MX-5 OC Forum

I've got an interesting problem  with first and reverse gears on my Mk1 Eunos. When it's warmed up it's very difficult to engage 1st ie. at roundabouts and such and when it does go in the car begins to creep forward with the clutch fully depressed after a short while.It also becomes impossible to come out of the gear without switching off the engine. Exactly the same symptoms occur in reverse.

When I briefly mentioned the problem a few weeks ago M-m suggested changing the slave cylinder for a start. This has been done but with no improvement. I'm wondering if it could be the clutch plate but I'm only guessing. It's a nuisance but I can live with it if it means earth shattering decisions such as fresh gearbox but it would be interesting to get feedback on the problem.

M-m. I've tried a few times to email you but my internet connection is shi... not very good at present.

Regards

NG

 Sounds like master cylinder just starting to fail.

If the piston seal leaks (maybe only under full pressure at the bottom of the stroke at the moment) fluid leaks past it and back into the reservoir so there's no external leak evident.

Yes, or indeed the slave cylinder...these go fairly often. Or maybe just old fluid, so the cheapest would be to try flushing and bleeding that first.

I've just changed the slave cylinder on my Mk2 6 speed. Also replaced the fluid, it was filthy.

First impressions, much easier to get into 1st and reverse, less notchy than before.

I'd be trying a rebleed/flush 1st before spending anymore money/time.

Mick 

 Thanks Mick. So far I've changed the slave cylinder, changed the clutch fluid and changed the gearbox oil. All to no effect.

When we had the sunny weekend at the beginning of March we did about 300 miles pottering around Durham then over to the Lakes and it soon became apparent that the problem was happening in second gear as well and so it's something happening in all the gears.

I can get by with it by pumping the clutch a couple of times and so I'm not bothering with it this year unless it gets a lot worse. Other things earmarked for the cash.

NormG  

normG:

I can get by with it by pumping the clutch a couple of times

Classic master cylinder seal symptoms.

 Yep, auto clutch soon, watch out at the lights. 

 Thanks for the advice Jon

NormG

You're right Rich but I'll be able to charge for shunting.

NormG