Clutch or Gearbox problem ????

[adrians]

Help - I have a problem with the 1980 Spider (F.I.) !

With the engine running and the clutch in I can't select first, seond or reverse gears.

With the engine off and the clutch in I can get all gears, likewise with the clutch out.

The car has been sitting since the May trackday and hasn't been driven, starting was also a bit slow, good crank, good spark just wouldn't fire.

Any ideas ?

Is the clutch gone, is there a gearbox problem, has the firewall cracked ?

[Curly]

Sounds a lot like clutch adjustment issues rather than a gearbox problem.
It could be something as simple as needing a bit of cable adjustment down at the bell-housing.
Seeing as your Spider has been converted to RHD, I would expect the firewall to be reinforced where they usually crack around the clutch cable mounting, but that's always a possibility Have someone press the clutch in while you watch for movement at the firewall.
Another thing to check is the fork at the top of the clutch pedal where the cable end sits. The 2 prongs of the fork can bend or crack allowing the cable to go slack. It's a bugger to see up there, but a mirror and strong light will help (or take a few 'blind' pics with your camera and flash).

[lanciahf]

Adrian,

Similar problem happened to me while I was driving. Turned out that the clutch fork slipped off the ball in the bell housing.. I was able to reach under the car and push the clutch fork back in. Its been fine since, I hope its that easy for you.

Ralph

[adrians]

Thanks Ralph and Curly,

The firewall had been reinforced, however only with a very small piece of metal, there is a small amount of flex.

I'll check the fork today.

Regards