urghh, cars, urggh

I'm trying to reawaken an old westfield that's been stood for a while. Brakes, which weren't seized 6 months ago, are now seized. I usually free them up using clamps, bits of wood and magic, is there a better way?

Clutch... which wasn't seized 6 months ago... I've tried starting it in gear with the clutch down, my next stop would be to get someone to tow me, any other options (other than engine out...) ?

I might just be moaning here. I thought I was near as I'd gotten it running and was planning on doing some driving up and down the drive but I seem to be going backwards. heh ho. Cheers

Clutch: Leaving the engine running so everything gets nice and warm can help. And once hot, turn off and leave overnight with the pedal wedged down. Sometimes that will work.

As driving the car around with no clutch is tricky, you can resort to jacking the rear wheels off the ground and supporting the car securely. Start the carin gear, and carefully get into 2nd or third. Depress the clutch pedal, and keep flicking the accelerator to increase speed. Hopefully after a while the clutch will release...

Brakes, working the pistons in and out can help. Sometimes they need to come out though and may need replacin. Very much depends on condition...

Good answer! Thanks, I'll try the depressed peddle trick tonight. Cheers

Once you get the brakes freed off jack up the rear of the car and suport it properly, start the car in gear hold the rpm at 2,000 rpm to 3,000 rpm depress the clutch and hit the brakes hard it might take two or three attempts.

thanks everyone. I'm thinking about getting some new calipers. I reckon I've got cortina uprights and M16 calipers? is this the way to go nowadays? should I be upgrading to something a bit more modern than a mk2 escort?

edit... hah! I've just scared myself looking up how much 4 pot calipers would cost. yeah, I'll be sticking with the M16's

In the past I've had success freeing off clutches with the starter. Clutch down, foot hard on the brake pedal & flick the starter briefly. Obviously there is a risk of doing some damage to the starter though.

remember to press the pedals on stored cars every month or so...

been doing this to a car that's been stored for over 4 years now, no issues at all and never put the handbrake on either

take out the starter motor and play a hot air gun on the flywheel for 15 minutes. Worked for me

Seized clutch on the Landy and I just poured boiling water into the bell housing,. freed off quite quickly

hth

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Originally posted by timB
thanks everyone. I'm thinking about getting some new calipers. I reckon I've got cortina uprights and M16 calipers? is this the way to go nowadays? should I be upgrading to something a bit more modern than a mk2 escort?

edit... hah! I've just scared myself looking up how much 4 pot calipers would cost. yeah, I'll be sticking with the M16's

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