CA18DET clutch/transmission problems

[Dexsuit]

Hello,

My S13 CA18DET is having a problem with shifting into 1st gear when the engine is running. I had my brother drive it yesterday and when I got my car back it had some burning smell in it. When I turn the engine off, it can shift into every gear easily, just like before, but when it's running it has problems with 1st gear and very rarely with 2nd gear. All other gears are working properly and shows no problems. The clutch pedal feels exactly the same as before. Do I have to replace the whole clutch and flywheel system or should I just replace transmission oil?

Thank you in advance.

[WDRacing]

When you say it won't go into gear, can you force it in? Is there a bad grinding noise or anything else you can add other than it won't go in? Did it start suddenly or gradually get worse?

WD

[boost_boy]

Sounds like a failed stock clutch disc or malfunctioning clutch slave cylinder. Need more info on your problem to diagnose further.

[blkvrtswp]

I have seen this many times. It is most likely the clutch pedal travel adjustment. If your pedal is not moving the throw out bearing far enough the trans is not disengaged from the engine - that is why it won't go into gear with the engine running but will with the engine off.

You adjust this by loosening the lock nut on the pedal linkage to the clutch master cyl, then rotate the knurled shaft counter clockwise to make it push down a little further. Try making small adjustments - 1-2 turns at the most, then test.

If you go too far, the clutch will slip (RPMs increase but the car does not go faster when you dump the clutch in 2nd gear and floor the gas pedal when barely moving going up a slight hill).

You need the sweet spot in between slipping and won't go into gear. Within that range you can adjust for pedal engagement height to get it where it fees good to you.

Good luck.