Re: Had this problem before, 49 Custom 8 won't go into gear

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2014/11/19 11:17:05

[Edited]. Assuming it is a clutch disc stuck to the flywheel or pressure plate, there are several methods that have been used successfully. HH56's suggestion of removing the clutch cover and using a thin blade to separate the disc is the safest and most direct. Other methods I've seen used successfully, and which require you take some precautions are, with a wide open and empty road in front of you, start the car in gear (1st or 2nd), accelerate to speed, depress the clutch pedal, and slam on the brakes. Might take a couple of tries. A variant of that is to put the rear wheels off the ground on jackstands, chock front wheels very securely, and again start the car in gear, increase engine speed, depress the clutch pedal and slam on the brakes. Both these methods are "classics" for the symptom but obviously require careful preparation and involve some risk.

Though I've never found it necessary, blocking the clutch pedal to the floor during prolonged storage as has previously been mentioned was a very common practice years back and still a good recommendation today for periods of long storage in humid conditions.