When Stopped won't go in gear

[CanadianGriff]

Hi all I just bought a 1993 Griffith here in Canada. This my 3rd TVR. 3oooM, 5000M same car V8, S2 and now the Griff. It is one of 8 Griffiths brought into Canada before TVR unceremoniously faxed the 9th order back saying "we don't sell cars to Canada anymore" after over 20 years and TVR NA had help them. Another story for another day.

My problem is when the car is standing at a stop light in neutral, I cannot put it into gear, any gear. If I turn the car off or it is still rolling I can shift up or down without problem. This means I must sit at the lights with the clutch held down if I down shift or I turn it off put into gear start and pull away. The car only has 28000 km on it but I'm not sure of the previous owners driving abilities.

I have replaced the Master clutch cylinder, bleed 3 times and the slave is OK.

ANY IDEAS?

Thanks From the Colonies
Dave Graham

[Wildfire]

I had this problem around a month ago. Same sort of age car, probably similar miles. It was fine again a few days later. I did all the same things as you. Turns out my clutch was shot. Had the clutch assembly replaced. All is well.

[CanadianGriff]

Thanks that is what I figured to. Do you know which clutch it is. Is it the same as a 350i clutch? The deal isn't sure because they have never had to do one before. The car is still under warranty but I have to pay a deductible. I want the work done right the first time so I don't miss our short enough summer.

[gopher]

Sorry to go completely OT but CanadianGriff would you know if a 92 Griff could be imported into Canada now?

[cptsideways]

Clutch is dragging, possibly needs bleeding or adjustment. Might also be a sticky bearing into the flywheel forgotton whats it called, the one inside the flywheel for the input shaft.

Update: Spigot bearing!

Edited by cptsideways on Thursday 10th July 20:05

[CanadianGriff]

OT question is fine. Yes a 92 can be imported into Canada now (15 years). Not the USA from what I understand but you can Canada. Are you in Canada? Are you a TVRCCNA member? I'm the Canadian Regional Organizer if you need help.

[gopher]

CanadianGriff said:

OT question is fine. Yes a 92 can be imported into Canada now (15 years). Not the USA from what I understand but you can Canada. Are you in Canada? Are you a TVRCCNA member? I'm the Canadian Regional Organizer if you need help.

Hi, no I'm not Canadian, however Canada is is an option for emigration (I and my wife score lots of points) and we have relatives living in Ontario. The other thing is that I would like to do a big road trip for my 40th Birthday and having driven part of it would love to do the trans-Canadian and if I could do it in my Griff then so much the better!

Cheers

Paul

[CanadianGriff]

OT buy it in the UK bring it with you when you emigrate and you will likely have even less trouble getting it in.

[CanadianGriff]

Does anybody know the clutch and associated parts, parts number? Is it the same clutch as in the 350i? is there a parts list like the one for the S series cars I can look at?

So many questions eh?

Thanks Dave Graham

[pringli]

Dave, what size engine is in your Griff?

Edited by pringli on Saturday 12th July 09:59

[CanadianGriff]

I have the 4.3 with the T-5.

[Bluebottle]

CanadianGriff said:

I have the 4.3 with the T-5.

T5, are you sure? not aware of any pre-cats that didn't have LT77 box

[Slow M]

Dave,
call John Wadman or Doug Hickey at 416-752-7226.
They'll sort it out for you.
It may simply require a little adjustment.
Bernard.

[CanadianGriff]

I have a cat car and I bought it from John and Doug is the one that will be doing the work but they have never done a clutch on the one of the 8 that are in North America mostly Canada. Doug and I were hoping to get the part number or some guidance as to which clutch it is before he takes it out. That way we can have the parts and it's not out of commission for weeks waiting. Any help would be great. Thanks.
Dave

[TVRobin]

CanadianGriff said:

Does anybody know the clutch and associated parts, parts number? Is it the same clutch as in the 350i? is there a parts list like the one for the S series cars I can look at?

So many questions eh?

Thanks Dave Graham

Did you get this sorted? I have just replaced my clutch because it was slipping and now it wont go into gear easily when stationary!

[GreenV8S]

TVRobin said:

I have just replaced my clutch because it was slipping and now it wont go into gear easily when stationary!

A clutch that isn't releasing fully can cause those symptoms. This will also result in much more wear on the synchros than normal.

[CanadianGriff]

The problem is not solved but is now in having the clutch removed to see if that is really the problem. It is at TVR North America which is where I bought it. He has until Sept 12Th to get it solved. After that I have the largest gathering of TVR's in Canada about 30 cars, big deal! I know but it is part of a show that has over 1000 British cars gathered in a one day show. The week after that 3 or 4 of us head out to Woodwork 2008 some where in Pennsylvania USA http://www.tvrccna.org/ for the TVR gathering of North America. Not many more than we get in Canada, but it is a great 500 mile drive in both directions. I get a little frustrated that so many owners bring there cars to shows only if it is above 70 and no rain in the forecast for 6 weeks. They are cars drive them. Some even show up as full blown trailer queens.
So since you have asked I will gladly post the results after they get it fixed. And to the GreenV8S yep very hard on the syncro's and I have found out I have that crappy (my opinion) LT77 tranny. It worries me that they may be damaged if it isn't solved soon. Anybody got a T-5 bell-housing for a 4.3? I will change it in the future for sure. I have had a couple of cars with T-5 and love it.

[pringli]

Robin, sound almost certain that you do not have enough 'throw' on the clutch. This will be due to either;
a/ needs bleeding (doubtful as hydraulic side shouldn't have been disturbed)
b/ adjustment of the operating pushrod reqd to give more 'action' ie the arm is not being pushed far enough by the slave cylinder to fully disengage the clutch.
I am assuming that whoever did the clutch used the correct pressure plate etc..

Edited by pringli on Friday 5th September 14:00