1. Faulty Clutch Master Cylinder: The clutch master cylinder is responsible for transmitting hydraulic pressure from the clutch pedal to the clutch slave cylinder. If the master cylinder is faulty, it may not be able to create sufficient pressure to disengage the clutch, causing the pedal to stick.
2. Clutch Slave Cylinder Issues: The clutch slave cylinder receives hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder and actuates the clutch release fork. If the slave cylinder is faulty or has insufficient fluid, it may not be able to fully disengage the clutch.
3. Damaged or Stretched Clutch Cable: In this case of a mechanical clutch release system, a stretched or damaged clutch cable can cause the pedal to stick and not return to its original position.
4. Clutch Release Bearing Problems: The clutch release bearing is responsible for disengaging the clutch pressure plate from the flywheel. If the bearing is worn out or damaged, it may cause the clutch to drag, leading to the pedal sticking to the floor.
5. Vacuum Leak: If your vehicle has a vacuum-assisted clutch booster, a vacuum leak can affect the booster's ability to generate the necessary vacuum. This could result in the clutch pedal feeling stiff and not returning to its original position.
6. Engine Idling Issues: The fact that the engine seizes up at idle suggests an additional problem. This could be related to carburetor issues (if your vehicle has a carburetor), fuel injection issues, ignition system problems, or other factors that are causing the engine to stall at idle.
To accurately diagnose and resolve the issue, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic who can assess the clutch system components, check for leaks, and address any underlying engine problems.