Martin -
You'll get lots of responses on this. It sounds to me almost like the
classic hydraulic problem. Usually, failing hydraulics make it most
difficult to shift into 1st or reverse before it affects other gears.
First thing to do (and easiest!) is to check the canister on the clutch
master cylinder. If it is less than FULL, it could cause the symptoms you
describe. Topping it up just might "fix" the problem temporarily - and if
you carry a container of brake fluid with you to top it off periodically,
you might go on like this for weeks or even months. I've done it - but it
is not a cure. After topping it off, you have to pump the clutch pedal a
few times to make it work again. Sooner or later, you'll have to find the
leak and properly fix it - either slave cylinder, master cylinder or hose.
And then if enough air has gotten into the system, topping up might not
help much or at all. If not, an assistant needs to watch from under the
right side of the car as you work the clutch to see if there is motion at
the slave cylinder. Pray that there is none. Otherwise, the engine has to
come out...
Certainly it's possible that the problem is the clutch itself, but check
out the hydraulics first.
Good luck,
Allen
>From: "Martin C. Jones" <M.C.Jones@staffs.ac.uk>
>
>I parked my 1978 GT on Friday after its usual 40 mile round
>trip to work. After a weekend break I climbed into it this
>morning and found I was unable to get it into gear with the
>engine started.
>
>I can't physically move the stick out of
>neutral for gears 1-4 but for reverse I can get it in
>position but there is a horrible grinding noise. (needless
>to say I didn't stay in reverse for more than a fraction of
>a second).
>
>One other symptom - the clutch pedal seemed to move more
>freely than usual.
>
>Could somebody please tell me where to start? Is this the
>end of the road for the clutch or is it a hydraulic problem?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Martin
>
>====================================================
>Law School
>Staffordshire University
>Leek Road
>Stoke-on-Trent
>ST4 2DF
>Tel 01782 294587
>Fax 01782 294335
>
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Allen H. Bachelder =iii=<
Sinking Creek Home for Wayward MGs
49 YT, 57 ZB, 58 ZB, 65 B, 67 BGT, 73 B, 73BGT, 76 B, &...
New Castle, VA 24127
USA
540/544-7333
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