That's a motorcyle trick. The older wet clutches would stick when the bike was left idle for a week or more. We used to put them in gear and kick the motor over while holding the clutch lever in.
If the flywheel has rusted slipping the clutch a few times will clean it off. Or glaze the disc if you get it too hot.
Frank/RebopBristol, In ( by Elkhart) 
