Gear selection problem

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C7Steve
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Gear selection problem

Post by C7Steve » Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:32 pm

I was out for a drive last night when halfway through a gearchange the gearstick would not engage into any forward gear, and it would only move about in the neutral position for a few seconds until i eventually managed to select a gear. The car drove fine for another few miles before happening again. I managed to get back home late last night and could smell burning after the car was parked up. I had a quick look through the "clutch" containing Posts to try and diagnose the problem. I was going to go out again tonight to see if the problem still occurs, but could not even get the car out of the garage. When the engine was off, and the clutch depressed, I could select any gear as normal, but when I started the engine, I could not select any gear. S2 111S, 52 Pate. Is it the clutch?

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roadboy
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Re: Gear selection problem

Post by roadboy » Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:52 pm

Most likely a leaking slave cylinder.

Its bolted to gearbox mount, underneath the coolant header tank.

There is a rubber seal on the end of it with a metal rod coming out of the middle. Peel back the rubber seal from the cylinder itself and if there is fluid inside then the seal has gone.

Fairly simple job to change one. Can't remember how much they cost. Don't think its crazy money though.

HTH

Dan
SPS Automotive
Independent Lotus Specialists
http://www.spsautomotive.co.uk

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C7Steve
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Re: Gear selection problem

Post by C7Steve » Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:15 pm

I looked at cylinder which had LOCKHEED markings on it, and slid off the rubber seal. No leaks. Hope I was looking at the correct item. Thanks anyway.

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r10crw
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Re: Gear selection problem

Post by r10crw » Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:35 pm

If the slave is working then most likely broken finger springs on the clutch. Afraid it looks like you need to drop the box. Check how far the slave moves when pressing the clutch, from memory this should be 15 - 20 mm but check up with the manual/search functioin. Also check to see the bracket is okay Im sure I have heard of them cracking.
Hairdresser at heart.

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r10crw
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Re: Gear selection problem

Post by r10crw » Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:36 pm

Okay in the manaul travel should be 13 -15mm.
Hairdresser at heart.

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Stu160
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Re: Gear selection problem

Post by Stu160 » Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:54 am

Also check that the clips that holds the selector cables are still there, they have a habit of falling off. Sounds more like it could be the clutch or slave cylinder though. also check the level of the fluid.

Stu
S1 S160
Caterham 310R

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C7Steve
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Re: Gear selection problem

Post by C7Steve » Sun Jul 31, 2011 3:23 pm

Thanks. Looks like a trip to MMC is required.

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