Limp clutch pedal

[Guest]

Hi everybody

I was going to put my Stag into his Winter sleep yesterday but I found the clutch pedal limp and not doing its job. I know I have a leak & bought both clutch master & slave cylinders but wasn't bothered to put them in yet.
I topped up the reservoir with DOT 4 but still limp.
Any suggestions for quick fixes just to get in and out of the garage? Added complication is that in current position in the garage I can only lift the bonnet about 150mm, not great access. If I can only turn the car around it would be mauch better to work on.

cheers Hans

[dasadrew]

Engine off, put it in gear without the clutch, move car by switching on ignition and letting the starter motor move the car. Don't overdo it though! I think I'd perhaps grab a neighbour or two and push it.

Drew

[KOY 23]

Scary advice, what would happen if it started as he couldn’t declutch. I would disconnect the coil first! 150mm bonnet opening should be enough to get access.

[tractorjames]

I once started my stag in gear and drove 30 miles home with no clutch pedal. No problem and just stall it with brakes if you need to stop and restart again.

[dasadrew]

Scary advice, what would happen if it started as he couldn’t declutch. I would disconnect the coil first! 150mm bonnet opening should be enough to get access.

Can't fault that additional precaution John. I've never had a car spring into life when I'd just been nudging it with a short starter burst (as opposed to trying to get it running again like James) but you never know. Actually, to use the starter my hand was always permanently holding the ignition key and a natural reaction would be to switch off the ignition, and foot on brake anyway. Nevertheless, your wise advice is appreciated.

Drew

[Ritchie6]

I once started my stag in gear and drove 30 miles home with no clutch pedal. No problem and just stall it with brakes if you need to stop and restart again.

Haven't done it with a Stag(thankfully) but did it in a Ford Escort van when the clutch cable snapped about 10 miles from home. Very scary,especially when approaching junctions.

[davidf]

Actually managed to drive the Stag with attached caravan into a camp site, and then reverse onto a pitch, with blown slave cylinder. Starts very smoothly, creeps down to very low speed, and stops easily with brakes.

[trunt]

I remember "practicing" clutchless driving on my Sierra.. well actually my companies Sierra!

it survived.

[mole42]

Did that with the Mini in former years! Amazing how far you can go with no clutch. Wouldn’t like to do it in modern traffic though, if I use my car for the commute I’m glad of the automatic gearbox!

[TR5convalescent]

Don't know the Stag, but does the pedal have a return Spring? If so, it might be broken or have come off?