I've had the same problem with both an older pickup truck, and more recently with an older Ford tractor. Basically, you're getting some minor rusting on the clutch parts that is causing things to stick. Usually it's the input shaft to the transmission in the splined area up front. The clutch plate can't move when it is rusted in place. The short term solution is just what you have done. If the car is in an area where it can be done safely, run it up fairly fast in 1st or reverse, then jump on both the clutch and the brake pedal. The engine torque should force it to release. Once it is moving, just drive it a short distance doing some shifting and the rust will be gone. Long term, disassemble the clutch housing and put a light coating of grease on the shaft. Not too much or you risk throwing it out onto the clutch disk. Mark N At 08:55 PM 2/1/00 +1000, you wrote: >Last year I replaced the clutch pressure plate as the previous one had >schredded and while at it, I had the slave cylinder overhauled. I don't >drive the 'D' that often, perhaps once every couple of months. The problem >is that I have difficulty in disengaging the clutch after the car has been >standing for awhile. Whilst I am able to move the gear selector through the >complete gear range when the engine is not running, it is impossible when it >is running. To 'unlock' the clutch, I find it necessary to 'rock' the car >whilst it is in gear with the clutch engaged. > >Has anybody else experienced this problem, and if so, how was it overcome? > >Lance Haslewood