Clutch pedal doesn't come back up up - 101 Giulia

[Devs]

My 64 Giulia 101 Spider has only travelled around half a mile in the last 18 months and is started on a regular basis (still a project).

2 weeks ago it went round the block without any issue. However yesterday, when I stepped on the clutch, it stayed down and only gradually came back up. Pumping the clutch doesn't make any difference. The clutch still works as it should and the car travels etc, however you need to manually pull the clutch pedal back up

I didn't have any time to investigate which means I'll tackle the job next weekend so this post is a lazy request to ask if anyone knows the cause of the issue, which means I can fast track to the possible repair.

Thanks

[xalfaracer]

Being it sits a lot there is a chance that the steel pivot pin is not moving well in the pedal box. I'd work the pedal by hand to see if it gets better. You could try a spray of some sort to loosen things up. I used Kroil when I cleaned-up an old pedal box. That's the good solution. If that doesn't work you may have something wrong with the pressure plate. Nasty. Hopefully, someone will have another thought.

[AlfistiSA]

The clutch is mechanical, so Xalfaracer is spot on, it's the steel pivot pin in the aluminium housing, a spray of stuff will work, for a while & will need to be repeated at regular intervals, the only long term solution is to pull the pedal box and service it properly, have the pins electroplated and clean the aluminium housing very well, soak-spray with WD40 and allow to dry - works a treat on brake drums as well, stops them getting that white powdery look to them. Paint the pedals black & re-assemble with a touch of waterproof marine grease. - Been there, done that

A problem in the clutch itself from standing is generally where the pressure plate rusts to the flywheel leaving you in effect with a direct drive regardless of whether or not the clutch is pushed down. This was a favourite of my '61 Sprint when I had been working out of town for a long period, I generally let the motor warm up in neutral, select 1st, start it on the starter by cranking the car forward, (warm motor fires easily) and with the clutch held down drive around the block on and off the throttle until it pops loose - a light slipping cleans off the rust and it's good to go - been there done that too

Ciao
Greig

[Devs]

Thank guys, fortunately it was just the pivot pin.

Rubber grommet removed, lashings of WD40..... 90 minutes of manipulation and I now have working clutch. Just need to sort out the rest of the car!

Appreciate the advice

[xalfaracer]

The rest of the car won't be as easy as that from my experience. Good luck with your project.

[alfabits]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xalfaracer The rest of the car won't be as easy as that from my experience. Good luck with your project.

[divotandtralee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfabits ............... As I am sure you know, you really need to have some mechanical skill to use these cars. Good luck...

[Devs]

Gotta get myself some of that. Be done in no time!

[xalfaracer]

I'd like to cram those cans, the chain saw, and the weed eater down his f....g throat. And maybe an old wheel or two.

[divotandtralee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xalfaracer I'd like to cram those cans, the chain saw, and the weed eater down his f....g throat. And maybe an old wheel or two.