Hard to grab 1st at standstill

[Howsie85]

Hi guys new to the forum but a long time reader.

Have a 92 model 75 series cruiser which has developed an issue where it's very hard to get it into 1st gear at a standstill (ie traffic lights).

Used to get this once in a blue moon but a second try or a slight roll back and it would pop in smooth..... .All other gears slide in like butter.

Last night and today it's everytime I come to a stop and the only way to get it in is to pump the hell out of the clutch.

Car is a 92 model 5sp man with 530k on the clock on mostly original factory components and has had a very easy life..... Gearbox has never been touched and as said glides into all gears except 1st atm.

I have noticed that it seems to have a long friction Point it disengages within an inch or 2 but engages very close to the floor.

Any ideas on what to look for? Will be checking the slave this afternoon but wanting to cover all bases.

Ps I did try the search and have read all the related posts but none seen exactly like my issue

 

[Howsie85]

Should also add it moves freely between all gears with the engine off so I'm definatly thinking clutch issue not gearbox

 

[GreaseMonkeyJP]

Sounds like a clutch fluid leak to me. If the fluid is still full then it is likely the clutch master cylinder. If the fluid is running out look further down the system.

 

[Howsie85]

It does have a slight leak near the master but has had for about 2 years now and it's been fine ..... Fluid is checked every other day and kept topped up ....... Doesn't use much needs about 1 to 2 mm every week or so.

Master is on the list to replace lol....... The leak hasn't gotten any worse and it's been fine previously but worth looking at all the same

Thanks for your suggestion will definatly look that way

 

[coldtaco]

Start in second? I hardly ever start in 1st with my h55

 

[Howsie85]

Worst come to worst can slot into 1st with engine off and start car in gear.... Or as mentioned start in 2nd... However with at least 250, 000km on the current clutch I am loathe to start in 2nd if I can avoid it (has 33s so requires a little slippage to start off in 2nd).

 

[Howsie85]

Bled the system yesterday and all seems back to normal ...... Still need to find where air got into the system tho ..... Fluid has never run low.

I suspect the master is getting beyond its age.. Went right over and. Slave seems fine just master leaks on engine bay side (inside cab dry)