Clutch/Tranny HELP! thanks in advance.

[rockytoptilidie]

Ok, I was having clutch (master cylinder) problems with my 86 4+3. I took it to a reputable mechanic here in San Antonio, and they changed my clutch disk, to bearing, pressure plate, and my master cylinder. The first master cyl was bad, so they weren't getting a good pedal. The second one worked, but now they say the car isn't shifting, and they need to take it back apart. My question is 1)what else could it be and 2) if it is in the tranny, wouldn't a solid mechanic be able to figure that out a lot earlier than the 11 days they've had my vette?
Anything will be appreciated.

 

[Aaron71771]

What do you mean it's not shifting? Does it shift when the engine is turned off? Does it have trouble going into gear? Or can you move the shifter and nothing happens?

 

[Ken]

If the master cylinder for the hydraulic clutch has been replaced, you should have replaced the slave cylinder at the same time. Now you know why.

 

[BigRed]

I had a problem kinda like this on my 85L.

Beneath the carpet on the drivers side (We're talking beside the shifter) Is a VERY large bolt. Now this thing tends to loosen off and and some cases (Me) fall out.

This bolt holds the entire linkage together as you shift within the gate.

Hey try it you never know, I locktited mine HEAVY and have never had a problem since.

(BTW the symptom for this is, good pedal clutch seems fine yet won't shift)

 

[JonM]

And make sure they bleed the system with the slave unbolted and the bleeder pointing stright up. (important to get all the air out)

 

[rockytoptilidie]

yes, it shifts fine when the car is off. they claimed to have checked the slave, but now that I think about it, they did that when the bad master was in. I'll get more info on exactly what is going on. thanks for all of the great info.

 

[rockytoptilidie]

ok, they've changed both the master and slave. After the holiday, we're going to take the advice from this board on the bolt that needs to be tightened and the bleeding.
Is there anything else I may want to check?

 

[JonM]

I have had a problem somewhat like yours...I crawled under the car, grabbed a hold of the reverse rod on the transmission and pushed it in the opposite direction...just needed to line the gears up correctly...worked fine after that. If need be I can scan the directions for adjusting the linkage and hydraulic clutch for you. Let me know. But there isn’t much more to the clutch system then what has been mentioned above.

 

[rockytoptilidie]

could you scan them? I'll print them out and take them to the mechanic. thanks in advance-just email me at rockytoptilidie@hotmail.com
THANKS!!!

 

[JonM]

Rocky...You have mail with a zip file

 

[rockytoptilidie]

thanks JonM-this should help!!!

 

[rockytoptilidie]

Well, they did everything in that document and everything that is on this board, and although they are still getting a good pedal, the transmission will not disengage. So now they want to make a longer rod to see if that will help. I'm becoming VERY frustrated with all of this!!!

 

[vette-dude]

Maybe they used the wrong TO brg?? I don't know if they make these in different lengths for this year. In the older cars there was a long and a short. The other thing might be the disc was installed backwards. Just a thought??

Randy

 

[rockytoptilidie]

Nah, the throwout bearing is correct-it's a clutch kit from Ecklers. They're about to take it all back apart, so we'll see. I tend to believe that something wasn't installed correctly.

 

[vette-dude]

Well if you are sure that the clutch kit parts are correct ( not always is this true) then I would venture a guess that the clutch disc is installed backwards. The inner hub spring plate must face a certain direction or the clutch will not release. I sure would examine this if you are taking it apart again. Normally the clutch plate is marked with a sticker that says "to engine". Good luck!!

Randy

 

[rockytoptilidie]

now they're saying that the clutch release fork is bent, so they're taking it back apart.

 

[LuckyVette]

Where are you located, San Antonio? What's the name of your mechanic so I can make sure NEVER to go there. (sarcasm)

Sorry you're having so much trouble, buddy...I'm also learning with my '86 not to trust anyone!

As many times as your mechanic has taken it apart, you would think he would have noticed the bent fork or ANYTHING wrong with the clutch the FIRST time around.

This type of repair trouble really lights my fire! Tell him if he doesn't fix it this time, you're filing a complaint with the BBB.

 

[rockytoptilidie]

well, I'm supposed to get it back in a few minutes. That's my fuss-why wasn't all of this s*** noticed the first 42 times they had it apart. It's not going to be pretty when I get over there-I'll let everyone know how she's running.
On the other hand-I'll be in Houston tomorrow night for the stros-reds game!