W123 Gearbox/Clutch Problem

[31records]

Hello All

I have a 5 Speed W123 and for the past month I have had real trouble engaging first and second, such that I’m really fighting with the gearbox for the first 5 mins driving.

Now I can’t even select a gear – even with two hands the gearstick won’t have it! So I’m now stuck in neutral and I will not be going anywhere until it’s sorted. Any ideas?

I guess there’s more to this than ‘just’ bleeding the clutch.

Thanks in Advance.

Owen

 

[jaymanek]

First thing to change on this box are the bushes on the selector rods.. They will be well worn,.,mine had completely fell to bits.

 

[Dieselman]

If it will engage gear with the engine off but not on it's clutch drag.

As a test, try pressing the clutch down engaging gear and starting the car. It could be a faulty pressure plate or clutch hydraulics, either master or slave cylinder.

 

[31records]

Thanks both for your advice, much appreciated.

Jaymanek – I knew you would have experience in this area after reading about your fantastic W123 engine swap with Mr Ian B Walker! I was convinced it might be a box problem but Dieselman you’re right I can engage gear when the engine is off but not on, so it must be the clutch. Once the engine is on I can deselect but not select gear.

Price of master/slave cylinders look reasonable (£46/£37 on eurocarparts) but is this a big job? I will have to take it into my local garage, so looking for an idea on labour.

Haynes manual suggests slave cylinder easier to replace than master cylinder.

Thanks

Owen

 

[jaymanek]

they are both easy to do. bleeding them can be a pain though... i use a mityvac

 

[31records]

Great – thanks again Jaymanek – I’ll talk to the garage and see what happens.