Allegro Club International

[Colin T]

Hi all, my Allegro is dead with a gear selection problem.

Just setting off from being parked - first gear and went forward, reverse gear and went back a bit, and then couldn't get into first.

With the engine running and clutch fully depressed I could not move the gearstick into 1st or 2nd. It would go into 3rd and 4th, and when trying reverse the gears would clash & grind.

The car could be pushed back after turning the engine off, so was in neutral.

I have now tried selecting all gears with the engine off and I can get them all OK. I have now tried selecting them all with the engine on - I can just about get 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th are OK, and the car will move forward when attempting to drive it in any forward gear. Trying to select reverse again just causes a grinding noise.

The clutch release bearing was noisy and had some play, but less than 200 miles ago it was not about to fall apart. Running the engine and depressing the clutch still produces the noisy bearing sound, and as I can drive forward and swap between neutral and forward gears OK I can't see this being the problem. 3rd gear had been a bit difficult to engage at times for some while, and this is still evident when selecting gears with the engine off, and is 'normal'(!).

I suspect a gear selection issue - but could it be with the remote control unit or the gearbox internals (of which I know nothing)? As all gears can be selected whilst the engine is off, I suspect it is an internal problem.

Any help greatly appreciated!

Ta, Bolin.
_________________
Hell has frozen over...... the car formally known as 'Heap' is back on the road!

[Graham]

Hi Colin,
Sounds like it could be a clutch problem. At least, it's a simpler and cheaper option to start with! Just make sure your hydraulics are ok to begin with. Then fit a complete clutch kit which will cure the release bearing problem too. Some people also take the opportunity to change the oil seal but if yours isn't leaking I would leave it alone.
I doubt it is the remote, they very rarely go wrong. Just check the 2 rubber "cotton reel" mounts are good and the connection at the gearbox end is sound.
Good luck!
Graham

PS You need to change your sig!