66 BB frozen/rusted clutch

[Glen C.]

I've been reading some of the threads to find solutions for a frozen clutch. Many of the more dangerous solutions require driving the car, which I am not prepaired to do. It is not licensed yet. With the wheels on dollied, the emergency brake set, ignition disabled & the clutch depressed, in any gear. When I trigger the starter the rear wheel will (chunk) turn slightly. I could also apply the brake pedal but I'm concerned that this additional force might cause damage to the flywheel ring gear or starter. Should I be concerned about this? Any comments or suggestions?

[Dick W.]

Re: 66 BB frozen/rusted clutch

Dumb question...will the engine spin over in neutral??

[Glen C.]

Re: 66 BB frozen/rusted clutch

Yes It will spin over, start & run just fine in neutral.

[Matt L.]

Re: 66 BB frozen/rusted clutch

Yes It will spin over, start & run just fine in neutral.

i had the same issue with my 74 trans am 4 speed. the only thing that worked for me was to place the car in 1st or reverse,which ever way you can let it roll, and depress the clutch pedal and turn the starter over. after about 10 feet, the clutch borke free and i could drive the car. i also unhooked the coil power so it wouldnt start and run into something.

take care,
matt

[Glen C.]

Re: 66 BB frozen/rusted clutch

Good suggestion, I'll see if that works.

[Glen C.]

Re: 66 BB frozen/rusted clutch

Success at last! After looking at my short steep driveway & my busy street, I decided to keep working on the frozen clutch with the Corvette stationary on jack stands. Here's what worked. I used a 1/4" X 12" alignment tool which I tapped into the front drive shaft "U" Joint almost vertically. With the tool resting against the emergeny brake bracket & frame cross member. This allowed no movement of any rotating components after the transmission, where as the emergency brake & regular brakes always allowed the starters torque to move the wheels when in gear. I suspected I might damage or break the U joint, but this did not happen. The first time the alignment tool jumped out, but the second time the clutch broke free. From there I was able to adjust free play. Then I tested with the engine running. Dick & Matt Thanks for your input.