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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Sticky Clutch

We have a 1275 midget. When we took it out of winter storage, the clutch didn't work in that it didn't seem to disengage - I think that the clutch plate was 'stuck' to the flywheel.

I checked and the rod on the slave cylinder moved correctly when the pedal was pressed in but the clutch didn't disengage.

Started her up (down a hill) in 2nd gear, pressed in the clutch and put the brakes on, and she freed up (after two or three 'applications' of this fix).

I think that it was due to condensation/corrosion over the winter - regular use is the answer but it is not possible, how would you solve this problem - would a Carcoon prevent it next time?

Grateful for any explanations/ideas.

Thanks.

Hugh
hugh kerr

If you're confident of the state of your clutch hydraulics, why not just try wedging the clutch pedal down with a chunk of appropriate length timber next time you tuck the car away for the winter? Then the clutch plate is held away from any temptaton to get together with the flywheel.

Unless anyone cleverer than me can suggest why this is a bad thing to do?
Steve Clark

Carcoon would help but if during storage you just ran the car occasionally and used the clutch that should do it, you don't have to go anyway just make sure the clutch is free by depressing the clutch, putting it in gear, and engaging the clutch slightly. I've had my car suffer the same problem after sitting for as little as a couple of months, doesn't take much time to keep it ticking over.
David Billington

Thanks Steve.

I had thought of that but it would mean that the clutch hydraulics would be under pressure all over the winter which may result in seal failure.

Hugh
hugh kerr

Thanks David.

I think that would be the answer but a Carcoon is approx £350, would it be worth the expense?

I realise that there would be other benefits too though.

Hugh
hugh kerr

Hugh,

No idea, a mate had a £10k Porsche in one and seemed happy, he no longer has the Porsche but has at least one 1960s yank tank which I haven't seen in a bubble recently (ever). You'll have wait for further answers to that question or investigate elsewhere. Is the storage area dry or damp, maybe your original problem indicates damp, one option if other items are stored which might suffer is a dehumidifier, they have running costs but price might be similar. I've had an Ebac keeping parts of my garage/workshop dry for the last 14 years there abouts.
David Billington

And guess what... same again this morning, so same fix later today...
hugh kerr

I have had it happen but never saw it twice in a few days?? When my cars are in storage or just under restoration with hydraulics I just get in the car from time to time and press in the clutch and brake pedals a number of times, whenever I get into the car, good practice and it has not happened since starting this routime.
Mike
MK Mike

This thread was discussed between 12/04/2009 and 14/04/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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