Diesel RVs: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re: 1982 240D cluched seized?

Yeah, these clutches are not especially unusual. If it needs a clutch, it needs a clutch. If the pedal just goes to the floor, it may simply need some fluid added to the hydraulic clutch master cylinder.

I have a 1950 Chrysler Windsor convertible, which had been sitting in a barn for over 20-years. When I first got it fired up, the clutch was seized; as in, it wouldn't release. The pressure plate was stuck to the disc, which was stuck to the flywheel. As this car was equipped with the Prest-O-Matic semi-automatic transmission, it also had a fluid coupling. So, I set the parking brake, started it up in the higher of the drive ranges, revved up the engine, and began to stab the clutch pedal (which was labeled "Safety Clutch"). About the the third or fourth punch on the pedal, it let go. And since then, it's been fine....

Mark in Lakewood, CO

From: "n61cm" <jim@tazwade.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 4:30:44 AM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] Re: 1982 240D cluched seized?

Does that mean seized as in won't let go when you push on the pedal? Is the pedal stuck to the floor? It that's the case, I think that would be the throwout bearing or something in that region broken, but I'm no expert on Mercedes clutches. If that's the case, it's no financial difference between that and any other bad clutch problem, you would still replace the usual stuff when you do a good clutch replacement job, which includes the throwout bearing and associated parts. (I am speaking from the only experience I have ever had with a clutch pedal stuck on the floor and clutch refusing to release, which was a 1971 Dodge Demon, back in 1976 or thereabouts.) I think clutches are clutches, but who knows, maybe the Germans made them differently.

Jim

--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, "kevin kraly" <kraly@...> wrote:
>
> I spotted a 1982 240D on CL. Owner claims that the clutch seized up. Is this possible? $650 is awefully tempting...
>
> http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/2700271382.html
>
> Kevin in Hillsboro, Oregon
>