Problems with clutch after "flooding"

[Vincent Wonnacott]

Due to terrential rain, I had to drive through an extremely deep puddle yesterday - only just managed it as the car has been lowered! - the water came around 1/3 up the door level.

Unfortunately had no option as once it started to get deeper it was too far to turn back - but still managed to get through ok - so i thought.

This morning when I started the car, I could not get the car into gear. The clutch pedal seemed to be engaging ok but the gearbox was having none of it. After a few tries I got a "clunk" and managed to get the vehicle into reverse and this seemed to free this up and the rest of the journey was absolutely fine.

Again a short while ago when starting the vehicle, I was just getting a "wurring" noise and the car wasnt turning over. Once I depressed the clutch it started first time.

I have had no ongoing troubles with the clutch at all - it doesnt slip or show signs of wear.

Have I done any damage through the puddle - any suggestions welcomed.

Many thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Probably just some rust on the flywheel and clutch plate. Should get better!

 

[Deckchair]

Yes I agree you've got teh flywheel getting surface rust probably overnight. If the inside of the flywheel bell housing has been saturated (you bet if you've driven through floods) then it will keep happening for a while so things to consider:-
When parking at night or for a while jam the clutch pedal down with a krooklok or something against the drivers seat and this will keep the clutch plate free.
If the clutch is jammed then start the car in gear with the clutch down. The force of the starter will usuallty free the clutch plate from sticking on the flywheel and is a lot less harmful than just ramming it into gear. Go for a long drive to get rid of moisture once all this rain stops.