Not engaging gear

[Anonymous]

After a period of non-use on my Slough built 1955 Light Fifteen, it would appear that the car does not want to engage gear when the engine is running.  It just wants to crunch!!  However when the engine is not running and the clutch is engaged it will enter gears without a problem.  Something is stuck/not freeing itself off.  Is there a quick cure?  Any assistance would be most appreciated. email address dabbhand@talktalk.net

[David SelfridgeParticipant]

When your Traction is standing for long a long period of time you should cut a length of timber to depress the clutch petal and position to the steering wheel to keep the clutch depress until you use the car again.

To release the clutch plate, put the car in gear and start engine in gear, make sure your garage door is open and you have a clear area to get the brakes on if the the clutch fails to release. I would be very surprised if this fails to sort out your problem.

Regards, Davy

 

 

 

[BernieParticipant]

Michael,

I would add to Davy’s info:  A leaking water pump – just the slightest drip – is often responsible for a sticking clutch because the drip falls directly onto the clutch area and can lead to formation of rust on the surfaces of flywheel and/or thrust plate.

Davy’s suggested method of freeing it should work – but remember to depress the clutch pedal when attempting to start it in gear.  If it does not fee off easily and the car lurches forward, immediately cut the ignition as well as applying the brakes.

You might also be able to try with the ignition off thus reducing the chance of it firing but not freeing.

B…………

 

[Richard LarterParticipant]

Hi Michael

I find that running the engine until it is good and hot helps. The heat in the flywheel helps break the rusty bond between the clutch and flywheel. Then start the engine in gear with the clutch depressed, handbrake on and the wheels chocked and fingers crossed.

Cheers Richard

[Editor FPParticipant]

This was a problem known to Citroen and Slough models had a hook fitted on the toe board next to the steering column base that can be used to retain the clutch pedal in the depressed position if the car is to be left for a period of time.

Condensation is the big enemy here, when air temperature changes quickly, then moisture condenses on cold metal components and in this case, rust forms.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by Editor FP.

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