Stuck on M1 with no gears - update

[itchyfeet]

But why would it be coolant and if it is, what does that mean?

it means you have a coolant leak and not an oil leak easy to jump to conclusions.

[jamesandtheopenroad]

What, between engine and transmission? That sounds like a disaster.

[kevtherev]

Why is everything a disaster?
A Split coolant pipe is hardly that.

[jamesandtheopenroad]

A split coolant pipe I can handle. But it sounded like Mr Itchyfeet was saying that coolant could be coming through the seal between engine and transmission which I'm guessing isn't right.

Anyhoo, I'm gonna give the whole area a good clean tomorrow and check first whether the SC arm is moving and of not, if it's all bled correctly. Then take it from there.

[jamesandtheopenroad]

So cleaned up and re-re-bled hydraulics. No leaks that I can see (checked brakes too) and the release arm is moving freely but no change - goes into gear with engine off but not on. So I'm guessing something is up within the clutch housing itself. But without the tools, experience or space to start dropping the gearbox myself, its going in to the garage. Disappointed about that as I like to try all things myself once but I'll ask if I can watch and learn.

[Ian Hulley]

It's the spigot bearing mate. Sorry

Ian

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Ah. Right. And is that bad?

[Ian Hulley]

Ah. Right. And is that bad?

Box out, clutch off (possibly flywheel off ? but possibly not ?) remove old spigot bearing, refit new bearing (which you've had in the freezer overnight ) tricky and heavy work on your own.

Ian

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Thanks pal. It's going in to the garage to be done. Will offer to help and learn though.

Onwards and upwards.

Eventually...

[Ian Hulley]

The problem is that the spigot bearing fails and instead of supporting the gearbox input shaft it binds and starts to drive it so even with the clutch disengaging the drive of the flywheel the input shaft still spins with the engine making it impossible to engage the gears.

I had exactly the same thing happen ... it's a job which should be done every time the clutch is replaced ideally BUT ....

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Thanks for explaining it all, Ian. Is it worth having them replace the clutch at the same time? Im not trying to spend money but if it'll save a job in the future...

[Ian Hulley]

When was it last replaced ? Unless very recently it makes sense to ... it's got to come out anyway and it's 'only' another £100 ...

Ian

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Well, not since I've had her - 3 years (28, 000 miles) - so will get it done.

One final thing, the garage is about a mile away but the RAC want £90 to tow me there. If I put it in second with the engine off and then very slowly and carefully drive it there, will I be doing any damage to the engine or gear box?

[Ian Hulley]

I would say it'll be fine ... i'd push the bugger there for £90 Oh and ditch the RAC and tell them exactly why ... robbin barstewards

[AdrianC]

One final thing, the garage is about a mile away but the RAC want £90 to tow me there.

What the blithering heck? How come?

I'm sure the garage can collect cheaper. So long as the box is in neutral, no reason it can't be towed on a rope or pole, even.