Cold clutch problem

Hi there,

The clutch plate may be sticking to the pressure plate or flywheel, this can be caused by oil contamination, the first thing I would check is the gear box oil level, if the front seal is leaking, gear box oil can contaminate the clutch causing this clutch hang up, when the car sits over night and as cold as you say the oil on the clutch combined with clutch dust will become very sticky and "glue"clutch together. A rear main engine seal can cause this as well, but if you don't notice any leaks under the car, I would be thinking front gear box oil seal.

Mark (mhpautos)

Hi there,

Will it hurt it? Well the exact answer is yes. But as to how long it will take to cause problems that will affect the drivability is unknown. If this is the cause of your problem, 1. You will run a real risk of burning out the clutch. 2. If oil loss from the gear box is unchecked expensive gear box repairs will result. Check the gear box oil level, and top up if low, also try and locate the gearbox breather, this will be a small fitting that allows excess pressure that builds up in the gear box to escape to atmosphere, if this is blocked often oil can by forced out week seals, that's something worth checking as if blocked and cleaned this may give you a bit more breathing space regards doing required repairs. See how you go and re post if you need more help.

Mark (mhpautos)