zx 1.9d 1st gear selection

rabenson · Post by **rabenson** » 22 Sep 2004, 15:44

I've noticed that first gear can be a bit of pig to select on my ZX - just put it down to being a characteristic of the breed. I've cleaned and lubed the linkages etc and the change is really slick apart from selecting 1st gear when stationary. Recently I drove a BX 1.9d (j reg) and noticed that first gear selection was perfect. Do I have a problem with my gearbox and if so - any suggestions, Guys??
Ron

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 22 Sep 2004, 15:50

Not really sure, could be the linkages with play in them. The ones in my 16v are shot along with my clutch. Bite point is on the floor and i barely managed to get it into any gear at junctions coming into work today, had to do all the other changes without using the clutch. Going to see if theres any more adjustment left in the cable at lunch

TomH · Post by **TomH** » 22 Sep 2004, 17:17

mine is the same... notchy at best, but very difficult when cold!

uhn113x · Post by **uhn113x** » 22 Sep 2004, 18:49

Just to be awkward (who, me?[}:)]) my ZX selects first perfectly. Have a look at the link with the large plastic bush in the end - you can see it down behind the engine. The bush has a habit of cracking.

rabenson · Post by **rabenson** » 22 Sep 2004, 20:44

Thanks Guys - I'll have a look at the links but I'm pretty sure they're ok - maybe I'll just have to live with it - not a major problem but a bit of a niggle

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 22 Sep 2004, 21:09

try revving the engine a bit, this helps mine sometimes. I also have to put mine into 5th before reverse else it crunches 90% of the time if i try and go directly into reverse

Robin · Post by **Robin** » 22 Sep 2004, 21:10

Just as a general pointer, and here I confess I don't drive a ZX[:I]
There is often a connection between poor first gear selection and dragging clutches. Is the clutch on the ZX adjustable? If so is it fully clearing?
This will be far more noticable when the engine is cold. Regards, R.

johntaylor · Post by **johntaylor** » 22 Sep 2004, 22:41

Do you have the same problem on engaging reverse? If so it suggests that this is a clutch problem rather than worn synchro rings? Is the clutch clearing cleanly and any problems in engaging third from fourth? Usually a worn box throws this problem up first. It is unusual to have synchro problems on first gear. If the clutch is on its last legs the springs will allow the driven plate to tip and make contact unevenly thus creating a notchy selection.

oilyspanner · Post by **oilyspanner** » 22 Sep 2004, 22:50

If reverse is becoming a brute too then its pointing at the clutch being on its way out, my ZX one decided to do this very suddenly, dismantling revealed a pressure plate falling to bits.
Stewart

uhn113x · Post by **uhn113x** » 23 Sep 2004, 12:29

Darren
Your clutch is dragging - either adjustment or a fault

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 26 Sep 2004, 22:26

Mike: Turns out the nut on the end of the cable had unwound itself back to where I adjusted it from last time! Taken it back up and going to put a 2nd nut on with some loctite which should stop it moving again

uhn113x · Post by **uhn113x** » 27 Sep 2004, 12:47

Hi Darren
Woohoo! I would not bother with the Loctite - two nuts are sufficient - Loctite will make it difficult to adjust in future

VisaGTi16v · Post by **VisaGTi16v** » 27 Sep 2004, 15:27

ok cheers, would probably be impossible to actually get it on there anyway due to the farce that is the 16v's engine bay! More room in my Visa with its bx 16v lump !!