First Gear Trouble BN1

[Crowbar]

Hello all,

First gear (or second gear...due to the boxed out first gear in the BN1) has been acting up on my car.

Basically, clutch engagement has gotten very "snatchy" off the line from a full stop.

Basically, I have to release the clutch very, very slowly to engage first without chirping the tires. If I ride the clutch slightly right before completely release, the problem is minimized.

Second gear works fine, so I don't think it's a problem with the clutch. Frankly, I can start off the line in second without any trouble (due to the amount of torque in the A90 engine), so I'm suspecting a problem with the gearbox...specifically first gear.

Any thoughts? Could it still be the clutch?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[pan]

Check the mounting of the stabiliser bar that locates the transmission to the chassis. The buffer rubbers may need replacement.

 

[Michael Oritt]

I think it is the clutch. I'll leave it to someone smarter than me to explain why but it seems to take more clutch action to smoothly start off the line than to make shifts--esp. upshifts--between gears.

Having said that, because I replaced my BN1's manual clutch years ago when I traded up to a 5-speed transmission i cannot now remember the layout of the clutch and linkage, but I would suggest that you be looking there.

 

[pan]

I don't disagree with Michael, but checking the stabiliser bar is simply a matter of crawling under the car. I'd also recommend checking all the engine mounts. The rears in particular are susceptible to contamination with oil. Also check the clutch linkage. Because the 100 has a mechanical operation (as opposed to the hydraulics of the sixes) the stabiliser is required to prevent the motor from moving longitudinally when the clutch pedal is operated. With tired, soft engine mounts and an ineffective stabiliser there is little to control that movement. As the pedal is raised the clutch can take up on its own!
Good luck,
Alwyn.

 

[DTDuck]

Hello all,

First gear (or second gear...due to the boxed out first gear in the BN1) has been acting up on my car.

Basically, clutch engagement has gotten very "snatchy" off the line from a full stop.

Basically, I have to release the clutch very, very slowly to engage first without chirping the tires. If I ride the clutch slightly right before completely release, the problem is minimized.

Second gear works fine, so I don't think it's a problem with the clutch. Frankly, I can start off the line in second without any trouble (due to the amount of torque in the A90 engine), so I'm suspecting a problem with the gearbox...specifically first gear.

Any thoughts? Could it still be the clutch?

Many thanks in advance.

It could indeed still be the clutch. When starting from a stop you have to "Slip" the clutch which is completely different than switching gears on the move which is more an in and out (insert joke here) proposition...
Could also be that starting in second gear puts more load on the clutch and makes it smoother. I would suspect that your clutch disk may be worn to the point that the rivets are digging into the flywheel or pressure plate causing the grabbing effect.

Cheers,
Dan M.

 

[John Turney]

..., but checking the stabiliser bar is simply a matter of crawling under the car. ...

I don't disagree with your suggestion, but this phrase struck me as humorous when dealing with a Healey.