Club 80-90 Forums

Hi

I Just got back from a 450 mile round trip where 100 miles in, I couldn't engage 1st or R whilst the engine is running. The other gears are difficult too, and there were times when I had to DDC every single gear change. Even when the change worked, it was difficult, requiring more pressure, and had a noticeable two-phase action to the change. Normally I change gear with finger tips, so I was very uncomfortable forcing it.

I had noticed it being a bit difficult to change earlier in the week, and I checked the brake reservoir which was full. I also checked the clutch slave cylinder movement which moved about an inch. I didn't think that was very far but I read another post which says it doesn't move very far. At the time I didn't think the clutch was engaging properly. Anecdotally, the pedal feels less firm than before, (as if it's doing less, if that makes sense). The clutch plate seemed to be binding well, I had to start in 2 several times when I couldn't judge the lights roundabout correctly.

I checked the front mechanism and there doesn't seem to be any problem. Although it looks like I have a different setup to the standard forked alignment. I have two ledges either side on the housing, and catches both side of the stick that slot into them when the stick is moved either side. There 's a bit of play in the middle bush, but I wouldn't have thought it was serious, the rear selector rod, the bush is a good fit. There's a bit of play in the cup and ball mechanism. I haven't checked the gearbox oil, could it be that?. The gearbox is covered in crud, but none of it looks to be fresh.

Sorry I'm very inexperienced (but willing to give it a go), can anyone give me a few pointers. I'm thinking it's probably clutch related because I can change gear when the engine is not running, and I can change by DDC'ing. Could it just need bleeding? Is that as simple as just loosening the bleed valve and seeing if fluid or air comes out?

Could it be gear alignment? A week ago it was fine, and I haven't touched it.

Could it be the gearbox?

Thanks in advance.

Had similar problem couple of months ago. Sounds like clutch hydraulics need bleeding. Pushed a plastic tube on slave cylinder nipple, unscrewed it a turn and could not believe amount of air that came out. Tightened nipple and and it drove great. On closer inspection found slave cylinder seals perished so replaced with budget slave from Brickwerks. If nipple is rusty clean up with wire brush and spray with plusgas an hour or so before turning. Bleed system as per Haynes manual.
Paul

Clutch slave cylinder. I had same problem and that's what it was.

Check out the 'finding gears like stirring soup' discussion before you look for more complicate things. All our vans are old and the plastic bearing bits at the base of the gear lever have reached the end of the road if they haven't been replaced recently.

Yep but think about it, if it were gearshift probs, it'd be the same with engine running or not.

if gears all select fine with engine off then it's clutch or spigot bearing issue, either air in hydraulics or something is worn or breaking up

Thanks everyone for the advice. I just finished bleeding the hydraulics and it seems to have sorted the problem. Nice firm clutch pedal and fingertip gear change.

Presumably I just keep an eye on it and if it happens again, suspect the slave cylinder?

Thanks again