Stuck clutch

[AlfromNH]

I'm trying to remove the clutch assembly. I bought some 6mmx1.0x45mm blots with nuts. Removed every other bolt and replaced with the longer ones:

I've now removed the last 3 original bolts, but I can back out the 3 long bolts and the plate doesn't budge! I've tried a rubber mallet, but no joy. Suggestions?

As always, thank you all for your patience with my never-ending stream of questions.  

[Bob_Roller]

Bigger hammer, or an air hammer .

If you have a large brass hammer, try that before moving up in scale of 'weapons' !!!!!

Don't even think about trying to pry it off !!!!!!

Back the nuts off a thread or two before you start 'beating' it into submission !!!!

OK now seriously, depends on how much time you want to spend on this, you could try leaving the nuts loose a few threads and see if it will loosen up on it's own in a few days .

Other than that a bit of impact persuasion is going to be necessary on the on the pressure plate .

You don't want to get too crazy with impact use, as you are indirectly beating on the crankshaft .

[AlfromNH]

oops.  

I did, technically pry it off. I removed the starter, then, from above I could see a slot between the "compression ring" and the flywheel. With the nuts backed out about 1/4 turn, I put the blade of a good sized flat screwdriver in the slot and gave a little twist. Working my way around, I got it to loosen up. From that point I just loosened the 3 nuts 1/4 turn at a time until there was no spring pressure.

I doubt I did any damage, and I'm not sure it matters anyway; my friction plate and pressure plate are trashed. The compression ring shows a fair amount of wear, and a hint of bluing. Not sure how much wear is acceptable…

[nhmaf]

By only prying on it the small distance that you did you're probably fine and made out better than getting too eager with a big hammer.  There are specs for runout of the pressure plate but if the spring tips show any wear or there is any grooving shown in the backing plate then it should all be replaced, really.  Otherwise you'll be likely to have weird clutch adjustment issues and premature wearing of friction plates down the road.

Post up some pics if you can and maybe it isn't as bad as the image that is forming in my mind's eye..

[AlfromNH]

I got pics!
Diaphragm spring fingers:


Compression Ring



Just for laughs(or to make you cringe), the pressure plate and friction disc


The height of the diaphragm spring is about .61 by my measurements, which is at the top of the specs given in the Clymer manual(.5787-.6181)
So, I'm thinking I obviously need a friction disc and pressure plate, the diaphragm spring is ok, the compression ring…?

[Dustybin]

I am not familiar with the compression ring and how damaged yours is but this clutch replacement exercise has likely been a bit of an ordeal and the prospect of going back in to repair something you could have fixed on this occasion would lead me to the conclusion that 'if in doubt replace it'
My expertise is on cars and if I had to remove a transmission to replace the friction disc then I would want everything in tip top nick before I put it back together.
Peace of mind would carry the day