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Old 07-22-2025, 12:32 PM   #1
Bob Johnson
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Default Multi disk clutch still stuck

Well, I tried several things. I put jack stands under the rear to get the rear tire off the ground. I started the engine with the transmission in neutral. Then I warmed up the engine. Once the engine was warmed up I shut off the engine, put the transmission in 3rd gear and started the engine. With the clutch pedal depressed I tried pressing the accelerator on and off quickly. This was done with the clutch pedal depressed at several positions including all the way in. Next I tried pressing the brake pedal with the engine running a fairly high speed. Again with various positions of the clutch pedal. I tried this with a slow push of the brake pedal and also slamming the brake pedal. The only thing that happened was a smell of brake linings. Looks like the clutch has to be removed. Anyone have additional suggestions.


If I remove the clutch I thing it would be best to replace the multi-disk clutch with the later single disk clutch. The owner does not care if it is not the correct one for the car. To do that I will need a RHD clutch housing for a single disk clutch. I will have a multi disk to trade. Any help would be appreciated.


Bob
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Old 07-22-2025, 01:02 PM   #2
Y-Blockhead
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Johnson View Post
Well, I tried several things. I put jack stands under the rear to get the rear tire off the ground. I started the engine with the transmission in neutral. Then I warmed up the engine. Once the engine was warmed up I shut off the engine, put the transmission in 3rd gear and started the engine. With the clutch pedal depressed I tried pressing the accelerator on and off quickly. This was done with the clutch pedal depressed at several positions including all the way in. Next I tried pressing the brake pedal with the engine running a fairly high speed. Again with various positions of the clutch pedal. I tried this with a slow push of the brake pedal and also slamming the brake pedal. The only thing that happened was a smell of brake linings. Looks like the clutch has to be removed. Anyone have additional suggestions.


If I remove the clutch I thing it would be best to replace the multi-disk clutch with the later single disk clutch. The owner does not care if it is not the correct one for the car. To do that I will need a RHD clutch housing for a single disk clutch. I will have a multi disk to trade. Any help would be appreciated.


Bob
You will need a lot more than just the RHD Clutch Housing... Think flywheel, transmission, pressure plate, etc....

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 07-22-2025 at 08:10 PM.
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Old 07-22-2025, 02:05 PM   #3
Bob Johnson
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Thank you Y-B. I have all those parts. I only need the RHD stuff.


Bob
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Old 07-22-2025, 02:57 PM   #4
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

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Thank you Y-B. I have all those parts. I only need the RHD stuff.


Bob
Awesome!!
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Old 07-22-2025, 02:39 PM   #5
Keith True
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

I was thinking about it,and can't think of anything other than the bellhousing and the pedals that would be peculiar to change the clutch from a multi to a single.I don't care for the multis myself,I have a July 28 Phaeton with one,and if I keep it there will be a single disc setup in it.I think the spacing between the pedals is different where they come through the floor,but that is a job for a rasp,not a saw.
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Old 07-22-2025, 03:04 PM   #6
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

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Well Bob, you tried all the normal things and nothing worked. I am not that experienced with the multiple clutches but from what I have read, the tabs for the clutch plates can wear into the internal splines on the housing. That may be what is keeping it from disengaging. This is just a thought, but perhaps having someone press on the brake and clutch in high gear while you turn the engine backwards may free it up.
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Old 07-22-2025, 03:10 PM   #7
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

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...to do that I will need a RHD clutch housing for a single disk clutch. I will have a multi disk to trade. Any help would be appreciated. Bob
I changed my RHD 1928 phaeton from multidisk to single plate a few years ago. If I can do it anyone can. Obviously several other changes with transmission etc are also needed. One thing to be aware of is the pedal/brake shaft of RHDs is 1" not the 0.875 " of LHDs and AFAIK 1" bushes for this are no longer available anywhere. We get round this by using small end bushes trimmed to size. Good luck and drop me a personal message if further encouragement or tips needed!
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Old 07-22-2025, 07:54 PM   #8
Gene F
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Johnson View Post
Well, I tried several things. I put jack stands under the rear to get the rear tire off the ground. I started the engine with the transmission in neutral. Then I warmed up the engine. Once the engine was warmed up I shut off the engine, put the transmission in 3rd gear and started the engine. With the clutch pedal depressed I tried pressing the accelerator on and off quickly. This was done with the clutch pedal depressed at several positions including all the way in. Next I tried pressing the brake pedal with the engine running a fairly high speed. Again with various positions of the clutch pedal. I tried this with a slow push of the brake pedal and also slamming the brake pedal. The only thing that happened was a smell of brake linings. Looks like the clutch has to be removed. Anyone have additional suggestions.


If I remove the clutch I thing it would be best to replace the multi-disk clutch with the later single disk clutch. The owner does not care if it is not the correct one for the car. To do that I will need a RHD clutch housing for a single disk clutch. I will have a multi disk to trade. Any help would be appreciated.


Bob
I changed to the single. You need new pedals too. That shaft they ride on is a different diamater. I would not do it again...
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Old 07-23-2025, 08:53 AM   #9
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

My RHD Phaeton has a single disk clutch that I'm changing back to the multi-disk clutch. Unfortunately, my transmission is still in the car, so those parts aren't readily available.

That said, there's a RHD single disk bellhousing on eBay right now, item 226744306687. That's probably ideal for what you need.

If you're interested in selling the multi-disk bell housing, I'm a buyer.
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Old 07-23-2025, 09:27 AM   #10
john charlton
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Try Sammy Guthrie "Arizona Model A" for RHD bell housing with pedals Closed Monday and week ends

John in Suffolk County England .
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Old 07-23-2025, 09:52 AM   #11
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Start the motor for a couple of minutes then shut it off. Put car in 1rs gear and start it...most will start and take off.
Now drive it in 1rst gear. Push and hold the clutch pedal in, get up to 10-15 mph then back off fast, then hit the gas again. I've unstuck vws, tractors,A's and motorcycles this way.
A farmer back in 73 taught me this trick.
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Old 07-23-2025, 05:30 PM   #12
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Isn't there a clutch shop in Ohio or Indiana that will rebuild the Model A multi-disk clutch? I seem to recall reading about it here a few years ago. That would be far cheaper and less invasive than changing everything over to single disk, even if you happen to have the parts for the conversion on hand. In 2008 I drove a local 1928 Model A Business Coupe with about 18,000 original miles on it. The multi-disk clutch was a pleasure to use and seemed to me easier with the pedal to engage. No slippage or sudden jerking or even chattering. If your owner friend truly doesn't care which clutch system is in his car, try for a multi-disk repair first. That clutch will outlive all of us unless abused. But then, a single disk clutch will also fail if abused (riding the clutch pedal, dumping the clutch, starting out in second gear).
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Old 07-23-2025, 05:58 PM   #13
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Marshal, it was Fort Wayne clutch
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Old 07-23-2025, 07:14 PM   #14
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Jim -
"Was" or still "Is"?
M.
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Old 07-23-2025, 08:00 PM   #15
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Default Re: Multi disk clutch still stuck

Fort Wayne is still there. Great work and fast! They really know and like the weird, early stuff. A+++
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