| Occasionally, on a vehicle which has been in storage for a long period of time, you will encounter a clutch disc which has become rusted to the flywheel. When you push the clutch in and try to put the car in gear, the transmission grinds or refuses to go into gear, as if the clutch were still engaged. If you've checked under the car and verified that there is movement at the clutch release fork, and are certain that you have a rusty clutch, then here's something to try before removing the transmission: Move the car to an area where you have some open running space in front of you, such as a field or empty parking lot. Start the car and warm it up a bit so that it's running smoothly and will restart easily. Shut it off, put the car in first gear, depress the clutch, and start the car. The car will lurch forward with the starter and will be in motion as the engine starts. As soon as the engine is started, floor the gas. This sudden acceleration will in most cases break the disc free from the flywheel. Be sure to let off of the gas as soon as the disc breaks free so as not to overrev the engine. Flooring and then letting completely off of the gas may also help. Be careful to maintain control of the vehicle and watch where you're going! |
