Gear selection problem

[EdT]

Hi - had just planned on going for 1st gentle 'proper' drive after the 6 month engine rebuild.. but...
Can't select reverse/1st. In fact all gears difficult.
Is easy to select when engine not running. What should I check 1st? Can clutch fluid go off if sat around still for 6+ months?

[Griffinr]

I would check the master and slave cylinder for leaks and repair or replace as necesary, then change the fluid and bleed the system as air may well have got in while the engine and gearbox where split. Also check for silly's like the tightness of the slave cylider bolts.

Rob.

[Barkychoc]

It could be the friction plate stuck to the flywheel - make sure there's nothing in the way and try starting it in gear - so if you reverse out of the garage try starting it in reverse. First gear would not be clever especially after your winter garage roof action!
Also try leaving the clutch pedal wedged down with a bit of wood overnight.
All assuming the hydraulics seem OK.

[EdT]

I actaully managed to reverse the car out of the garage and on to the road (albeit v hard to get reverse). Now cant get Reverse or 1st at all. Can start it OK if already in 1st and drive it, but cant in reverse. Stick goes in correct position (as far as I can tell), but rev. gear not engaged. Bugger.

[Barkychoc]

If you start it in gear where is the biting point Ed?
If its right on the floor then it could well be hydraulics.

[ketvrin]

Apologies if this sounds daft Ed but the rubber Gaiter is not fouling the gearstick, preventing full engagement is it ?

I fitted a new rubber boot and used large flange washers so the screws didnt split the rubber... problem was one washer fouled travel of the stick when trying to engage reverse... by the time I had figured it out I was too late for my MOT - Grrr...

Its sorted now but the rubber is so stiff it can pop the stick out of 5th on over-run

K

[EdT]

My learned car buddy is quite confident it's the seal in the master cylinder that's gone & its not a big job.
I've an S1 - is it a 2.8 Capri cylinder & seal or did TVR use something from another car?
cheers

[EdT]

Barkychoc said:

If you start it in gear where is the biting point Ed?
If its right on the floor then it could well be hydraulics.

Think it WAS quite low actually. But we'd like to try the seal first with crossed fingers. If that doesn't sort it, what's involved in checking / fixing the hydraulics ?

[Barkychoc]

Its definately not Capri as in all Fords its a cable operated clutch!

Rather than give you duff info I'll let others that are in the know answer your clutch master cylinder question.

[Ragtop]

EdT said:

My learned car buddy is quite confident it's the seal in the master cylinder that's gone & its not a big job.
I've an S1 - is it a 2.8 Capri cylinder & seal or did TVR use something from another car?
cheers

Some part numbers for master cylinder and seal kit in

http://www.parkersteve.dsl.pipex.com/sparts.html#b...

Have fun,
Graham

[Griffinr]

EdT said:

Barkychoc said:

If you start it in gear where is the biting point Ed?
If its right on the floor then it could well be hydraulics.

Think it WAS quite low actually. But we'd like to try the seal first with crossed fingers. If that doesn't sort it, what's involved in checking / fixing the hydraulics ?

Got my seal kit from here, http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/products.html if thats whats required. Very helpful, told them what the car was and he knew exactly what seal kit I needed.

Rob.

[EdT]

Griffinr said:

Got my seal kit from here, http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/products.html if thats whats required. Very helpful, told them what the car was and he knew exactly what seal kit I needed.
Rob.

Agreed - what a nice bloke!

[EdT]

diagnosis... leaky slave cylinder. New master & slave on order.