Difficulty selecting gear

[davidvincent]

Hi all

A common problem I believe, but can't quite find the advice I need... hope you can help.

My 320/6 has always been a little reluctant to get into first gear, and sometimes second... especially when cold, but it's definitely not getting any better, and I'd like to sort it.

The gearbox oil was changed at the same time as the clutch (few months ago) but made no difference at all, I didn't use Redline oil, I believe that has helped others out a bit, but doesn't resolve entirely.

I manage / get by by being careful in the way I change gear (into second before first and so on..) and also pumping the clutch before setting off when cold seems to help a bit...

But what is the actual problem here, which parts are knackered and need replacing? I've heard about 'synchros' being warn and replaced, but not really sure what they are, or if that applies to this age ('82) of vehicle.... but happy to learn.

If anyone could explain the likely fault, and possible long term fixes to me I'd really appreciate it... Gearbox rebuild?

Many thanks
Dave

[christian]

I'm not much help, but I believe my buddy had a similar problem, and it had to do with the clutch assembly. Hope you get it fixed, whatever the problem may be.

[BertjeConti]

Check if clutch disengages fully when cluch pedal applied, if not engaging gears is difficult indeed.
Is there enough free travel of clutch pedal after clutch disengages?
I mean where is the clutch engagement point when lifting the pedal? Is it near the bottom or at the end of pedal travel.

When syncro mesh rings are worn, selecying gears will make cracking noise.

[davidvincent]

Thanks guys.

Yeah I was wondering about clutch disengagement, when I first got the car a garage replaced the clutch master for me but when I got it back it was a very low biting point, so I've adjusted the length / height at the pedal... I wondered if it needs to go even further to disengage further?

The car doesn't creep when in first gear and with pedal pressed, but there is a distinct difference in the sound when rolling (with pedal down) with a gear selected and not.

[BertjeConti]

Yes

Biting point, thats a nice phrase, if it is below half of the pedal travel (from the floor up) it is wrong.
Just a very little clutch engagement is enough for difficult gear selection.

There should not be a difference in sound with fully drpressed clutch between a gear selected or no gear.

Seems a clutch problem indeed

[davidvincent]

Okay it all sounds logical, I'll get in there and adjust the clutch travel so it's longer, higher biting point... Will report back.

Thanks again!

Dave

[davidvincent]

HI again all

Okay so I have adjusted the clutch pedal, to bring the biting point higher, and I have it now at a comfortable position but unfortunately it is still difficult selecting some gears.... it gets better after about 20 mins of driving.

So, I have a few more questions please....

- The clutch slave cylinder was also changed around a year ago, is it possible that the wrong model was used, a slave cylinder with a shorter piston perhaps? Maybe a later m20 cylinder was used?

- In your car... If you leave the engine off, and the drivers door/window open, and select a gear - do you hear a 'clunk' as it is selected, mine gives a metallic clunk on all gears - is that normal?

Of course if anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears!

Thanks
Dave

[e21Keith]

My Father bought an e21 320 new in '82 and the gate across 1st/2nd was always a bit difficult, I then bought the car from him and when I sold it in '90 with 70k on the clock it was still the same. The e21 was well known for this at the time, got better when it warmed up, I remember it was always worse in winter.

Does anybody know where DRO832Y is or what happened to it? Polaris Silver 320 manual, blue cloth, sunroof, boot spoiler, Malhe's?

[Jeroen]

If it gets better when engine and gearbox warm up.. what gearbox oil is used and how much of it is in there? Up to max level?

[davidvincent]

That's correct Jeroen, and the gearbox oils was replaced recently but it didn't improve the problem... I'm unsure which oil was used, but I know it wasn't anything 'special' like redline etc. Any recommendations?

[Jeroen]

Well nothing special, but if an oil change hasn't made a difference it might just be your lucky day... could be time for a fresh clutch.

[davidvincent]

Alas, had a full Sachs clutch kit at the same time as the gear oil was changed.

[Jeroen]

NOW I'm puzzled. Difficulties selecting a certain gear, you see that every now and then. But with all gears while clutch is fresh, new to me for E21 M20 Getrag boxes.

[davidvincent]

I know, it's odd.

I keep thinking about that slave cylinder, in case the wrong one was installed....

[yatisr]

I once purchased a clutch plate assembly from a BMW dealer in Germany. When it was fitted I had problems getting into first gear. I had it replaced with my old clutch and everything was fine. Sometimes a new clutch plate may be the problem.
Yatis