What the hell is wrong this time?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 31
From: Baltimore, MD
What the hell is wrong this time?
Hey guys and gals,
Ok, yesterday I was driving my 280 and I noticed that when I downshifted, the engine seemed to shudder. I thought that was odd. So today after work, I tried to start the 280. After a little coaxing, it started and I started to warm her up. I then tried to put her in gear, but it wouldn't go into gear. Finally after some strong-arming, she went into gear and then the engine died. I couldn't get it started, so I went inside, had a beer, and tried it again. Same thing, it started, idled for a few minutes, and wouldn't go into gear. What gives? The only difference I can tell is that it is a hell of alot colder today than yesterday. HELP.
Ok, yesterday I was driving my 280 and I noticed that when I downshifted, the engine seemed to shudder. I thought that was odd. So today after work, I tried to start the 280. After a little coaxing, it started and I started to warm her up. I then tried to put her in gear, but it wouldn't go into gear. Finally after some strong-arming, she went into gear and then the engine died. I couldn't get it started, so I went inside, had a beer, and tried it again. Same thing, it started, idled for a few minutes, and wouldn't go into gear. What gives? The only difference I can tell is that it is a hell of alot colder today than yesterday. HELP.
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,297
From: Seattle, WA
Something could be wrong with your clutch. I'm not sure what, but it may not be disengauging properly... seems strange that you were able to drive the it the day before though. Try putting the clutch pedal all the way down and then moving your foot off to the side to let the pedal slam upwards. Do this a few times while the engine is idling. Then try to get it in gear. Oh, and don't have too many beers before driving home! 
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 31
From: Baltimore, MD
Alright, I did what you suggested above, but no luck. But I did notice that when the car was not running, I could easily shift into all 4 gears and reverse. But when it started, no dice. Could this be the tranny?
Guest
Posts: n/a
well, even though the car is off, you're not going to notice a single difference on how the gears feel. For example, with the car off, push it into gear from neutral w/o using the clutch. Then do it again, but with the clutch. You'll notice little or no resistance. I've had problems such as that, what I did was adjust my clutch out as far as I could, then checked to see if it was slipping. I tightened it until I got to the point where it was as far out as possible w/o it slipping. Try that, it'll definitely help.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 31
From: Baltimore, MD
Well, I put the car in gear while it was turned off, then I started it and it is definitely the clutch that is gone. I am going to have it towed later in the week for repairs. I don't have the time nor the knowledge to fix this myself. I did have another question regarding downshifting. When I down shift to slow, the car seems to shudder as I am letting out the clutch. What is this?
Guest
Posts: n/a
well, that's a combination of your clutch, and some loose u-joints on the rear end and driveshaft. When I screwed my clutch up, it shuddered horribly when I took off, and then did the same when I would downshift. My clutch was so far gone that when I accelerated, if I didn't do it super slow, the clutch would slip. I was driving it about a week before I was going to change the clutch, and I went to pass this old guy. I dropped the clutch from 3rd gear to 2nd, then passed the guy, and when I shifted back into 3rd, the clutch wouldn't engage. It was so bad that I threw the stick into 1st, and nothing happened. I pulled off into someone's driveway, and had my dad help me get the car home. It sat in the garage for 3~4 days, then we dropped the transmission. I messed the clutch up so bad that when I pulled it off, there was no cluch pad on it whatsoever.
I have a present for you...
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,699
From: dayton, nevada usa
One more thing before you take her apart. You could have water condensed in your clutch fluid. When it gets cold enough it will freeze. When you press the clutch in it will damage the seals in the master and slave. Your clutch does sound like it's gone south but since you have to have the work done I'd hate to see you pay for something you might not need. Good luck!
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,297
From: Seattle, WA
I suppose you could look under the car and actually pry or press on the clutch fork. This is the metal tab that sticks out from inside your transmission. The clutch slave cylinder pushes on this. maybe have someone in the car press the clutch pedal up and down and see that the slave cylinder has good movement too and pushes the clutch fork.
If it doesn't move then your problem is lots of air in the clutch line or a bad cylinder on one end or both.
Carefully, you could pry the fork back and see if the car goes in gear. Be very careful if you have the car up on jacks, running, and someone under the car prying on the transmission! You didn't get this suggestion from me if something bad happens!
If it doesn't move then your problem is lots of air in the clutch line or a bad cylinder on one end or both.
Carefully, you could pry the fork back and see if the car goes in gear. Be very careful if you have the car up on jacks, running, and someone under the car prying on the transmission! You didn't get this suggestion from me if something bad happens!
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