Hey guys, my new (To me) 87 T2 has trouble getting into first gear and out of gear, untill I reach hi-way speeds then it seems ok if I match the RPM's just right. Is this a slave cylinder issue? It dosn't grind gears, but I have to muscle it into gear or out at stop signs/lights. Any idea's? Thanks much!

 

Im not sure man, my old Mustang used to be like that, have you checked to see if the slave cyl is accuating like it should when someone presses the clutch in? check your fluid level. If you decide its your slave cyl, let me know, ill get a rebuilt one too you for cheap. Check your lines, i think Racing Beat or someone like that makes steel braided lines, i hear those are a good improvment on clutch feel. Good luck

Charles

 

Thanks Charles, Yes I checked the fluid level, it wasn't full to the top, but I didn't think it was low enough to prevent the clutch from engaging properly? Anyone else?

 

i sold my 87 n/a to my best friend. after about a week he couldn't get it into gear unless it was moving. first was especially hard. he took it to a mechanic friend to find out that it had only taken him about a week to burn out a 450 dollar clutch. maybe your clutch went bad. if so, i hope it lasted a little longer.

 

Considering it is new to you, did the previous owner say that he just installed a new clutch, master cylinder or slave cylinder? If so, then the most obvious suspect would be air in the clutch lines. It is also the most painless compared to the others. Bleed the clutch lines to see if that will remedy your problem. If not, then it could be the clutch, master cylinder, slave cylinder or your transmission.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply, no, he didn't say any new clutch, slave or master cyl. The cyl was somewhat low, but I could see any leaks, I topped it off, no dif yet.

 

Since you just topped off the reservoir, check to see if you have any tiny puddles on the bottom of your car later in the day. That will help determine the problem.

 

Thanks much, I will check it out!

 

No grinding. Check shifter bushings.
Change your gear oil. Use Redline MT-90.

Shifter bushings:
http://mazdatrix.com/g4.htm
http://mazdatrix.com/faq/shiftbsh.htm

Bleed clutch--click how tos/maintenance:
http://www.fc3s.org/

 

Just Curious. Once you get it in gear, how far off the floor does the clutch begin to engage? Near the floor, or near the top of the pedal travel?

 

When you get a chance, pull the boot off of the Slave Cyl and have someone depress the clutch to see if the piston is leaking. Bleed the clutch, check the shifter bushings. How hard is it to get it in gear when the car is off and sitting? if its easy, its probably not the shifter bushings.

 

Definately sounds like the clutch isn't disengaging properly.