Gear Selection Issues

[mcgc0]

Came back from the Easter break and a trip down the M1 with no problems throughout. Parked car up at home to unpack. Couple of hours later, going to put the car in the garage, fired up engine and absolutely impossible to select reverse or 1st gear - all other gears fine. Weird though, as when engine is off I can select each/all gears easily.

I'm assuming that the only difference between engine running and not is the clutch hydraulic system (and slave cylinder?) is pressurised when the engine is running. Oil level seems fine although I understand even the smallest drop in level makes a difference. Anyone had the same problem before I get stuck in this weekend?

Marcus

 

[Steve Brookes]

Yep, I've had that. Bleeding the clutch slave solves the problem.

 

[kevin]

ORIGINAL: Steve Brookes

Yep, I've had that. Bleeding the clutch slave solves the problem.

Or replace it which is a tad more difficult as I found out.

K

 

[mcgc0]

Interestingly, somewhere else someone suggested the engine mounts might be a cause(?)

 

[Steve Brookes]

ORIGINAL: mcgc0

Interestingly, somewhere else someone suggested the engine mounts might be a cause(?)

Worn mounts do have an effect on shifting but tends to really only affect it while on the move e.g. downshifts are more notchy. Not being able to get 1st gear while stationary with the engine idling is a clutch issue.

 

[mcgc0]

Right, Sealey bleeder in hand with 7mm hex spanner and will have a crack at this tomorrow. I've dug out your thread from last year on this Steve. Quick question though; when did you know to stop bleeding - when the fluid being pushed in your catch jar turned 'clean' with new fluid coming through?

 

[Steve Brookes]

Spot on but collect half a jam jar of fluid to be on the safe side.

It's a swine getting the valve open without not being able to see what you're doing. Best tip I can give is crack the valve open, then push on the tubing and then set the pressure bleeder going.

 

[mcgc0]

Happy chappie this weekend - 1st and reverse gears back! A few hours fiddling in a not-so-wide garage and now job done.

Jacked up rear left with a lot of fiddling getting the axle stand as close as poss to the jacking point (where else does anyone put an axle stand if the jacking point is being used?).

Tyre off and at the front of the car, Sealey pressure bleeder kit tested and max filled with fresh DOT4, reservoir overfill pipe clamped off and 7mm spanner with drain tube in place. Now, here's the weird thing; on connecting to the tyre (at 20psi) and cranking open the Sealey pressure valve, straight away it emptied nearly a pint of fluid - have no idea where - the bleed nipple wasn't even cracked open!

A flippin visit to Halfords for more fluid (just in case) and a refill. Reconnected and this time it only further emptied about a fifth more then stopped - time for me to get under the rear and start bleeding.

As you've mentioned elsewhere Steve, a crazy ambidextrous left hand position on your back but with a good view. Had to saw in half the double-ended spanner just to get the turn radius obstructed by that high pressure pipe into the slave cylinder. Hopefully the pic below gives an idea.

Couldn't believe the amount of black thick fluid being forced out. Swapped jars a couple of times just to see when I could expect some clear fluid to start showing - again in the pic.

All done, everything tidied up about to go off in the car. Not good, clutch pedal completely dropped to the floor. Thought I screwed somewhere up big time and dreaded thinking that I had to do this all over again. Reached down, yanked the pedal up to it's upright position then a couple of pumps and all seemed fine with a re-check of reservoir level.

Out for a spin with plenty of low-end gear changing and perfect. Gear changes seem so much easier and slicker - who would have thought. Definitely worth the agro and should have done this ages ago. Will make a point of doing every couple of years as it was only 3 years ago that RPM fitted RS clutch and flywheel.

Thanks for the help Steve - handy bloke to know []

 

[vitesse]

Well done Marcus-not bad for an ex automotive project engineer.this week end I have been playing with the e-bay car-it blew the top hose big time on Thursday just as it was going to have the new Spax front lowering springs fitted in the garage of the FE college where I am Chair (good experience for the level 3 students)-still had them fitted-towed it home with my new Sealey spring loaded tow bar(usefull for other potential Appleton aquisitions) -suspected head gasket-so borrowed the College's pressure tester & have come to the tempory conclusion that the hose was knackered,a support clip is missing as a result of the standard air box being replaced by a cone filter(by the guy I bought it from).
Also fitted a replacement fuel pressure regulator -flushed system refilled with 50/50 antifreeze seems OK for the moment-rear end wants dropping more.

 

[mcgc0]

Ah, Mr A, still cracking on with your bargain basement find - nice one. Sounds like it's coming along well. Tracked it any more yet?

I'm just prepping up for Le Mans again so finding the time to do bits and pieces. This weekend the clutch and gear selection sorted and extended the accelerator pedal to bring it level with the brake pedal when braking for better heel-and-toe. Seemed to work. Hoping to power jet under the arches/crevices next week end.