Help some sort of gearbox/clutch problem

[ph1l5]

Well after an uneventful TiTT being brought home on the back of a truck I think something is broken. The car wont go into any gear when its running. I press the clutch and the gear stick wont select any gear. But when its switched off I can get it into gear and it will run, but then can't change. Is it time for a new clutch ? Or is it something more sinister ?
Many thanks

Phil

[no.53]

Certainly a clutch issue, what does the clutch feel like?

[ph1l5]

Feels "soft ?" if you could use that word to describe it

[Tvrjock]

hi Mate, Glad you got home, Give me a call it may not be that serious if your pedal is soft.
Graeme

[spend]

Check the fluids & leaks, you can then pull the slave cylinder and inspection cover out/off to see if the pivot arm in the bellhousing has broken. Sounds more like something has given up rather than the clutch, you generally have reasonable warning of it wearing, but if you have to split the box off you may as well renew the clutch..

[Ed450]

Check and bleed the clutch fluid first, as it is most likely this. If this doesn't sort it then it may be a mechanical linkage issue I bled the clutch fluid on mine today and the gearchange is now silky again.

[ph1l5]

Ok so on further inspection I have some fluide under the clutch pedal, and after removing the cover on the clutch cylinder it seems to be low, not empty but not full. Would this suggest its time for a new clutch cylinder ?

[GreenV8S]

That would suggest you've got failed seals in the clutch master cylinder. You can either replace the whole thing, or if the bore is OK replace just the seals.

Be aware that the clutch fluid that has leaked out is corrosive and will rot any natural fibres that it comes into contact with. It tracks all over the place and a few days later you'll find holes in your woollen carpet, wallpaper, clothing etc. Be very careful to clean it off anything it comes into contact with, including the carpet around the clutch pedal.

[ph1l5]

GreenV8S said:

That would suggest you've got failed seals in the clutch master cylinder. You can either replace the whole thing, or if the bore is OK replace just the seals.

Be aware that the clutch fluid that has leaked out is corrosive and will rot any natural fibres that it comes into contact with. It tracks all over the place and a few days later you'll find holes in your woollen carpet, wallpaper, clothing etc. Be very careful to clean it off anything it comes into contact with, including the carpet around the clutch pedal.

Thanks for the heads up.

[schmokin1]

ph1l5 said:

GreenV8S said:

That would suggest you've got failed seals in the clutch master cylinder. You can either replace the whole thing, or if the bore is OK replace just the seals.

Be aware that the clutch fluid that has leaked out is corrosive and will rot any natural fibres that it comes into contact with. It tracks all over the place and a few days later you'll find holes in your woollen carpet, wallpaper, clothing etc. Be very careful to clean it off anything it comes into contact with, including the carpet around the clutch pedal.

Thanks for the heads up.

seconded. Use meths to clean up and if it git into the carpet, use a lot of meths to dissolve the fluid and mop up. then another load of meths to be sure. then water will get rid of the meths....

as an illustration of how far it will travel if allowed, my clutch cylinder went while the car was laid up and I didn't notice the leak for a month or two. The clutch fluid travelled all the way up the footwell and reached the carpet under the rear seat mountings....

[ph1l5]

What clutch fluid should I use. 5.1 ?

[mdotrutherford]

ph1l5 said:

What clutch fluid should I use. 5.1 ?

Just a trusted major brand. Re leaks onto carpet and the damage it does, I always have a small cheap rubber footmat under the pedals, I know they look a bit naff but it saves on wear and tear from your heel and any fluid leak can be noticed straight away.

[spend]

Its not a big effort to pop the seat out? You can then get all the carpet out to inspect, and it gives surprisingly better access to work down in the footwell.

[WOO5IE]

Hi Phil

Did you get your clutch sorted. Was it just fluid levels or did it need a master cylinder

TRev

[ph1l5]

Ekk Well new clutch Cylinder fitted and topped up. But it didn't help. Now been told to replace the clutch, slave cylinder and Clutch arm, as something has snapped.