clutch push rod stuck

[larryc]

I am new to the forum (1 week) I have a 52 plunger the engine is out and split and almost ready to go to the engineering shop for a regrind and re-bore. So now the box, I have the outer cover off and the clutch push rod is stuck, I have tapped it with a hide mallet but it wont budge, I do not want to damage the box internals or the rod if it is still ok, but it may be bent, should I increase the weight of striking it.
The plunger was bought almost barn fresh via a couple dealers, virtually complete. photo is when I first bought it.

[duTch]

 Only suggestion I have is get some penetrating gear in there..both ends..! It's possible it has a two piece pushrod ( not normal, but not unknown), if so, the two ends abutting each other may have splayed and jammed...don't wanna freak yea out or anything- just a possibility...if you can get hold of one end or other of the push rod, like in a vise or similar and drift the shaft the other way...?? might work?? try both ends

 Probably best pull the box apart, the mainshaft will come out easily with the inner cover, but you may as well take the nut off the end and separate the cover, for a good cleanup...don't be scared of it, is very simple

[larryc]

Cheers Dutch, I am day off tomorrow so I will give it a go, I remember having a B31 In the early 70's with a two piece clutch push rod with a ball bearing in the middle to compensate a worn rod......

[duTch]

 

...a ball bearing in the middle to compensate a worn rod......

 That's the bit that concerns me; if that is the case, banging it may make it worse.  For this reason it was suggested to me if two piece was necessary, to use a 1/4" roller instead of a ball- after hardening the ends....but it could be something else anyway...good luck

   

[larryc]

thanks, I will post the result, Larry

[larryc]

It is out! I gripped both hardened ends with the dreaded mole grips and turned both in opposite directions, this would reduce the 'stuck' surface area and if they moved and would confirm a 'two part with ball bearing' and a possible splayed rod where the ball bearing sat against the unhardened surfaces. The rod turned a tad in the same direction both ends so I resumed tapping with a mallet, it eventually moved, then it was easy, I could not believe how dried oil/grease can grip so tight, but happy days! it is out and the rod is ok too.
Thanks for the help guys, now to remove the inner cover and see what lurks behind. ...... great forum!