Goes into first with engine "off" but not when run

[IVAProblem]

Hi guys,

Would be really grateful if anyone could let me know what this sounds like.

I have a 1995, Transit 2.5 diesel. The smiley faced one!

The problem is that it will not go into first when the engine is running, second is difficult, third & fourth are ok. I have checked the auto clutch cable tension, seems ok. I am quite new to this but want to fix my van as I use it a lot for windsurfing.

Does this sound like the synromesh? It has done some miles about 200k.

Reverse is also a bit of a bugger to get into at times.

Any sugg's would be really helpful.

[gemini]

whats it like changing down the box from 3rd to 2nd

[IVAProblem]

Hi Ian thanks for the quick response.

It is just as difficult to change up as well as down??

[gemini]

it could be the clutch not disengaging properly

[MrMPuk]

Most gear changing problems are down to the clucth in some way or another.

[motorwise]

if it goes in OK with the engine off this points to the clutch - do you know if you've got a self adjusting or manual quadrant?

[Transitwalla]

if it goes in OK with the engine off this points to the clutch - do you know if you've got a self adjusting or manual quadrant?

Self adjusting on '95's crappy plastic quadrant . . keeps slipping the teeth . .

[motorwise]

if it goes in OK with the engine off this points to the clutch - do you know if you've got a self adjusting or manual quadrant?

Self adjusting on '95's crappy plastic quadrant . . keeps slipping the teeth . .

some have been converted by the agents - persistant "teeth slippers" mostly - mine '95 had a manual adjust kit fitted to it

[IVAProblem]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies. It seems that the thing has an auto adjuster on it. As I say it goes in fine with engine off end clutch disengaged. Just when I run it there is no way it will go into first. It does seem to be spirodic at times.

Cheers,

Chris

[madvanman]

try pressing the clutch pedal, then holding the end of the quadrant, to stop it moving with your hand, and slowly releasing the clutch pedal.
i have to do this at least twice a week to get gears on my mk5.

[motorwise]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies. It seems that the thing has an auto adjuster on it. As I say it goes in fine with engine off end clutch disengaged. Just when I run it there is no way it will go into first. It does seem to be spirodic at times.

Cheers,

Chris

a clutch overhaul is on the cards then