Can't shift into any gear from a dead stop.

Starless · 04-11-2005, 10:09 AM

I posted several weeks ago and haven't had a chance to work on the car until now. Here's what's going on. Car was shifting fine until I came to a stop, put the car in neutral and waited for my turn to go, pushed in clutch but it would grind going into any gear. Shut the car off, put it in gear and started it up and drove home. Today was the first time I got a chance to check it out. I tried to jack it up to take a look but my jack would only go up a couple of inches. Lowered the car started it up and it went into all gears just fine. So I drove to buy a new jack. It shifted fine all the way, but I made another stop and when I went to put it in gear it started grinding again. So I used the same rutine that got me home the last time and i made it home. But here is where I'm confussed. Once going I can hold it in gear with the clutch in at stop lights, but if I go into neutral I can't shift back into gear without shuting it off. Shifting is a bit stiff but it will go into gear.
What should i be looking at? Clutch cable, shift linkage, both, or something else. Help! The weather is beautful and I'm stuck.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 04-11-2005, 10:12 AM

Juan,

It sounds to me (I'm not an expert) as though your clutch is out of adjustment. How long has it been since the clutch cable was replaced? I went through the same scenario a few years back and replaced the clutch cable, no more issues. If the cable is not frayed or stretched (mine you could actually see breakage) then you might just need to adjust the cable. Do you have the Bentley and Wayne's 101?

Starless · 04-11-2005, 10:25 AM

Thanks David, I have Waynes book and i also checked on the Tech. articals on clutch adjustment. I believe the cable has never been replaced! I guess I should start there. One thing I forgot to mention is that for a couple of months prior to this happening there was a clicking sound comming from the clutch pedal when i would let it out. Not always but at least 50% of the time.

thabaer · thabaer's Garage

Pull up your driver side carpet and floorboard. Check the hole where the cable pin fits in the clutch pedal arm for deformation. If you've gone long enough with the tranny-mounted helper spring broken or missing (heavy feeling clutch), that hole will be oval instead of circular.

Another possibility, though rare at this point in time, is that you still have a rubber-center clutch and pieces of failing rubber are getting into the engagement surfaces.

Starless · 04-11-2005, 12:48 PM

I do have a rubber-center clutch! I'm hoping for clutch cable and/or deformed hole. I believe someone said that if the rubber clutch is failing I should hear some abnormal sound with the clutch pedal depressed and the engine running. Is this so?
I removed the floor board but I'm not sure I can see the hole where the cable pin is. Tight fit in there you know. Must I remove the peddle assembly? Sorry for my ignorance but this is learn as you go for me.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 04-11-2005, 01:25 PM

Juan,

I assumed the rubber centered clutch would have been replaced by now. Try the adjustment to see if the cable is stretching and check your linkage to ensure it is all well and start saving for the clutch kit. You can do it and others will help!!

Kurt B · 04-11-2005, 01:54 PM

well, you could have the problem of ye old coil insert sheering in the pedal cluster. After removing the driver's floorboard, observe the clutch pedal. Down where it hooks onto the rest of the assembly, you'll see a little coiled piece of metal that's been pounded through (thus binding it to the rest of the assembly). Push in the clutch with your hand. Observe that the lever attached to the cable actually moves in unison. When the little coil sheers, the pedal will move more than the cable lever will as. Usually only happens when you've got a heavy duty clutch though.