Triumph Repair: gear shift TR6, clutch master cylinder, clutch hydraulics

Question
I own a 1971 TR6. It is in good working order. I have recently begun driving it again now that  spring has arrived. The stick shifter is hard to put into any gear. It's like it won't go in with out alot of pushing, or not at all sometimes. I notice that when the engine gets turned off, the stick then easily moves into a gear. Is this something to do with fluid/pressure/levels or maybe the gearbox?  Thank-you for your help.

Rob

Answer
Rob,

It's not a bad idea to check the gearbox fluid level on a regular basis... but from what you're describing it's more an issue with the clutch.  Either the hydraulics aren't working properly or the clutch itself is dragging.

When you do get the gearbox into a gear, where does the clutch engage?  With the pedal just off the floor?   And how does the clutch pedal feel?  Spongy?  Or firm and consistent in it's travel?

It's not uncommon for the clutch hydraulics to leak when the car sits for several months.  I go through the same thing with my Spitfire every spring.

First thing to do is check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder.  If it's low (or dry) then a clutch bleed will be in order to get rid of airbubbles in the system.  

A way to "cheat" on the clutch hydraulic bleed is to hold the clutch pedal to the floor with a board wedged against the seat front (being careful not to damage the seat) or against the frame cross member underneath the seat.  Let the car sit with the clutch pedal held down for several days and most of the air typically will work it's way out of the system.

If it's not an issue with the clutch hydraulics then it's potentially an issue with the clutch release bearing/ clutch disc/pressure plate.  A common problem on the TR6 is that the set screw that holds the clutch release bearing onto the cross shaft has a tendency to shear off.  If it's damaged but not year broken it could potentially be causing the problem you describe.


Cheers,

Jim