Gearbox hard to get first gear

[joyful]

My gearbox seems to be breaking up. It thas been difficult to get into first for two weeks from stationary (drop into second and then back up to first usually does it).

Now it has deteriorated and sometimes goes into third rather than first.

I guess I need to get it rebuilt or replaced.

Would replacement be easier/ less expensive as I have no idea how much might be going wrong inside.

Petrol 1.9 engine seems to be running ok and has new radiator a year ago.

Any advice on how to best to proceed much appreaciated. Where to source a reasonable gearbox assembly ect.

I am in Devon/Cornwall borders.

[CovKid]

You sure its not the mechanism? Best rule all that out first. Has it had new gearchange bushes? Have you tried to select gears at gearbox end?

[joyful]

You sure its not the mechanism? Best rule all that out first. Has it had new gearchange bushes? Have you tried to select gears at gearbox end?

No, I have not tried at the gearbox end. But there is a fair amount of nasty graunching when I open the engine cover and depress the clucth and other strange sounds.

[marlinowner]

Sounds like a problem at the clutch then, maybe clutch release bearing? Clutch isn't disengaging fully when you depress the pedal and so gearbox input shaft still turning. Is there a difference in the gear change when the engine is off?

[joyful]

Sounds like a problem at the clutch then, maybe clutch release bearing? Clutch isn't disengaging fully when you depress the pedal and so gearbox input shaft still turning. Is there a difference in the gear change when the engine is off?

I will check the cluctch with the engine off.

If it is cluctch release bearing, or cluctch related, I presume the gearbox will still have to be removed and the clucth rebuilt. Would that be less expensive that sourcing a complete 'working' gearbox? I would have to get it done professionaly as I do not have expertise or workshop.

[marlinowner]

The labour charge for replacing the clutch or fitting a new gearbox should be the same as it basically the same amount of work. If you were changing the gearbox you would probably change the clutch at the same time whilst it was accessible. So the difference in cost would be the price of the gearbox. Garage should be able to check the gear selection at the gearbox and tell if clutch is working correctly.