Please help: Won't go into first or reverse

[brendan]

1068441

I have an 86 CJ7 with the 258 and T176 4 speed manual transimission. It hasn't been driven in a couple years because we've been restoring it.

Yesterday, I started it up and drove it out of the garage. After running for a while, it became impossible to put it into first gear. Reverse was difficult, and would make grinding noises. If I shut off the engine, it slides easily into first or reverse.

What is causing this? Someone told me the throwout bearing, but could it be something simpler, like adjusting the clutch linkage? The clutch starts to grab about an inch or two off the floor.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[addsig]

 

[K_K_PSI_GUY]

1068444

I'm sure you probably already checked the fluids. Make sure they are not too low, or that you or somebody else did not overfill the transmission will fluid. [addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1068451

fill the clutch reservoir and bleed the lines... it should do the trick[addsig]

 

[Tug-n-pull]

1068454

Sounds like the clutch hydraulic system is in need of TLC like snitty said fill and bleed if that helps for at least a while you may wind up replaceing the master or slave or both. Luck tug[addsig]

 

[brendan]

1068464

Thanks, but I don't think it's a hydraulic clutch. The linkage consists of a rod and lever that pushes on a plate on the transmission.[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1068467

oh yeah... wasn't thinking... cj... there should be an adjustable rod on the linkage... you have to bring your throwout closer to the clutch[addsig]