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Hi, son has a '96 VW Golf, 1.4 Mk 3. Lovely condition, low miles and perfect condition.
But broke down today:
- bit of difficulty engaging/changing gear at the start of the journey
- suddenly started revving high as though the clutch was slipping when in gear and travelling
- then revved high but as though gear not engaged ... so came to a stop
- smoke coming from engine ... he wasn't sure where, and a burnt smell lingering
I've had a look and the gear shaft relay ball(?) has disintegrated and dropped out so very sloppy linkage. I've padded that back together so feels OK and as if it's going into gear, but the car won't move - it's as though the clutch is in. I've tried engaging gear directly on the gear shaft - it clunks into place (I assume a gear), and I start the car but agin, as though the clutch is in. Is the relay ball thing critical for gear selection so messing about with it isn't really engaging a gear? Or could the clutch be fried and stuck open?
It's idling fine, doesn't make any peculiar noises whether in gear or not.
It's stuck out on a country lane so any quick things to look at before a tow truck is ordered?
Cheers
Sounds like a couple of problems. The worn out gear linkage and a burnt out clutch. Tow truck or a long push.
would a worn linkage alone stop me engaging a gear correctly?
Engine mounts
big john ... more please?!
Could do but if your clutch is burnt out it wouldn't matter what gear it was in. No clutch no drive.
There is a big bolt on the left side of the cylinder head I think that shears. All looks ok-ish but under load everything twists out of line.
gear linkage is probably unrelated. It probably was knackered long ago but just worked. Sound like the clutch has suffered catastrophic failure, either the centre has fallen out, or the friction lining has braken away on one side. In any case it is going to need a new clutch, possibly a new flywheel (if damaged), and while it is apart it will be the perfect time to recondition the gear linkage. Whatever, it sounds very much like it isn't going to drive anywhere under its' own steam so you will have to tow it somewhere. Are you in the AA or such?
Clutch will have a cable won't it. It's fouling somewhere?
thanks all. Clutch cable seems OK, no fouling. Agree that it's maybe coincidental between linkage and clutch. Am hoping to get back to the car today and having cooled down, maybe the clutch will have recovered enough to get me to garage!
If the clutch is slipping badly, then you might well end up damaging the flywheel.
If it just slips under load try and drive it very gently to the garage.
IMO Plan A is to tow it (or have it recovered) to a garage you are happy to have the work done at, trying to drive it is just going to do more damage.