The notorious sticky gear problem!

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eamielle

0
Hi guys,

I'm looking for some guidance. Out in the van the other day and the gears started sticking, by the time I got her back home I couldn’t engage any of the gears! Unfortunately I still can’t.

When the engine is off I can change gears as normal. As soon as I start the engine I can’t get her into gear/or reverse.

We’ve recently had a new 3 piece clutch and slave installed, so shouldn’t be that which leads me to think it’s a problem with the gear linkage. Unfortunately I haven’t had to deal with this before so I’m a bit lost with where to start. I degreased and cleaned the linkage and checked and oiled the joints but still no luck.

Any ideas on what I should be adjusting and looking for down there?

Thanks!
 
I am no expert but I would first of all check the level of the gearbox oil...with the van on level ground undo the filler bolt and see if you can get more oil in.....its at the correct level when it starts to trickle out of the filler hole..........also was the correct oil put in at the clutch change?? should be 20/50..


A common error is when refitting the slave to the gearbox is to fit it the wrong side of the flange?...it should be mounted on the rear side of the gearbox flange, if its the wrong side you will lose sufficient travel to prevent the clutch working..

I would tend to be concerned that maybe the clutch was put in back to front? on one side it has stamped on it ''flywheel side''..an easy mistake to make

It could be the linkage but you would be able to select at least a couple of gears....

Hope this helps:)

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''COMMER'EnSayThat''
 
If it's been running OK since you fitted the clutch it sounds like you've lost the fluid, either master cylinder or slave cylinder could be leaking.

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How refreshing
 
I had exactly the same symptoms on my van. Turned out I had used a release bearing that wasn't compatible and it fel apart after a couple of weeks...
You can just see it through the opening in the bell housing where the release lever enters. Also does the gears work better if you pump the clutch pedal? It could be a issue with either the master or slave cylinder(or both). Unlikely to be the actual clutch being in the wrong way round as it would not have worked from the start (I think)
Check the fluid level and look for any wetness around the cylinders. Sometimes the seals go inside allowing the pressure to bypass the clutch. Check how much movement there is at the slave cylinder. Should be about 3/4 inch or more.
I think it is very unlikely for the linkage to have gone out, it is screw threaded adjustment and has to be taken apart to alter. Worth checking the bushes it works in though as they wear and make the gear selection vague to say the least!
I think we have all had clutch niggles at some time with our vans. Good luck.

I just need a good rootes...
 
Check the master cylinder reservoir to see if it's empty. It's under the cab floor, there's a round access plate to get to it under the mat on the drivers side, if there's nowt in it then you've got a leaky seal somwhere.

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How refreshing
 
Thanks for all your help guys! We've located the problem and you were spot on. Turns out we have a leak in the master cylinder, bit of a nasty one too as it was only filled up a few weeks ago.

Good news is she's working now even if it is only temporary. Hopefully once we replace the seal that should stop it happening in future. Just need to take it apart now!

Just had a look on Speedys and noticed they have two types of repair kit for the master cylinder (and early type and a later type with 2 ring seals). Not too sure which we one we need though so any help on this would be much appreciated!

Thanks
 
well you could take your one apart and find out that way...or maybe if you was to post a pic of yours someone might be able to tell you?...failing that the girls at speedys are very helpfull and friendly and may be able to tell you:)

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''COMMER'EnSayThat''
 
For what the cylinder costs new I would`nt bother messing around with the seals, also if there is any wear or pitting in the cylinder itself fitting new seals will not cure the problem and you will be changing the cylinder anyway!
Buy a new one, you know it makes sense [8D]

Bloody Commer`s!
 
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