TR6 Cannot engage gears

[ragtop]

Hello to all - after sitting in the barn for 3 weeks I planned to take the ole car for a drive this afternoon. However, I found that I could not shift the car into gear while the engine was running. I could run through the gears with the engine off. Clutch pedal play/pressure has not changed. Does this sound like a major clutch repair or a possible linkage problem? The car was running quite well prior to this episode. Thanks for any insight you may have. Chris - 69TR6

 

[TR3driver]

Sounds like a typical "stuck clutch" to me (given that the pedal still feels the same and it was working before).

Try warming up the engine a bit in neutral, then shut it off and restart in gear. Usually, just driving for a bit with the pedal held down will break the clutch free. Last time it happened to me (TR6 clutch in my TR3), I didn't even get to the end of the driveway before it freed up.

 

[JerryVV]

Put it in reverse, foot on the clutch (disengage) and the other foot on the brake. Hit the starter and it should brake loose. Sounds like a stuck clutch plate to flywheel. 3 weeks...it shouldn't be too tight.

 

[Geo Hahn]

One possibility is that the clutch disc has rusted itself to the flywheel.

If you put the car in gear with the clutch depressed and bump the starter the does the car want to lurch? Do this carefully of course, nothing in front of you and one foot on the brake.

There are a couple of tricks for freeing a stuck clutch -- some more dramatic than others. A search on 'stuck clutch' should yield them.

Could also just need bleeding but doesn't sound like it from your description.

Could also be the 'Dreaded Clutch Fork Pin' but plenty of time to worry about that later.

Shoot, I got called to dinner in the middle of that reply. I had one that got stuck bad enough (stored for a year in a church basement in the Midwest) that I had to jack it up and drop it with the wheels turning -- but I agree after 3 weeks it may just need a small shock to get free.

 

[ragtop]

Thanks guys, this all sounds very encouraging, I had visions of a flat bed trucks courtesy of Hagerty's. Will try your suggestions first thing in the morning. Chris

 

[TR6BobNF]

Had the same problem on my TR6 after winter storage a couple of years ago. The pedal felt ok but it would not shift while running - ground like a SOB but could run through the gears with the engine off. Bled it even though it felt ok and the problem was solved. Never reoccurred. The other suggestions sound good too. Good luck.

 

[ragtop]

Thank you guys - it was only a stuck clutch as you expected. Put the car in reverse and hit the starter which immediately freed up the clutch. Easiest fix yet !!! Funny that another TR forum never mentioned a stuck clutch but addressed only clutch linkage/hydraulic issues. Thanks again - Chris

 

[DNK]

It's an old problem

And thank goodness this site is run by old guys

:welcoming: