1977 4 speed TR7 will not go into gear when the engine is running

[Chris Hall]

Hello,

I hope someone can help me!

My 1977 4 speed TR7 is in good overall condition but has been stood for about 4 months (although i start it up every week).

When i tried to take it on a run yesterday it would not go into any gear with the clutch fully depressed.

It goes into gear fine with the engine off.

Before the period of not being used for 4 months all gears worked perfectly well with no noises, clunking or any signs of wear.

Now it won't go into any gear. There still feels like some resistance on the clutch pedal so i'm assuming the clutch cable is OK.

I wonder if the really hot weather recently has caused it (metal expanding)?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Regards,

Chris

[Malcolm Tatton]

Possibly the clutch plate has stuck to the flywheel

Easiest 1st thing is to start the engine and run it until it's fully warmed through, switch off, and then leave the clutch pedal depressed overnight. That should release it if it isn't too stuck.

[Chris Hall]

Thanks for the suggestion Malcolm. I'll give it a go tomorrow and let you know how i get on!

Thanks again.

Chris

[Chris Hall]

Hi Malcolm - Just tp let you know that i did what you suggested and it did the trick! I also noticed that the clutch fluid was on the low side so i bled the system and put fresh in (DOT 4). Smooth in all gears now. In fact its smoother than it was before. Thanks again. 

[Malcolm Tatton]

Thanks Chris, glad it worked and didn't need more serious attention. I ended up towing my car in gear with the clutch depressed until it separated (with a bang) one year when the pressure plate stuck particularly badly!

[BlueTR3A-5EKT]

3 hours ago, Malcolm Tatton said:

Thanks Chris, glad it worked and didn't need more serious attention. I ended up towing my car in gear with the clutch depressed until it separated (with a bang) one year when the pressure plate stuck particularly badly!

This used to be a springtime activity for we who overwintered our cars in damp garages.   Best solution was to run the car every few weeks and check the clutch operation.   
The start in gear trick with clutch pedal down and hand brake on was also a favourite solution.   Try everything before heaving the gearbox out!

[Chris Hall]

I'm going to make more of an effort to run the TR7 more over the winter months. Once every two weeks or so. At the very least start it up and run it up and down the driveway.

I've learned my lesson over the years!