Stuck clutch plate

[111Robin]

Not a mini but same vintage, Triumph 1300 FWD. Granted it's an easy clutch to change as it doesn't need the gearbox removed, and I replaced it a couple of years ago, Plus I drove it only a couple of months ago. However the plate is stuck to the flywheel (presumably) so looking for any tips, having tried several times cranking the starter in gear, clutch depressed and foot on the brake. There is good access into the plate after removing the top cover and I've sprayed copious amounts of brake cleaner onto it and left the pedal blocked down for a week to no avail. Towing the car isn't possible. Any other tricks before I start to strip it ?. Any concoctions I can add, ketchup/mayo etc.

[woodypup59]

We had the same on a Triumph 2000, circa '74 which had lain in a barn for 25 years.

After the bodywork restoration, we got the engine going but discovered the stuck clutch.

After fiddling about for a day or so, trying avoid dropping the gearbox, we went for a drive.

After the second or third gear change, the clutch freed itself.

[111Robin]

I had thought about taking it for a drive but too concerned about getting stuck with it. No doubt getting some torque at higher engine speed and working the clutch would do it but I'm stuck in a corner so need to try something stationary.

[trevorhp]

Warm the engine up well and allow the heat to seep into the whole unit then try the cranking in gear clutch down trick again
Also pump clutch several times before you crank it.
Worked on my Transit.
Good luck

[111Robin]

Warm the engine up well and allow the heat to seep into the whole unit then try the cranking in gear clutch down trick again
Also pump clutch several times before you crank it.
Worked on my Transit.
Good luck

That's pretty much what I've been doing. The starter doesn't produce a lot of torque, even after charging the battery fully. As I can access the plate with the cover removed I was going to try to break it free with a chisel with the pedal depressed, but worried about damaging plate or flywheel. Still might be worth a try. It's only a couple of months since I last drove it so I'm surprised it has stuck like this.

[1071kev]

How about jacking it up, onto axle stands. Run the engine in gear and brake. Might be enough to shock free.

[Stopped-again]

Stuck clutch plates can be a right pain in the butt. I had one on a Sunbeam Alpine, tried every thing, including jacked up back end starting in second gear then jamming the brakes on with the clutch pedal depressed, no choice but to remove the gearbox (not a simple job in a lock up, on your back) removed the pressure plate, the plate was still stuck to the flywheel, I expected to have to prise it off with a screwdriver or chisel but no, the flippin’ thing came off with just finger nails under it. It doesn’t take much to make it stick, after all that work at least it could’ve put up a fight.

[111Robin]

Thanks. I think I'll try a chisel while the pedal is down, might just pop off you never know. Fortunately there is plenty of access to the plate with minimal work so it's worth a go I suppose. Failing that I'll try running it on stands as suggested.