QuestionQUESTION: Hi Barry, was wondering if you could help me please, ok,,i have a 1966 mgb roadster that ive had for 5 years, ive just finished rebuilding it, took it out a few times but now all of a sudden in having a right job getting 1st and reverse gears.
Theres a brand new clutch / pressure plate been put on and also a thrust bearing, ive bled the master cylinder, slave cylinder for air bubbles yet its still happening.
The flexi pipe from the master is the original one and was thinking maybe thats failed inside and its `ballooning` inside causing a drop in pressure, im going to change the flexi hose for a new one and see if that cures it.
The gearbox oil is full, ive loosened the banjo union at the rear of the master cylinder and bled that for air an it seemed ok.
Incase it dont work can you think of anything else that may cause this problem because ive racked my brains, ide hate to have to strip out the engine and gearbox again.
Thanks for your time.
ANSWER: Has this come on suddenly, or have you had this problem ever since you fitted the new clutch plate? It could be that the new plate is not sliding smoothly on its splines, so you are getting clutch drag. This makes it very difficult to select first or reverse when stationary, because the laygear will not stop spinning, so you are trying to force a stationary gear into a moving one.
Another possibility, does this problem go away when the car has thoroughly warmed up? If so, it could be that the oil in the gearbox is too thick.
Next time this happens when you are stationary, select second gear, and then flip the lever forward into first. Second has synchromesh, so it should go in easily, stopping the laygear. Then you should be able to select first or reverse easily. If the clutch plate is a bit tight on the shaft, this technique may free it up after a while, saving you from taking it all apart again.
I don't buy the balloon idea. It would affect every gear. Get underneath and have a look or hold the hose while a helper operates the clutch.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Barry, thanks for your quick reply, specially on a sunday,,to answer your question,,`yes` this has come on suddenly, i put the car back together in October 2008, took it for its MOT etc and was running fine then.
Over xmas its been garaged and standing, few days ago weather was nice an wanted to give it a run and thats when i noticed the stickage in 1st an reverse.
But i`ll do as you sudgest and try 2nd gear 1st,,,then slide it into 1st, like you said its probably coz its been standing `cold` a while, i`ll let the gearbox oil warm up an see if it gets easier.
Thanx again for your help.
Glen
AnswerHi Glen
If it came on suddenly after the car was laid up for a while, then I would suspect that the clutch plate has stuck to the flywheel with a light coating of rust. This often happens with cars that are not used for a while, especially after a rebuild when everything is clean and shiny. First and reverse are straight cut gears, so they will not engage when the engine is running. With the engine stopped, stick the car in first with the handbrake on and the clutch pedal down to the floor. Then start the engine, rev the engine to about 2,500rpm and slowly let the clutch pedal out. That should free it. Once it is free, you need to polish the rust off the flywheel, so repeatedly let the clutch out until it starts to bite and hold it there like a hill start.
If you have the facility, a better way is to jack up the rear axle onto axle stands so the wheels are not on the ground. Then just start the engine, keep your foot on the clutch, and hit the handbrake hard and fast a few times.
