1st Gear Struggles

[Bill_qaz]

I was going to suggest checking the free play but as it's a 1275 engine with a van gearbox, I'm not sure what the free play should be - it's different for the standard 948 and 1098 engines.

Has the gearbox got a ribbed case or a smooth case? Is the clutch a mechanical linkage or been changed to hydraulic?

It really does look like you have a great car there, but if it's had a lot of little tweaks, then the advice might change from standard.

Good point never picked up on 1275 engine, are they more likely to have hydraulic clutch? I had assumed mechanical with van gearbox mentioned.

[svenedin]

Sometimes there is wear in the clutch operating linkage that can make the clutch very on/off. It makes precise clutch control difficult. Mine was very worn but I could cope with it as it had worn gradually and I am very familiar with the car. It was only when ESM had the car for something else and they drove it that it was noticed. When the car returned with a new linkage it was so obvious to me that it was much easier to drive even though I hadn't noticed the fault!

Just noticed the post above. If it has a hydraulic clutch that is another matter.......

Stephen

[mrs.smith2012]

Thanks all, some good points raised. Will definitely get my friend to help me look over the clutch to make sure nothing is amiss or needs adjusting!