1992 240sx: clutch doesnt disengage/cant shift (new slave... clutch fork moves)

[Hype]

reposted from Tech forum

Was out for a drive earlier this week and couldnt select any gears. I had to get it towed home.

The only time gears can be selected is with the engine off. I can row through the gears normally here, so I would like to rule out shift forks and transmission internals. If the car is on, OR if the car is rolling (even with engine off), cant shift to anything. If a gear is selected and clutch disengaged, the car cannot be pushed.

I removed the dampener and bled the system. I also replaced the slave cylinder after this did not work. I can see the slave visibly operating the clutch fork when my friend presses the pedal. The fork is not loose or anything, so I dont *believe* it to be broken.

Stock everything... clutch, shifter etc. Unknown miles on clutch but I bought the car @ 177k and previous owner doesnt know when the clutch was replaced (he bought it around 50k IIRC)

[MaximA32]

Sounds like an internal trans problem.

[Hype]

I was thinking either the clutch fork broke (although it doesnt appear to be, it felt solid with the slave removed), pivot broke (doubtful for the same reason), or it slipped off the throwout bearing.

Anything else you might be able to tell me?

[MaximA32]

Only way to find out is to open her back up.

[Hype]

Thats what I was afraid of... *gulp* time to suck it up and drop it.

Before I do that, i'll try replacing the MC and bleeding once again. It can't hurt, it cost me all of $25 and if I was boneheaded enough to have not bled the system thoroughly it will actually save me a ton of work.

[MaximA32]

Let us know. Good luck.

[Hype]

Quick question (sorry, this would have been better as a PM but thats been disabled) -

my car projects are notorious for taking more time than planned. Assuming I've got a good jack or two (sorry, no trans jack), is it possible to lower the transmission by myself? I'd rather not waste other peoples time considering they're not car dudes

[MaximA32]

You shouldn't have a problem doing it with one jack underneath the trans. Make sure you use a block of wood so you don't damage the trans.

[NISTECH]

Do this put the car in first gear, Make sure you have at least 50 feet of run out room in front of your car for saftey reasons. hold you foot down on the clutch pedal and try to start it. If the clutch is engaging the car will lung forward and if you hold the starter on long enough it will start and you can drive around in first gear.To stop the car simply shut off the ignition or hold you foot down on the brake till it stalls. If the car does this you dont have any internal trans problems and likely still have to much air or a master cyl bypassing. 240's are notoriuos for being difficult to bleed the clutch hydrolics.

[Hype]

Yes Nistech, the car will move when started in gear with the clutch pedal floored.

I'll buy some more brake fluid and go at it again. Worse come to worse I'll get 2 buddies to help - one to man the pedal, the other to mind the MC reservoir

likely still have to much air or a master cyl bypassing.

Sorry, I dont quite understand that one. I did pick up a new MC and I mean to try and replace it one of these nights. Thanks for the input.

edit: I wish I had a speed bleeder... Do you buy into those "one man brake bleeder" pumps and all that, or are they garbage?

[ianh]

The Auto bleeders work.I purchased a set of four spring loaded brake bleed valves and they worked very well. (but you have to leave them in place, just tighten down and go.)I have not seen these for sale in years but have no reason to believe the one man bleed hose would not work as well.Its just a one way valve so air isn't sucked back into the cylinder.And of course it would work on the clutch slave OK.

[Hype]

Ah no, I meant those pumps and kits they sell for bleeding brakes. I have the things you're talking about, I got my 4 Speedbleeders from PDM-Racing awhile ago when I did all my brakes They work well, but brakes are 10mm bleeders while the slave is 8mm, just havent had time to order them locally.

[ianh]

Ok, Well in my youth I worked at Ford in slough on the Transit assembly line and they had a speed bleed set up to die for.

50 gallon drums of brake fluid pressure fed to the master cylinder and four hoses on the bleed valves to remove the flushed fluid.No I have not tried the "home" variety.

[Florida240sx]

I had the springs break in my clutch one time resulting it in always engaged due the the spring catching the flywheel...

[Hype]

Was there any indication that this happened though? I was going about my business, pulling into a parking lot when I put the clutch in to coast into the spot but the car kept driving forward.... I didnt find out the extent of the problem until I tried to leave though.

[DS13]

anyone know where to buy a clutch fork ive been lookin evrywhere and cant find anythin!

[Hype]

anyone know where to buy a clutch fork ive been lookin evrywhere and cant find anythin!

Courtesy has it for $31.39:http://www.courtesyparts.com/b....html

Herb Gordon has it for $29.06:http://www.trademotion.com/par...gid=0

They are great vendors for OEM nissan parts on the web. I've personally bought a bunch of stuff from Herb Gordon. If you have any questions ask for Tony. When in doubt you can always check your local dealer too

[DS13]

THANK YOU

[ianh]

Was there any indication that this happened though? I was going about my business, pulling into a parking lot when I put the clutch in to coast into the spot but the car kept driving forward.... I didnt find out the extent of the problem until I tried to leave though.

Well i think if the slave is moving a reasonable amount, i don't know the normal for your car, but 1/2 inch seems reasonable to me, then it must be internal.I have seen thrust bearings seize and eat through the spring fingers, and heard of center plate failure, thrust bearings disintegrate and forks break or come adrift.Good Luck, let us know what you find in there !!!

[greengt2nv]

would like to know how everything turned out cuz i am having the same problem! please reply asap! thanks

[PapaSmurf2k3]

thread is over a year old, you might want to try emailing him.

You could try adjusting your master cylinder so that the throw is longer.

[greengt2nv]

tried that i just think there is stubborn air in the lines still