HELP!!!! i need advice on pinto clutch problem please

[timmy4doors]

help!!! ive got a mk1 4dr escort with a pinto but the clutch wont work it will go in to gear with engine off but as soon as its running it will stall if you try and put it gear ive tried adjusting the cable and its been lenghthened,

any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Tom]

sounds like the clutch isn't releasing mate - has this just happened or have you just fitted or changed something?

[over_head_cam]

Everything was already fitted in the car, it's not been driven since the engine and box went in. I slung the cable on and it felt good, but I never saw it running. I'ts an RS all bell housing, so I'm guessing it's hard to see whats going on. Could the clutch be stuck on?

[Tom]

whats the pedal like? how high is it in relation to the brake pedal?

 

there can't be much wrong, its only a clutch - have you just fitted the engine or box? tell me a story

[Tom]

ah i've just got what you meant phil - start the car in gear with your foot on the clutch and keep it there and go for a pootle round the block if you reckon its stuck

[over_head_cam]

There you go Tim, try that

 

Jamesmk1 would know whether the clutch and that were on the engine already, or whether it was new etc. I suppose if it was standing a while it could have seized on?

[over_head_cam]

Oh, and when we put the cable on the pedals were equal height

[Tom]

oh right its James's old car - your fooked then mate!

 

just kidding

 

 

i don't know whether you're supposed to use a specific release arm with an ally bell housing but if you say the clutch felt good phil then you're prob right in saying that the friction plate is stuck to the flywheel.

 

 

take it for a spin mate as i said and jab the throttle every now and then to try and free it off (with the clutch pedal down)

[Col-ashtonmobile]

make sure you warm the engine right up before driving otherwise you could be driving for a long time , keep slowing down so the engine nearly stalls then drive on again , then all of a sudden BANG and you will have a clutch

[Tom]

or, like i've tried before, jack up that the back end and run it up in gear then drop the jack!! - careful it could get messy

[timmy4doors]

ok il try the driving thing, james rekons it was a new clutch but i dont know havent seen it,this helps alot cheers lads i let u know if i wrap it round a tree

[Col-ashtonmobile]

the plate has been fitted the right way round has,nt it ??

[timmy4doors]

not sure mate james says he didnt touch the clutch when he took the engine/ gearbox out so just see how it goes when you say drive it do i have to put it into gear while its running cos thatl be a bit difficult it just trys to stall! cheers

[Col-ashtonmobile]

yeah mate , keep your foot firmly on the clutch all the time , release the handbrake then turn the key and the car will move off as the engine starts , so just keep driving until the clucth seperates itself

[timmy4doors]

ah ok cool bloody hope this works its one the last things to do on it should be ready for the rollers once this is sorted. another thing it doesnt idle at the mo do you think it just needs setting up??

[Col-ashtonmobile]

yeah get it to the rollers