Expert: Brad Sears - 7/18/2010

Question
QUESTION: When I start the engine, vehicle will not go into gear. With engine off, shift lever will move into all positions. Clutch problem? Engine is a flat-head 6cyl and has that "semi-auto" transmission.

ANSWER: Ok, a few questions for my benefit please. Has the car been sitting for an extended period? If not did this problem start all of a sudden? Does the clutch pedal come all the way back to the full up position? Let me know the answers and we can get on the right track to the problem.
Thanks Brad

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QUESTION: Car had been at a shop for an extended period of time, but I was never advised of an encounter with this problem. When I got the car back, I was able to drive it around (i.e. no problem moving gear shift lever into gear). It was an "all of a sudden thing". One day I'm moving it around the yard and the next time, this problem arose. I am pretty sure the clutch pedal comes all the way back up, but will have to confirm. I am not where vehicle is located at this moment.

ANSWER: Let me know if the pedal comes all the way back and we will go from there.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Clutch pedal appears to come all the way to a full up position. I could not pull it towards myself at all. Also, with engine running, if I (with clutch in) try to move gear lever to the "L" position, I hear grinding and immediately go back to neutral.

Answer
Ok, there are several things that come to mind. With your hand depress the clutch pedal until there is resistance felt. This is the free play. The free play should be about 1 inch. If it is more then a clutch adjustment might help. Next check the linkage between the bottom of the clutch pedal and the end of the clutch fork that sticks out of the bell housing. If this is ok then the problem is in the clutch itself. I have seen a piece of the clutch lining come loose and fold over so that the clutch will not release. This requires replacing the clutch. If the car sat for a period of time between moving around the yard it is possible that the clutch plate has just stuck to the fly wheel. Some times this can be broken loose following this procedure. Put chock blocks in front of at least two wheels. Pull up the emergency brake. Put the car into high gear and hold the clutch down. With your other foot hold the brakes. Now start the engine but be ready to shut it right off. If the clutch was stuck to the fly wheel or the pressure plate it should break loose. But only do this after doing all the other stuff that I mentioned and be careful. Do not let anyone stand in front of the car when you do this. Let me know how you make out.