W115 clutch pedal stuck!!

[Tukka]

Just got my 200D running after many years in storage.The clutch pedal was quite stiff to push down,however once it was down to the floor thats where it stayed! Now Im used to clutch plates rusting to the flywheel when in storage which results in them being stuck in gear but Ive never had this problem before.Just wondering if its possibly a stuck piston in the master or slave cylinder.Has anyone here have any idea what could cause this please? Thanks all.

 

[LostKiwi]

Could be many things from gummed up release bearing to seized pedal pivot. I'd go for pedal pivot first.

 

[Tukka]

Could be many things from gummed up release bearing to seized pedal pivot. I'd go for pedal pivot first.

Thankyou for the reply but I can raise the pedal by hand so I can rule out the pivot.

 

[brianbrian]

Slave, or master cylinder, change both.

 

[Tukka]

Slave, or master cylinder, change both.

Brian,thanks for that.Tomorrows job is to remove slave and master cylinder,can you recommend any suppliers?

 

[brianbrian]

Ask Rob Parker on the forum, as he has had these models.

 

[Tukka]

Hmm,seems to be more of a problem than I first thought.The slave cylinder was a bit rusted so I assumed that the piston was not able to return.I have put a new cylinder on and the problem remains.I think the clutch is maybe stuck on the splines.Not quite sure how release it.A friend suggested that I let the engine run for an hour to get everything nice and warm and maybe then it will let go.Has anyone any other suggestions? Thankyou.

 

[brianbrian]

Wedge a bit of wood on the clutch pedal, so it is held right down, and in 1st gear, then start the car, as it kangeroos forward it may release with a bang.Oh sorry have you got brakes.

 

[EmilysDad]

Wedge a bit of wood on the clutch pedal, so it is held right down, ....

... and why not use the OP's left foot?

Many years ago I released a stuck clutch the same way but the clutch was stuck on

 

[Ken_R]

Many years ago I released a stuck clutch the same way but the clutch was stuck on

I've done that as well. It can be quite effective.

Has it been confirmed that the hydraulics are actually working. One person operating the clutch pedal whilst another observes the Slave cylinder/linkages?

The 'run the engine for an hour' suggestion has 'legs'. It will create thermal changes in the various components and may free it off. Just be sure that the gear lever is in Neutral.

Can't remember back to the beginning but, is there any knowledge/suggestion that the vehicle had been stored with the pedal depressed as in the proverbial 'plank of wood'?

 

[Tukka]

Brian,the clutch isnt stuck to the flywheel as in the engaged position,it is stuck disengaged therefore I can select any gear but cant take up the drive.This car has been stored for some time,when I pressed the clutch pedal down it was very stiff but managed to get it to the floor,however it wont return.The pedal can be lifted manually but drops to the floor when released.

 

[Tukka]

I've done that as well. It can be quite effective.

Has it been confirmed that the hydraulics are actually working. One person operating the clutch pedal whilst another observes the Slave cylinder/linkages?

The 'run the engine for an hour' suggestion has 'legs'. It will create thermal changes in the various components and may free it off. Just be sure that the gear lever is in Neutral.

Can't remember back to the beginning but, is there any knowledge/suggestion that the vehicle had been stored with the pedal depressed as in the proverbial 'plank of wood'?

Hi,pretty sure the hydraulics are working,you cant actually see any of the slave cylinder linkages as they are enclosed. The hydraulics must have been working when I initially pushed the pedal down which disengaged the clutch.Im thinking,after running it for an hour to warm everything up,if that doesnt free it then I might jack the rear wheels off the ground and try and turn them back and forth.Does that seem feasible?

 

[brianbrian]

O.K.sorry misunderstood. Seems like already said, was parked up with clutch pedal down. Might be a strip down job, complete new clutch and bearing.

 

[Tukka]

O.K.sorry misunderstood. Seems like already said, was parked up with clutch pedal down. Might be a strip down job, complete new clutch and bearing.

it wasnt stored with the pedal down,I pushed it down!! I guess the splines are rusty or sticky.I hope it doesnt come to a strip down,dont fancy that.Cheers.

 

[Ken_R]

then I might jack the rear wheels off the ground and try and turn them back and forth.Does that seem feasible?

I can't see that working. Unless you turn both at the same time, they will just spin on the differential. What you have, in general terms, is a gearbox Primary shaft which spins within, but is not linked to, the Crankshaft. Springs on the Clutch cover plate exert pressure on the cover plate which couples the clutch plate to the flywheel. The clutch plate slides/travels along splines on the Primary shaft. Seemingly, the grot/crud/corrosion on the splines of the Primary shaft/clutch plate interface is such that the springs in the cover plate are unable to overcome that degree of resistance [and compress the clutch plate].

The standard response to such an Engineering problem would be 'heat'. However, you can't exactly use a gas torch so, running the engine might work.

 

[brianbrian]

Yes try running the engine, and give it a rev it may work.

 

[LostKiwi]

Yes try running the engine, and give it a rev it may work.

Just make sure when you rev it that its in neutral!

 

[brianbrian]

Oops, yes sorry.

 

[Tukka]

Me again! I hope Im allowed to ask different questions on this forum? Could someone explain to me what the small bypass pipe on the water pump housing is for please? In my book (which isnt very helpful) it is listed as 'Chain tensioner oil feed'.This makes no sense as it is plumbed in to the water pump!? I have taken it off and both banjo bolts sheared,however the pipe seems to blocked anyway.Ive just managed to drill out and tap in some new banjo bolts so,once cleaned up I will refit it but Im still wondering what it actually does? And can it be done away with?Thanks again.

 

[Botus]

when a clutch is worn out you can get the diaphragm spring to go over centre....

then the pedal stays down and there is no pressure meaning its disengaged (foot down) all the time, you can pull the pedal up and usually the diaphragm will come back... but if it hasn't you would get all the points you describe