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Rebuilt - Can't Engage Gears


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#1 amsgw

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Posted 27 August 2025 - 07:55 AM

Hi all
Rebuilt engine, rebuilt rod change box. Got her up and running, it's been easy to select gears when the engine is off and when we first got her running on the Dyno and then for the first 50 or so miles. The ability to shift into 1st deteriorated on the road ... Then second shortly after... once in she would drive but now she doesn't seem to like engaging 1st or 2nd - flatly will not go in when idling, you can hear the revs drop as she tries. No crunching except for reverse, which I can force in and then she starts plodding backwards without releasing the clutch. Seems to be a disengaging issue - where do I begin?

The hydraulic system has been completed overhauled and replaced by a mini specialist garage a couple of weeks ago, before she was running

Thanks all

#2 whistler

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Posted 27 August 2025 - 08:56 AM

I suggest you re-visit the hydraulics. Just had the same symptoms and it was the slave cylinder passing fluid. This slave was only fitted last year and has failed. Pull back the rubber boot from where the slave pushrod goes and see if there's any hint of fluid in there. It should be dry.

Luckily I had a new spare so an hour later I'm back on the road.

Hope it's a simple answer for you.



#3 alpder

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Posted 27 August 2025 - 09:48 AM

I guess also check the mechanical connections.

 

See that the pedal can come all the way up - the pedalbox shaft can corrode and partially seize the pedal.

Check the pin/holes in the pedal/yoke connector aren't badly worn.

And the pins on the lever arm, and the lever-arm ball and the plunger.

Also check the slave has bled properly - other threads have mentioned difficulty with this.

Check adjustment, of course, too.



#4 amsgw

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Posted 27 August 2025 - 12:56 PM

Could well be an instant fail on the slave as the pedal doesn't fully return, maybe leaves about a slack inch, and when it first was driven the clutch felt very slow to return.... Fingers crossed! Already bought a fresh slave as I knew it was a weak spot generally but failing this soon would be quite a stellar example of this car's inability to be straightforward!!!

#5 Cooperman

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Posted 28 August 2025 - 11:20 AM

It’s either the clutch slave cylinder or master cylinder.

#6 amsgw

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Posted 28 August 2025 - 08:30 PM

Tis indeed the clutch master cylinder failing instantly ... She's leaking around the gasket and mounting plate. I'm rather in disbelief as this is literally the only thing the garage have done. Before I pray and bandage my knuckles in anticipation, is there any hope with a fix that doesn't involve clevis pin extraction..?

#7 Cooperman

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Posted 29 August 2025 - 07:21 PM

Tis indeed the clutch master cylinder failing instantly ... She's leaking around the gasket and mounting plate. I'm rather in disbelief as this is literally the only thing the garage have done. Before I pray and bandage my knuckles in anticipation, is there any hope with a fix that doesn't involve clevis pin extraction..?

 

No. that b****y clevis pin has to be removed. It can help if you take the driver's seat out and lay on your back.



#8 amsgw

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Posted 31 August 2025 - 03:55 PM

Managed to replace the master with ease as the garage had been angels and replaced the clevis pin with an R pin!

Trouble is we still have the same issue. We've successfully bled the clutch, pedal feels much better, and we've adjusted the clutch throw out stop every which way to Sunday, she flatly refuses to get into gear when running but stationary. She still shifts great when the engine is off. We thought the pressure plate could be seized so we put her in gear and started her, heard a clunk and then she drove, though the clutch was slipping which seems to be the opposite of the original issue. Adjusted the throw out thinking we'd gone too far - now we're back to square one, not getting into gear when stationary!!!!

#9 amsgw

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Posted 31 August 2025 - 04:38 PM

We're leaning towards it being a primary gear issue, which means engine out again. Devastated as this was meant to be our wedding transport and she's not going to make it in time now

#10 GraemeC

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Posted 31 August 2025 - 07:23 PM

I’d suspect primary gear seizing on crankshaft - was it rebushed?

#11 Gaz66

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Posted 31 August 2025 - 07:26 PM

I’d suspect primary gear seizing on crankshaft - was it rebushed?

That sounds like an expense 😬😬

#12 Carlos W

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Posted Yesterday, 02:43 PM

I had an issue with wear on the ball of the arm.

It doesn't take a lot




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