Clutch will not disengage

[Deadeye]

I got in the seat for my 3rd track session at LRP on Thursday and when I tried to put the car in gear it would not go into gear. Shut off engine and put it in gear and re started the engine. I was able to start moving, but shortly after pulling out of my parking spot I heard a strange noise and the engine stalled. At this point, clutch will not disengage at all.
I checked the hydraulics and the pedal moves the clutch fork as it should and no leaks in that system. I'm thinking it's probably a seized TO bearing or maybe the pressure plate? Any other possibilities?
I will be dropping the engine & trans tomorrow to investigate. It's an '87 911 w/a G-50 and a KEP clutch.

TIA
Dennis

[Marc Bixen]

If you're using a stock rubber center friction disc with your KEP pressure plate, you probably had the rubber center blow apart. Replace it with a sprung center available through most suppliers including our forum host. It's VERY unusual for the sealed pilot bearing or T.O. to fail.

[Deadeye]

Thanks Marc, but already have the non-rubber disc. Also noticed the starter does not want to turn over the engine with trans in neutral (rear wheels spin freely) Feels, sounds like it's bound up. I also have never had a TO bearing seize up before, but there's always a first time.

[wildcat077]

Hey Dennis,

Hope it's not too serious !

Could it be time for that 3.6 that's lurking in the garage ???

Cheers
Phil

[Marc Bixen]

Keep us updated when you get the "lump" out.

[Deadeye]

Originally Posted by wildcat077

Hey Dennis,

Hope it's not too serious !

Could it be time for that 3.6 that's lurking in the garage ???

Cheers
Phil

Hi Phil,
That will be a winter project. I'll need it to keep up with you at your home track next year!

[wildcat077]

Dennis,

I'm off to Le Circuit Mont Tremblant Monday and Tuesday to finish the season,i'll definitely register when you come up with NER next Summer.

I have a few Winter projects myself,
although if you swap in that 3.6 you'll be hard to catch

Looking forward to playing on track with you guys next year !

Cheers !
Phil

[Deadeye]

Here is what I found. The Sachs clutch disc came apart in the spring plate area and the two steel pcs on the disc in the photo where rattling around causing havoc in bell housing and pressure plate. Looking to source a new disc now.

[Marc Bixen]

Wow, never seen that before. Soo the center blowing apart isn't only limited to rubber center G50 clutches. Do you Autocross this car? Hard first gear, dump the clutch type starts?

[wildcat077]

Hey Dennis,

Glad to see it wasn't serious !
My rubber centered clutch disc exloded downshifting into 3rd coming into corner 8 at LCMT last year,scared the crap out of me when i couldn't get it in gear and had to coast to a stop.

Cheers !
Phil

[Deadeye]

I do an occasional AuotX, but not this year. I guess I was lucky it lodged and locked up in the paddock and not in the middle of Big Bend. And no 1st gear launches, ever.