Stuck Clutch after Winter layup

[FrogPond]

This once happened to my Ford 8N tractor. I pointed it at the door and started in gear. Once in the open I got into 3rd (out of 4) and accelerated briskly (for a tractor) with the clutch fully depressed. The clutch popped free immediately. No big thing, with no lasting repercussions. I would certainly give something similar a shot before I took anything apart. Good luck, Mike

[Mike Costigan]

Yup! That's the way I've always done it, including several Sevens over the years; get the engine warmed up first, then it will start easily in gear without overloading the starter.

[Zetomagneto]

I definitely wouldn’t start the engine with loose cover plate, it’s not spring pressure holding the clutch
so no point in slackening the bolts and then starting it.
Try previous suggestions re starting it in gear and driving with the clutch pedal depressed you will find it will come free.You could also prod the throttle while driving to put some shock loading into it.

[A7novice]

Thanks to all you folks who took the time and trouble to reply with helpful suggestions, much appreciated.
The solution, as was suggested, was to get engine hot, start up in gear with clutch pedal floored and drive. Only had to go a few dozen yards for clutch to free.

[Dave Mann]

Thanks for letting us know of your success, the suspense was unbearable.

[Reckless Rat]

Aye, it was gripping. Now it's not.

[Austin Carr]

To prevent the clutch seizing when over wintering old tractors, I've seen the clutch pedal kept fully depressed with a block of wood.

[Charles P]

To prevent the clutch seizing when over wintering old tractors, I've seen the clutch pedal kept fully depressed with a block of wood.

I have the simpler solution of keeping driving cars in the winter.