. Generally happens when I don't drive the car for more than a month. Worked each time but makes one hell of a noise when it breaks loose.I have seen it suggested that a 2X4 and a flat piece of wood on the front surface of the front seat be used to keep the clutch pedal depressed during storage.Question is does this fix weaken the pressure plate spring and lead to slippage?Anybody with any experience with this would be appreciated.Joe, BCA 33493 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 For some reason a 49 Chevy I had was notorious for that. Finally cut a piece of wood to go between seat frame and pedal holding it about 1/2 way down. Did it for years with no problems. BTW a neighbor has a smallish Ford tractor. It came from the factory with a piece of wood to hold the clutch open during winter storage..............Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I'm sure you know it's the ORGANIC material in the disk itself. It tends to grow/stick to the flywheel. Humid conditions get it going.My 600 hp chevy did this once, and when I hit the START switch, it caused the car to jump forward, lucky it didn't keep running. Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted September 7, 2012 Author Share Posted September 7, 2012 Ok, thanks for the replies. Yes, it is worse in humid conditions. I though that there was a thin layer of rust forming on the flywheel, but it could also be the organics. I will shorten the 2X4 so the pedal is about 1/2 way down.Joe, BCA 33493 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Just have to get the disc off the flywheel. 1/2 worked for me. You might have to experiment but my 49 suffered no ill effects..............Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted September 7, 2012 Author Share Posted September 7, 2012 OK, Bhigdog.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 I had to have the flywheel SURFACED, as well as the pressure plate, and of course a new clutch disk. You may be lucky, but it depends on how well the growth attached itself to the flywheel, and pressure plate. The machine shop said they have seen many of these. I wish you well,Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trp3141592 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Hi,I had a '52 Willys Jeep that did this--I jacked up one side, put it in 4WD, started it up, and slammed on the brakes. I used the 4WD in order to have the front brakes do the braking work. Rear brakes on a Willys Jeep are there only for decoration. Anyway, it broke loose after about three tries, as I recall. I clearly expressed to that Jeep my opinion that it was not worth the effort of taking it apart for any further repairs, and that the junkyard would be its next destination if it didn't shape up. I must have scared it half to death--it never did it again. The Jeep lasted several more years until the frame broke in half while plowing snow.--Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 No reason to take anything apart or do any thing drastic. Most cars have a drip pan or other access to the flywheel/clutch. Just block the clutch pedal down and slip a putty knife or other thin flexible blade between the disc and flywheel or disc and pressure plate. It takes surprisingly little to work around the disc and you will hear it pop free. I kept a cake decorating spatula handy and could free the clutch in just a couple of minutes every time...................bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted October 1, 2012 Author Share Posted October 1, 2012 Great approach to the problem Bhigdog. However, it is just a PITA to jack up the car, put jack stands and slide under and mess with this. I am going to use a 2X4 wedged between the clutch pedal and the front seat.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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