Clutch-wont go into gear.

[airplanecar8]

Hey guys I just got my 1978 e21 up and running yesterday. I took it for a spin yesterday everything seemed to be working properly. I started it up today, The clutch pedal is very soft(its always been) so when i press in the clutch and try to put it in first it starts guiding the car forward but wont go into 1st gear. You guys gotta help me out. Any trouble shooters out there help me figure out how to get it going. I dont think the clutch is bad, the car has just been sitting for months because I got stiffed on an oil pan by some guy on this site.

looking forward to answers. Its a 4 speed, and im a little unfamiliar with this tranny set up.

Airplanecar8

Update-
I can get the car into gear now, but here is what its doing. The clutch pedal, will only go into gear at the end of the clutch stroke. So if I dont cram the clutch pedal into the floor/carpeting itwont let it go into gear.

So when I let out the clutch it is very fast, and does not grab much.

Im sure its just an old clutch. But Can i try adding clutch fluid? Can I try, bleading it at all?

thanks guys. At least I can get into the garage now.

[epmedia]

Welp - there is air between the clutch master and clutch slave.
Poke around for leaks so you know what you're gonna be up against.
1) slave cyl area on the tranny housing
2) master cyl area inside the cab
3) leaky lines, or bleeders (doubt it)

Either way - bleed the clutch hydraulics, until you get a chance to replace the leaky part.

BTW: the clutch hydraulics feed off the Brake MC Resevoir - so make sure it's at the full mark, before bleeding air out especially if there is a leak ! And you gotta keep that BMC/CMC Resevoir full if there is a leak (probable). And change out that leaky part ASAP!

Robert

[airplanecar8]

Thanks robert!

You gave me the direction I was looking for. I used to be a ls1 camaro owner ,so I have done some clutch work on a tremec. First off the fluid is low. Ill top it off and start checking for leaks or bad parts.

Really appreciate the 2 cents der bavarian auto man.

[epmedia]

Originally Posted by airplanecar8

Thanks robert!

You gave me the direction I was looking for. I used to be a ls1 camaro owner ,so I have done some clutch work on a tremec. First off the fluid is low. Ill top it off and start checking for leaks or bad parts.

Really appreciate the 2 cents der bavarian auto man.

One more note: I take back my comment about "doubting" a leaky line...
The flex hose to the clutch MC could have a tiny hole in it. I remember having to replace one, on one of mine (I completely forgot about it).

Robert