Frogeye clutch problem

[forgihead]

Hi
I have just bought a 1958 frogeye sprite and am having trouble getting the car into 1st or reverse gear when the engine is running (will go in if you switch the engine off)

All other gears are fine, and am presuming that I have a clutch problem as there seams to be very little travel on the peddle – is there away of adjusting this? As the clutch is not slipping?

Help appreciated

 

[jlaird]

Make sure it has been bleed well, there is a pedal adjustment just in front of the master cyl.

 

[GB1]

There is an adjustment Jack, taught me something new today.

It sounds like air to me, I had mentioned checking the slave travel and that it should be about 2" on the previous post.

Oh, and BTW forgi, congratulation on your purchase and welcome to the forum.

Pat

 

[jlaird]

Check out pages 120-121 of Haynes. The rods that come out of the cylinder are threaded into the pedal U joint thing and held with a lock bolt. etc etc.

 

[regularman]

Yep, sounds like the clutch is dragging a bit. I hate to be the one to suggest bad news but if you can't adjust or bleed it out. It might be that the throwout bearing is worn down too far and needs replaced. You gotta pull the engine to replace it. Those carbon bearings have a definite life span.

 

[Bugeye58]

Try briefly shifting into second gear before selecting either first or reverse. If the clutch is dragging, it'll grind going into all gears.
Jeff

 

[jlaird]

Always hit the second syncro before first or reverse. It gets to be a habit.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Yup... I still do it, even though I've had a five speed for several years. I drove many miles with that 4 speed and the habit just sticks.

 

[GB1]

Always hit the second syncro before first or reverse. It gets to be a habit.

Jack as always 100% spot on!

Pat

 

[regularman]

Always hit the second syncro before first or reverse. It gets to be a habit.

I did this until the 2nd gear syncronizer was worn away on the gear. Then I had to get inventive. Usually just shift to third real quick then to 2nd. First is so low that I never used it unless I was stopping.

 

[spritenut]

To test the clutch, stop the car and pump the clutch a few times. If this helps getting it in first gear, than it's hydraulics. If not, try the master cylinder rod adjustment.
Please note a little on the rod goes a long way at the clutch.
There are 2 adjustment points, the pedal stop which is on the pedal box itself, and the rod length adjustment which is done with a 3/8 and 1/2" wrench on the rod.