Trouble selecting 3rd gear.

[minirace]

I have a 430, k PLate, with rover gearbox.
Great car but recently I am having troble selecting 3rd gear.
I am hoping it may be a linkage problem.
Can any one give advise or know how to get to linkage, I don't know how to remove centre armrest/console etc.
May thanks, happy TVRing in the snow.

[M@H]

I had this with the S.. then after a week I was having trouble with more gears and in the end no gears at all... turned out to be the Slave cylinder on the clutch, the lack of fluid ie. clutch travel, just started to affect some of the gears first and it was a slow process before the fluid all escaped and they all were struggling..

..I was convinced I needed a new gearbox before the final day when I couldn't get any gears at all..

Matt.

[tantivy]

Yes - check clutch first - had same thing on previous Alfa - might well not end in tears...good luck!

[the dodger]

If you need to remove centre console there are two long screws under the flap at the back and one either side at the front - near the end of the 'ears'. On mine the gearlever gaiter is not fixed to the console and the slit in the door gaiter allows the knob through. Handbrake may be a problem, I can just prise the gaiter over the button then lift the console up and away (after disconnecting window switches).

[minirace]

Thanks for comments, I have checked clutch all appears ok, fluid level ok.
To remove console do I have to remove the armrest sections to get to fixing screws ? if so do they lift up?
Thanks again

[ribol]

If it is a clutch problem you will have more problems selecting reverse than third (no syncro). If you can't get it into reverse without hearing all the teeth falling off the gears it points to the clutch not disengaging properly.

Ivan

[the dodger]

minirace, the 'bolsters' either side of the console are stitched in, they don't come off! Read my note again for where the screws are. Come back if it's not clear.

[minirace]

Thanks to the dodger, I'll take another look.