Sticking clutch
 

Have a 79 300D Euro w/4 spd. Car has been stored for about 15 months and after charging battery and checking all fluids started it up. Everything was fine except it wouldn't go into any gear, just grind. So, I guess I'm done for this weekend (working out of state). Any clues? Pedal has normal pressure, etc.

With the engine off, put it in 4th gear and have a friend rock the car back and forth while you depress the clutch. If the disk is stuck to the flywheel/pressure plate, that should free it and/or tell you if it's releasing.

Another method that may work for you is to put the car into gear while not running, then start the car. This should be done only with clearance ahead or behind the car. Usually as soon as you bump the starter the clutch will pop free.

It seems the clutch sticks enough to make it hard to put the car into gear while running, but not enough to actually drive the car if already in gear.

So, if you have free space in front of or behind the car, you won't need someone to help you with this method. Just be prepared to turn off the key switch to stop the car if the clutch doesn't pop loose.

Ken300D

Thanks for the tip. Might have time to do that before leaving tomorrow. I had thought about pulling it slowly in 4th.

Didn't have time last weekend to start car in gear. Got home today, cleared the driveway and thought I'd start it and let it warm up/charge for a while. As I'm sitting in the car thought I'd see if it still would grind gears. It just slipped right in. Went out for a two hour drive/beer run. Thanks for the help.