Hello, All,
Like many classics, my lovely 1969 Series II E Type 4-speed spends a fair amount of time sitting in the garage. Recently, after starting her up to take her out for a bit of exercise, I was unable to get the car into gear (grinding and refusing to go into gear). But then after pumping the clutch vigorously several times, I was able to get into gear. Once out on the road, on several occasions after stopping and trying to put the car back into first, I had the same experience - not wanting to go into gear until after pumping the clutch several times. On occasion shifting was also balky and sticky between gears.

Has anyone run into this issue? Does anyone have an idea of what the problem and solution might be?

The manual transmission fluid was last drained and refilled in August 2019 and given the very limited mileage since then, I would not think that is the issue but will be thankful for any advice.

 

It sounds very much like a failing clutch master cyl. Change it and the slave cyl. and you will be fine we think. While you are at it check the clutch flex line condition. It is not your problem but while the system is open it might be a good idea to change it out also.

 

Thanks very much for your response. Do you know whether the car could be driven without great risk several miles to a mechanic in its present condition?

 

I agree that the problem has to be with the clutch hydraulic system. Try to refill the reservoir, bleed the slave cylinder and gently see if it will shift without grinding before driving. You don't want to ruin your transmission just to drive to a repair shop to fix the clutch master cylinder or the clutch slave cylinder which are relatively simple and inexpensive to fix versus rebuilding the transmission. .

 

Much appreciated!