I recently bought a 83 gsl drove it home no problems, the next morning I started it and went to put it gear and no dice. I first adjusted the push rod attached to the petal and it worked for a trip to and from the gas station then the same thing. I replaced the cylinder, line, and the part that bolts to the bellhousing. I bled all the air out of the system and the petal feels fine but I still cant get it into gear with the car running, when the motor isn't running it goes into gear just fine. I adjusted the petal to have the most effect but still no luck. Think I need a new clutch? Any ideas welcome. Thanks-Matt

 

When you say you can't get it into gear with the engine running, I assume that it grinds when you try. Jack the rear up, put the car in gear, and start the engine. Press on the clutch pedal, and if the wheels are still turning then your clutch is not disengaging; hence your trouble putting it in gear with the engine running.

It still sounds like it wasn't fully bled and you have air in the system. Are you sure it was properly bled? When you put in a new M/C, it needs "bench bled" prior to installation. Usually, instructions for this come with the M/C.

Have another person press on the pedal while you watch the slave cylinder (the part the bolts to the bell housing with the bleed nipple on it). You should be able to see the rod coming out of the slave cylinder press against and move the clutch fork. If it is not moving, then the problem is in the clutch hydraulic system, and this usually means it needs bled. If it is moving, the problem is with the clutch engagement system (clutch fork and / or throwout bearing), and the tranny will have to come out for you to correct the problem.

 

I'm thinking pilot bearing failure. The tranny input shaft keeps spinning because it's locked or nearly seized to the accentric shaft. Anyone else agree?

EDIT - If this is the problem then I would suspect that the input shaft would be all gauld (sp?) up and possibly unusable. You could be looking at a new tranny input shaft or replacing the transmission (which might be easier).

Good luck!

 

if all hydraulics have been replaced & working properly, then its time for a new clutch.

 

Thanks guys, I will pull the tranny and see whats going on. Any thoughts on what else to replace while I'm in there? Engine approaching 195k- feels strong.

 

Hey if you need a tranny, i have one with ~20K on the clutch. I will sell cheap AND deliver. let me know about progress.

IanS