Going into gear problem
Discussion
Took the car out for a run yesterday all fine pulled up for 30 minutes, then started the car again and it wont go into gear with the engine on but when its turned off its fine.
Checked fluids all fine and no loss, no leaks that i can see. The clutch has worked fine no difference in the cars behavior.
Car is currently stuck at a friends house, would starting it up in gear cause any problems to move it?
Any ideas?
Checked fluids all fine and no loss, no leaks that i can see. The clutch has worked fine no difference in the cars behavior.
Car is currently stuck at a friends house, would starting it up in gear cause any problems to move it?
Any ideas?
A really quick and easy check would be to bleed the clutch to eliminate any air in the system. I'm sure you already know (but not everyone does) that the clutch reservoir is hidden from view under the small black cover plate beside the brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid level is correct that would tend to rule out leaks but if you've not already done so, check around the seal on the master cylinder in the drivers footwell and see if its wet. If the oil in the reservoir is discoloured (darker with black bits) then it could be the seals deteriorating. Either of these would produce a progressive failure of the master cylinder and pumping the pedal could help as previously suggested. Replacement or refurbishment is an easy job compared to anything else so it's worth checking this first.
Anything else means removing the gearbox and if you're doing that then its worth changing the clutch and slave seals anyway, whatever the failure. Most likely cause, particularly if the onset is sudden, could be broken clutch plate fingers. They are well known for premature failure on the standard item, clutches tend to fail rather than wear out. My clutch fingers broke and produced the same issues as yours but I managed to engage 1st with a bit of force. The clutch dragged badly once in gear but changing to other gears was fine once on the move. I doubt you'll start the car with first gear engaged on the starter alone, probably best to get a tow. Engage 1st and depress the clutch before moving. Best of all, get it transported to a garage.
Anything else means removing the gearbox and if you're doing that then its worth changing the clutch and slave seals anyway, whatever the failure. Most likely cause, particularly if the onset is sudden, could be broken clutch plate fingers. They are well known for premature failure on the standard item, clutches tend to fail rather than wear out. My clutch fingers broke and produced the same issues as yours but I managed to engage 1st with a bit of force. The clutch dragged badly once in gear but changing to other gears was fine once on the move. I doubt you'll start the car with first gear engaged on the starter alone, probably best to get a tow. Engage 1st and depress the clutch before moving. Best of all, get it transported to a garage.
Edited by mike_e on Monday 2nd January 14:10
Air in the hydraulics will give similar symptoms to broken fingers: pedal feels normal or slightly lighter than usual, but gears cannot be selected (with engine running, obviously). For some reason air can enter the system, I'm not sure if it's via the slave or master, I suspect the former, which a bleed will fix. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, the fix may last for 2 weeks or a year. So even if there is no loss of fluid this is worth trying IMO.
I really can feel Pichard's disappointment - all the more, having been through clutch problems, Exxon Valdez oil leaks, cooling issues. But stick with it! These cars are really worth the investment in time and money. So much better than a Porsche, beautiful design and stunning performance.
Thanks all, going to bleed it at the weekend and see if that does anything. For the sake of piece of mind I might as well try it, if not its booked in for February for Clutch and Slave replacement. The remap will have to hold off for the time being.
A positive is that it didn't go in middle of show season.
A positive is that it didn't go in middle of show season.
robsco said:
Mark I have had telephone problems and have changed phone, unable to back up my numbers therefore I have lost yours. If you need anything just drop me a text.
Ps - if it makes you feel any better, I'm having gearbox problems with the Alfa, must be the cold!!
Ps - if it makes you feel any better, I'm having gearbox problems with the Alfa, must be the cold!!
Thank you! Seems like the clutch was due anyway, no history of it been changed, even upon inspection it was said it was a AP clutch so its got to be after 2006.
Also its a TVR so its expected!
Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff