Clutch stops halfway down, no 1st gear, second is tough
 

I just had the clutch pedal stop half way down the stroke and couldn't get 1st gear. 2nd gear was tough to engage but made it a few blocks. Then the clutch went all the way down and 1st gear was fine. A few blocks later, same thing. No 1st gear and clutch stopped half way.

Any ideas where to start my search?

Is this a hydrolic issue? Maybe fluid levels? If so, Does it need bleeding through the slave cylinder?

Thanks for any advice.

1991 240 Wagon - Same thing!
 

EDIT: My clutch does go to the floor just fine. It feels totally normal.

I'm having the same problem with my 1991 240 wagon. Strangely, this only happens when someone else drives the car - even for the briefest time. It has always corrected itself - usually in an hour or so, but never in more than a day.

The other day I had it valet parked, and the valet couldn't have driven it more than 50 feet total, but it was stuck. 1st is sometimes impossible, 2nd goes with extreme force, and it seems to get progressively easier up to 4th (haven't gotten to 5th). Reverse grinds. This time it isn't "correcting itself".

I can't imagine what others are doing in such a short period of time to set this off! Why would the clutch slip only when others are driving? This sounds nuts, but the only other change in common is that they have moved the seat forward! Bizarre.

Thanks!

I'm guessing you have a problem with the pressure plate,kinda sounds like one of the fingers has broken off.(pic)

Also could be a problem with the clutch fork or the throw out bearing.

If you had air in the slave cylinder,it would kinda feel like stepping on a big wet sponge.The pedal would just drop to the floor,and not stop halfway.

Thanks!
 

Thanks TURBO 245!

The mechanic is telling me that he thinks it's bad (slipped? broken?) synchro rings. He recommends a new (used) transmission. That makes sense to me. I'll update here if I end up taking his recommendation and install one myself.

Thanks a million.

Does the car start moving when the pedal just comes off the floor,in the middle,or close to the top?
The way you are describing it,I would say it's time for a clutch replacement.


Dan

The clutch releases almost all the way at the top - like within one inch of being fully released: That's when the car moves. Just like a properly tuned clutch. Is that what you mean?

John

My answers were meant for the OP.(sorry for the confusion):)

I read through your 1st post,and assuming that your trans is full of fluid,I'm guessing your clutch is bad.Other people driving the car is probably the biggest reason for the clutch problems.

On to post# 2

[quote] The clutch releases almost all the way at the top - like within one inch of being fully released: That's when the car moves. Just like a properly tuned clutch. Is that what you mean?[end quote]

The OP's car has a slave cylinder,and that was what I was referring to.

First thing you need to do is check for free-play in the clutch pedal.To check for free-play,lift the clutch pedal up against the pedal stop,the distance the pedal moves upward is the free-play.There should be about a 1/2" of free-play in the pedal,if there's not,it should be adjusted.

If this doesn't cure your problem,it's probably time for a clutch.

Oh almost forgot...A properly"tuned"clutch doesn't release a inch from the top,but a clutch that is worn,or miss-adjusted does.:D


Dan

I wouldn't look for a tranny yet--I agree that a clutch is probably what you need...

Thanks. I'll take a close look at the clutch this weekend and report back. I'll make sure it's "tuned" properly -- Doh!

But I'd take a look at the slave cyl. first just to eliminate is as a suspect, also since it is the easiest thing to get to... before getting into the clutch.

Great, I'll do that first. Thanks again!

240's don't have a hydraulic clutch,they use a cable.:)


Dan

Hello again
 

Hello again - sorry for the silence, but I just finished with everything today.

Dan - you were wrong about the pressure plate: It wasn't missing a tooth, it was completely broken in half! ;) The syncros were bad as well.

All in all, I replaced:

• The transmission (because of the syncros). The (original) drive shaft flex joint was rotting as well, so I replaced that. Luckily, I got the tranny from a junkyard for $100.
• The flywheel.
• The clutch.

I really can't thank you enough for all the help!

John