No gear selection!

Finally had time today between caring for the GTi and C to have a play with the 1800 GTI that a friend and I rescued a year ago. Body is pretty much sound - no structural rust , although is blighted with glass sunroof. Got it as a spares car originally, but had a go at starting it and sounded good so decided not to break it. Since then had little time to look at it.

Got it fired up today, started 2nd time and the engine is v smooth and rattle free. However, have problems with gear selection, sounds a bit like mattmk1?s problem. With engine off gears feel like they are being selected. However with engine running no gear can be selected, not even any nasty grinding sounds of trying to engage. If I turn the engine over in gear with the clutch depressed the car jumps forward, so obviously the gear linkage is able to select a gear.

Have checked clutch operation and free play and looks good. Run out of time to do any more - any ideas? :dontknow:

Cheers

If its been parked up for a long time the friction plate may have rusted it self to the pressure plate so that it doesn?t release allowing you to change gears. The prescribed way of freeing it very brutal! Start engine and get it up to normal temp. Turn off engine, place in car and start car, it should lurch forwards or backwards and free itself with a loud bang. Obviously be very careful and make sure there is lots of room for the car to move without crashing thru the garage door or side of house etc. If this fails try towing it. It this fails I?m afraid it a box out job

More unlikely but possible is that in extreme cases the rod that goes thru the box to operate the clutch can ?drill? its way through the release plate. This means that the pedal moves but doesn?t actually do anything. Does the clutch pedal feel like its actually moving something?

Did the car drive before it was parked up?

Cheers, gear selection has never worked since got it. Previous owner had had it laid up for two years when got it. Had a friend sat in it and move gear lever and clutch with engine off. Gear linkage moved and clutch cable operated arm on front of box? Will have a go at freeing it off, next time - in a large open field so shouldn't hit anything 8O .

I suppose if no joy at least I'll get some experience of taking a box out e.t.c and for once won't have to worry about disabling my daily driver .