(G) 3rd gear sticking

3rd gear sticks, not everytime, it seems to go through phases.
At the moment it can take a real force to yank it out of 3rd (no other gears affected). Putting it into 3rd can be a problem too as it doesn't quite wont to go in easily- you've got to be determined, otherwise it falls out.

There's no noise from the transmission although having said that 3rd always gave a very small grate when putting it in, though this was the same for my old Mk1.

It seemed to suddenly come on a the beginning of the year. I changed the transmission oil and it seemed to fix it briefly. But then it came back! I've checked that the trans oil's topped up.

I always thought maybe the synchromesh is going, but reading a previous post they mentioned a clutch reservoir fault caused gear sticking, but I don't think a 60s 1.1 has a clutch reservior? (I'll have to look later in Haynes)

Any ideas anyone, similar faults...

Hi,
If you have a clutch problem (not disengaging) then you will notice it most when stationary, as you try to get into reverse.

A tip I found that worked well with my Uno Turbo gearbox is to tip into the gearbox a full can of STP engine oil flush. Drive for a week or so, then drain the oil and change once again. You may find that it clears the 'sticking' - otherwise you have an internal wear problem which will need the gearbox to be stripped.

I'm sure you'll agree that flushing with engine flush is an easier step to take, particularly since you said that changing the oil in the past made a difference.

Thanks,
-Alex

Thanks AlexGS,
Finding reverse has always been a fine art -can take several attempts before it slots in. Assumed it was an Mk2 Uno thing.

I always thought clutch problems would show by the clutch slipping? When you mean 'not disengaging' is this the clutch plates not seperating?? Wouldn't the car always be stalling when I come to a stop if this were the case?

So if it is the clutch, what bit needs fixing??

I've had the same problem with my 1.2 puntos. When i try and get it into 3rd gear it gets stuck and i really have to yank it in there. When i had my mot they said that i had a gearbox leak, but it was that important to fail the car so i dunnoo..i am just putting up with it.

Definately not a leak. The gear oil was still up to the brim when I checked 6mnths later after changing it

4paws - Ah yes, slotting into reverse can be difficult in just about any car, what I was meaning was if there was a graunching every time, that would suggest that the clutch was dragging/failing to disengage. The other gears, having synchro, tend to cope with a slightly dragging clutch (or lazy clutch foot), reverse shows it most.

Did we decide whether it was a cable clutch or hydraulic? If it has a cable, is the pedal approximately level with the brake pedal? If hydraulic, well, you need to check if it is fully disengaging - perhaps it needs bleeding.

-Alex