Crunching Gears

[Classic49]

Now and again, there can be a slight crunch when changing gear on my Mk1 Manual Stag but this only happens before the car is fully warmed up. This applies to both forward and reverse gears but not all the time. Once the car has reached normal operating temperature, gear changes are smooth. I am not losing clutch fluid.

Can anyone suggest what to look for please?

Simon

[flying farmer]

This is an odd one as in my experience both clutch and worn synchro problems get worse as things warm up.
The only exception might be if the pin locating the cross shaft to the clutch release fork has broken.
I would try bleeding the clutch again, but to do it properly the clutch pipe has to be slackened very slightly, and the cylinder retaining bolts removed to enable the cylinder to be rotated to get the bleed nipple to the top. Bleed it and refit everything, if it isn't any better drive it gently when cold until someting breaks and tells you where the problem is!
Neil

[SUTTY1]

"Let it Develop" something i often say.

drive it gently when cold until someting breaks and tells you where the problem is!
Neil

Some customers get upset but often better than spending loads and getting no further!

I agree with neil doesnt definately point to any part of system.

[Classic49]

Thanks guys. I will do a bit of investigating but I don't really want to wait until it breaks which could be at an inconvenient moment!
Simon

[4x4]

No "could be at an inconvenient moment".
You know very well that at WILL be at an inconvenient moment!!

[Staggard]

I've had this when here has been a slight amount of oil on the centre plate which stick's it to the flywheel/pressure plate until it warms up.( just a thought) Graham

[SUTTY1]

Didnt mean to wait for a breakdown, very often symptoms will change, amplify etc due to use and aide diagnosis. As the problem wasnt affecting use thought it worth a go. Clutch on the plate may cause this problem, steve

[jakesmig]

Could it be the wrong grade of oil, too heavy when cold?
John.

[Peter]

Hi Simon,

Mine can be difficult to get out of reverse when cold this seems to be due to the engine running faster on choke and I guess a little clutch drag, but absolutely no issue once warm and at normal idle) - worth taking a look at the clutch slave cylinder fork and clevis pin both can wear as can the clutch lever itself (but this isn't easy to fix without taking the gearbox out). Other than that I'd agree with Graham that it may be a small amount of oil on the plate - once the weather improved give it a good run and see if its better next time you come to use it.

Peter

[Firept]

Simon.
It could be that the wrong grade of oil has been used have a look at (http://www.v8engines.com/transmission-3.htm )
and try Castrol SMX.

Paul.

[Classic49]

Hi Simon,

Mine can be difficult to get out of reverse when cold this seems to be due to the engine running faster on choke and I guess a little clutch drag, but absolutely no issue once warm and at normal idle) - worth taking a look at the clutch slave cylinder fork and clevis pin both can wear as can the clutch lever itself (but this isn't easy to fix without taking the gearbox out). Other than that I'd agree with Graham that it may be a small amount of oil on the plate - once the weather improved give it a good run and see if its better next time you come to use it.

Peter

Something to add to the never ending list of things to do, lol. Its many years ago I removed and repaired a gearbox on a Mk2 Cortina but I was a lot younger then! I haven't found anything yet that is straightforward on the Stag - even removing the battery! Faversham Classics did the last service so I guess they would have used he right oil.

Simon

[DJT]

Its many years ago I removed and repaired a gearbox on a Mk2 Cortina but I was a lot younger then!

Hi Simon,

You will notice a heck of a difference between a Mk2 Cortina 'box and a Stag OD 'box in size and weight. I recall rebuilding a few of the Cortina boxes back in the '70s and they are much smaller and simpler. But then again, I was a lot younger then too.........

Dave

[GDPR]

Sounds like plate contamination with oil to me.....

[Staggard]

Try burning the clutch a bit!! meaning start up the car from cold put it in top gear give it some revs and slip the clutch for say 5-10 sseconds then go for 1st and reverse see if it still crunches. Graham