9 replies to this topic

[smudger]

Gear needs "forceing" into first, and then it "crunch's" as it gets in. You have to force it to make it.

Could this be gear linkage not alinged, clutch or box problems?

[minislapper]

Does it get easier if you pump the clutch first ?

[smudger]

No

Clutch pedal very very soft and nearly touching floor before it bites.

Full fluid and been checked for air block.

Think its either when different engine fitted, linkage wrong, clutch is worn or clutch arm may be bent.

Or just a knackered box.

[Big_Adam]

Try adjusting the clutch stop gap see if thats helps.

[*DJH*]

It sounds like the no1 gear (whatever that's called) could be worn. i think GW could shead some light on this one.

[dklawson]

Presumably this is not an early car.

Early cars had 3-synchro gearboxes and because of that, you weren't supposed to select first gear while moving, only from a dead stop.

There is a work-around for the early cars and it may help you IF you have a later car whose 1st gear synchro is failing.
1) Don't select first gear anytime the car is moving, wait until you're at a dead stop.
2) When you want to select first, push in the clutch and pull the lever into 2nd gear, then quickly push it back to select first.

The second step works on the early cars and prevents a very common "bang/grind" because the gear has no synchro.

[Guess-Works.com]

As the man says.. either that or Double-declutch... If you can manage to balance revs to speed it should drop in with no clutch anyway, but that is a bit of an artform going to 1st...

[Bass Man]

1) Don't select first gear anytime the car is moving, wait until you're at a dead stop.
2) When you want to select first, push in the clutch and pull the lever into 2nd gear, then quickly push it back to select first.

My daughters has a similar problem, no. 2 works normally for her, I think she is pushing at slightly the wrong angle because I don't have as much trouble.

Another way that works for us is to 'snick' it into 1st just as the car stops rolling, you hold the gear lever pressed lightly towards 1st as the car is just stopping, as it actually stops it pops into gear easily!

[mk=john]

Its also worth checking mechanical slack in the clevis pins, starting from the clutch pedal and working your way to the clutch arm clevis pin. Any slack can easily add up so the friction plate isn't releasing properly. Also check the plunger and ball end of the clutch arm for wear.
If you have a 3 synchro box, it will grind selecting 1st if you are moving, as there is no synchro in 1st gear.

I had a crunching problem shifting to 1st gear, and when I corrected all those areas, e problem was instantly solved. I am not saying this will solve your problem, but will certainly be a prudent check.

[vasi]

Not wanting to teach a grandma to suck eggs, but I assume that if you have a non-verto clutch, you have in fact set it up?