1967 Mk1 - HELP! Clutch/gearbox issues

[Big Henry]

Hey guys,

Just been towed back, again! This time due to not being able to find a gear. So looking for some advice before the local mechanics get there hands on it

So I can select all gears when engine is off, but can't when the engine is on which suggests to me an issue with the clutch. It happened when changing from 3rd to 4th and at first I thought I'd knocked the gear stick out - my regular mistake! But after pulling over, I checked and that was fine.

It's the pre-1970s rod style clutch linkage and this all appears to be intact and moving correctly when pressing the clutch pedal, so I'm thinking it's something in the clutch itself.

Fortunately the original owner (of 40+ years), kept a log book - what a legend! I've attached the logs for the clutch: new one in 1985, another in 1989 with new engine and a renewal in Sept 1996. It might have had some work since but I wouldn't know. The bits I can read from the logs say its a laycock type, 8 1/2 normal duty. Doesn't mean much to me, but there are part numbers which will help should I need anything,

I know there could be all sorts happening here but I'm reaching out to see if anyone else had a similar issue before, and if so any advice? I'm mainly interested in what sort of parts I might need if suggestions are even possible.

Thanks in advance guys

[doggypaddle]

Sounds like the clutch is dragging.
as it happened suddenly its unlikely to be adjustment, have you tried reverse? it will grind like hell if the clutch is dragging!
could be something to do with the linkage, release bearing, or pressure plate or cover. even a dry/seized spigot bearing or contamination.
either way investigation involving spanners and lots of tea will be required. Definitely worth having a very close look at the linkage first, incase something's bent slightly or jumped a thread and it just needs an extra few mm to release properly.
as you point out it will be difficult to diagnose without physically seeing it. I have had similar on a different vehicle where a phosphor bronze bush on the release bearing cross shaft slid up the cross shaft, suddenly rendering the clutch inoperable due to the extra travel Does the pedal seem the same as before

[Big Henry]

Cheers for the reply doggypaddle, really appreciate it

Pedal seems the same as before, which is heavy and knee surgery inducing. But you know what, I did try reverse and as you say it did grind like hell and then engaged and stalled straight away. So possibly a similar issue?!

[doggypaddle]

sounds like the gearbox is going to have to come out......