The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Stuck Clutch

I have a new/old acquisition of a 52 3/4. The engine checks out well but has a weak braking system, rotten tires and a stuck clutch. It had sat for the past 2 years but was driven up until then. The brakes I can deal with but I wanted to see how bad the clutch was. I had previously popped of the cover that was discovered earlier this fall (Post: 6 inches South of the drain plug) for the clutch and flywheel and verified that the clutch linkage was all in place and the bearing was not stuck. I did some checking in the archives and melded what I found together. Here's what I did. Since the brakes are weak, I lifted the rear axle up on heavy duty jackstands. Chocked the front wheels up good. Pumped up the brakes then hooked up a freshly charged battery and shifted the tranny into 4th gear. The engine runs well and started easily in gear. I let it run for a minute or two then quickly stepped on the brakes and let off. I did this a second time and found that all motion had ceased on the rear axle. I slowly let the clutch out and it engaged properly, pushed the clutch in and everything stopped. I did this several more times without issue. It didn't grind or stick either. Whew! I wasn't sure this was within my skill level. I was prepared for loud nasty noises and/or some lurching. Once I attend to the brakes and get some better rubber on it I will be able road test this further.