Can change gears while clutch is not depressed.

Kobsy · Postby **Kobsy** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:29 pm

So...I'm assuming the clutch just didn't fail at the same time?

Clutch pedal feels normal?
Is selecting gears, clutch in or out while engine running?
Car doesn't move at all?

My thoughts...Clutch plate!

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:35 pm

More info required, i.e. car stationary or moving, motor running or not running?

Given recent DIY on accelerator pedal mounting, was clutch pedal adjustment affected, resulting in clutch pedal now being partially depressed?

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 2:33 pm

Jaron wrote:Car was running.

Stationary or moving?

Postby **NitroDann** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 3:26 pm

So the clutch isnt engaging at all. I bet the adjuster has been messed with.

Really, these are as reliable as motoring gets so im surprised you feel that way.

Dann

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 4:00 pm

As Dann says, MX5s are very reliable, which of course doesn't mean you won't get the odd one that's a problem due to lack of care & maintenance by previous owners.

Ref being apparently able to change gear while engine is running & car is stationary, presumably without stalling, I'd first be looking in the gearbox turrett which the gear lever fits into.

Russellb · Postby **Russellb** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:09 pm

I'd say that the fricton plate is F%$#D
see it in alot of cars but not and MX5 YET
I dont think it is adjustment as you can still feel pressure on the clutch pedal
a quick check to confirm is to take off the clutch slave (2 bolts) and recheck
Wont be a stuck pressure plate as you would have drive in any gear, like a busted slave Cyl

olboy · Postby **olboy** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:24 pm

Sounds like the clutch might be fine but the problem could be further back
Maybe no teeth left on the input sharft
Or more likley the diff has let go so no drive

olboy

olboy · Postby **olboy** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:27 pm

On second thought the gears would still crunch so maybe not

olboy again

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 8:03 pm

If you can select gears engine running and pedal not pushed to the floor then the clutch is disengaged . If it was an old motorbike it would be because the the pressure plate is sitting off the friction plates because there is too much adjustment and you would need to reduce to get free play. You can adust free play at the top of the clutch release lever but you should be consulting a repair manual. No car or component actually fails for no reason- there is a always a root cause. On the other hand if the clutch feels like it disengages then possibly there is no output to the tail shaft. If the tail shaft turns with engine running and in gear then maybe the fault is in the rear axle. Don't think about checking this unless the car is jacked up and secure. If the clutch is disengaged you should be able to push it in gear- try that without depressing the clutch - you could try this is by pushing it. Puzzling.

Kobsy · Postby **Kobsy** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 10:53 pm

I think everyone has pinned this down to 3 scenarios:
1 - Clutch adjustment is so far out its crasy. (Your dad has messed it up somehow while doing the accelerator pedal?)
2 - Clutch plate has packed it in. (Severly burning the clutch can ruin it to the point where friction materal does just fall off, I have seen this happen lol)
3 - Clutch hydraulics? (Although clutch pedal feels fine so I doubt it.)

But I still have 2 questions I would like to have answers for...
1 - When did this problem happen?
2 - While the engine is running and clutch out, in whatever gear/neutral. Can you hear anything in the gearbox moving? A bearing or something?

Although I still think it is the clutch plate!