Bfenty

so in the last few days it has suddenly gotten nearly impossible to shift. This is while moving or stationary. I have really push to get it into any gear, then it suddenly 'pops' in. 1st gear is probably the hardest, but all forward gears are difficult. reverse grinds pretty badly, a problem i've not had before.

when parked, the first time shifting into a gear is difficult, but then the shifter feels like it aligns something and i can easily slide into and out of gear. start the engine, however, and that is no longer the case-it's nearly impossible to shift again.

I'm suspecting synchronizers-what gets me is this problem has seemingly appeared out of thin air. I noticed it was a little difficult to shift yesterday and today i am afraid to shift for fear i won't be able to get into gear.

any insight? 1985 4+3 with factory everything and 86k miles on it.

Bfenty

More info:

I've read it could be a clutch that does not fully disengage. I am not sure this is the issue, because the car does not try to move at all when I start it with the clutch depressed and in gear (This is usually how I start the car).

jv9999

In all gears? Even with the engine not running?

Red 91

Clutch

dclafleur

Could you have a worn reverse lockout rod? The ends of them fray and interfere with shifting between gears sometimes. Richard Newton had a good article on it a long time ago..

Bfenty

In all gears. It’s much harder with engine running. Doubt it linkage because of this.

Bfenty

it’s possible? It’s a lot easier with engine not running though.

Bfenty

can you elaborate? Do I need a new clutch, or do you mean it’s just not disengaging? What should I check?

Bfenty

Doing more reading, it is almost certainly a clutch issue. I’ll continue to update as I figure more out, but please, if you have further advice on how to proceed please let me know.

s carter

Have you checked your Clutch Master?

Red 91

Add fluid, bleed system, check for leaks. Good Luck!

Bfenty

How would I check it? Sorry I'm really quite dumb when it comes to the clutch system. I get that it is hydraulic and there is probably low pressure, which is allowing my clutch pedal to travel too easily and not disengaging the clutch fully when it is depressed. Not really sure how to check these things to make sure they are working correctly, however.

Thanks! What kind of fluid do I add? DOT3 brake fluid? It says to only add DOT3 fluid on the cap and I've read to use brake fluid some places but want to make sure first. Anything else I should know, again remembering that I've never touched a clutch before in my life?

Thanks guys! If it is the clutch/pressure plate itself, I think I am probably going to take it to the shop and let them deal with it. I'm a shade tree mechanic and I don't have the ability to drop a transmission out of the car.

topfuel67

Yes, it is brake fluid. You bleed these just like brakes. There should be a bleeder valve between the master and the tranny. It is common for the master cylinder to go bad, just like a brake master cylinder goes bad. They're not too difficult to replace.

Bfenty

I may be an idiot and just have low clutch fluid. I'll check the levels and add some if necessary and report back. If the fluid is low, I would assume I need to start looking for a leak. What is the best method to diagnose where the problem is?

dclafleur

At the firewall where the master cylinder passes through to the clutch pedal feel around the carpet see if there's a damp spot, underneath the master cylinder at the base of the reservoirs, at the slave cylinder under the car where the line attaches to it feel around it, although there you might see a drip or two on the ground.

Bfenty

I've been fairly conscious of leaks and haven't noticed anything on the garage floor but I will double check.

Bfenty

Well-it is NOT the clutch fluid. That was a tiny bit low (Still within the lines, though) so I topped it off. Went to start it and it rolled even with the clutch entirely depressed-clearly the clutch is not disengaging. I'm not even sure I can drive it to the shop, might have to trailer it. It's amazing how bad it got in such a short time frame.

s carter

is the Pedal Stiff/hard to push down

Bfenty

tried pumping it up-it's not really helping

VikingTrad3r

am i off base thinking its the hydraulic cylinder/piston that is operated by the clutch pedal?

my guess is the oring inside is shot letting pressure seep past and its not building enough pressure to disengage clutch.