Clutch Pedal Vibration /Hard to Shift gears /Leaking trans fluid/M20

For those at Carlisle you've heard this story.

WHY could you not use 1-2-3? Would it not physically shift into those gears, or was the vibration too much in those gears?

The leak sounds like it is leaking from the front of the trans. Problem is, there is NO seal on the front to leak. The input shaft goes thru the front bearing, and a nut holds it together. The nut is specific to this shaft/trans, and MUST be installed with the smooth side towards the front of the car, which puts the flats of the nut towards the trans. It takes a nifty wrench to install the nut. If the nut is installed backwards, it can rub on the bearing retainer, and start a leak. Overfilling the trans will also cause it to leak from the front. Leaking gear lube onto the clutch can certainly cause it to shudder on take-off.
The only other place for gear lube to exit the front of the trans is from the countershaft. There is also no seal there, either. It is a tight fit into the case, and that is all that seals it. I always run a bit of sillycone around it to seal it.
Get that thing up in the air and see if you can determine where the leak is....

|UPDATED|8/28/2012 10:35:04 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Adam, It would not physically shift into those gears.

One thing that was mention by some gear heads at carlisle was it could be the pressure plate, may have lost some? fingers.

The clutch doesn't leak. Most likely what has happened, from your description, is you have a trans leak from the front. The gear lube got onto the clutch disc, and it is now sticking to the pp and flywheel, making it hard, if not impossible to get it into gear. It is possible there is something else going on with the clutch, certainly, but nothing in the clutch would make the trans leak...unless something on the clutch broke, and it poked a hole in the case....I think you would have heard an awful racket if that happened.
In any case, it certainly appears that you're gunna wind up pulling the trans/clutch back out....
That really sux, but at least you did make it to the event, and back home.

Ok, Pulled the tranny yesterday.
I think I found the reason for the leaking tranny fluid , Vibrating clutch and Hard shifting.
But not sure, can anyone confirm that this might be the problem??



 
Joe

(in yer best Joe Dirt voice...)DAAAANG!

Where's the rest of it?  Only a couple of reasons for this to happen. either the bearing retainer was already cracked/damaged, or there is a problem with the clutch/flywheel not running straight. I have seen bearing retainers snap the snout off, but have NEVER seen one break into two pieces like that...(actually THREE pieces).

And, again....DAAAANG!

Yup, that was kinda my feelings also!

He thought the same thing that it may have had a crack in it .

Good part about it is the guy I bought the tranny from is standing by it. He has a replacement retainer for me and is looking the transmission over.
I need to throw some brake clean on the clutch / pressure plate and bell housing which I also took off.

I should have it back tomorrow, sat, but will not put in back in the car till tuesday night due to the holiday weekend.
My buddy owns a garage and he said I could work on it over the weekend if I wanted, he would give me his keys to the place.
But I think it can wait.
Joe

Man, Joe, it's a miracle you made it home! Glad you found the problem and the tranny guy is helping out. Hope to see you at one of the later shows! Glad tro have met you at Carlisle!