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car won't go into first or second gear
RK - 31/7/10 at 02:51 AM

Engine and tranny mileage 40,000 km

Clutch: hydraulic, yes there is fluid

My car has driven short distances since I built it (autocross and up and down the block a few times) and always had no problem shifting. Tonight, I ran it a bit for the first time in a few weeks and it wouldn't go into gear. Any ideas?

nitram38 - 31/7/10 at 05:40 AM

Lack of Oil in the gearbox?

zilspeed - 31/7/10 at 06:45 AM

Sticky clutch ?

Start the engine with it already in gear.
If that works ok, give it the beans to ease everything off again.

907 - 31/7/10 at 07:09 AM

Worn or faulty gear leaver mechanism?

I had a problem selecting reverse on my Getrag.

It turned out that the tubular shaft had moved within the block. (see pic) I think they are expanded in.
I moved it round and put a roll pin through it and the problem was solved.
A worn gear selector would be harder to fix though.

Paul G

Getrag fault
Getrag fault

MakeEverything - 31/7/10 at 07:18 AM

Sounds like low transmission oil.

mookaloid - 31/7/10 at 07:52 AM

quote:
Originally posted by zilspeed
Sticky clutch ?

Start the engine with it already in gear.
If that works ok, give it the beans to ease everything off again.


I'd bet on this one

RichardK - 31/7/10 at 08:22 AM

I had a similar effect when when remote gear extension had come a bit loose. Couldn't get 5th either.

Cheers

Rich

rusty nuts - 31/7/10 at 08:37 AM

Will it go into any other gear with the engine running? If so then it's not the clutch sticking. If not make sure there is nothing in the way and try starting the engine with it in gear and your foot on the clutch , may also help to have a foot on the brake pedal

interestedparty - 31/7/10 at 09:25 AM

is the clutch opening all the way? has anything happened to the clutch pedal to stop you getting a full stroke?

RK - 31/7/10 at 11:51 AM

From the sounds of it, I am betting on sticky clutch. There is no leakage under the car, and all the other gears are the same. I am running in an autocross today so I will report back, but it should unstick then!

Thank you again people!!

interestedparty - 31/7/10 at 01:50 PM

I'm betting its either the clutch not opening properly (pedal, linkage, m/cyl, air) or as above extension is coming loose

RK - 31/7/10 at 11:31 PM

Everything was fine today at autocross. Although ALL three bolts holding the cam sensor came out causing me to stop suddenly and get pushed back to the pit area. Mysterious. However a couple of guys found the correct length of bolts and I went out with two of them and did my best time of the day.

My driving however, needs a lot of work; I had trouble remembering where to go around the cones. Had a ride in a nice Corvette though. THAT went quite well, if I do say so.