I had my low km, manual, early 90s Mitsubishi stolen and upon recovering it I found out that it no longer engages any gear.
The clutch pedal has pressure although it feels softer and easier to press than previously. I haven't seen an obvious leak and the fluid level appears to be slightly more than half full.
The car was found abandoned in a field after having been abused.
Is this likely to be my transmission or something more fixable like a clutch cable or slave cylinder?
Unfortunately I don't have insurance on it since the value of the car is so low
Not even third party? Poor decision.
How'd third party help here?
@iDroid: It wouldn't help in this situation but driving a car without any insurance at all is risky and irresponsible.
It's all on you then
Take it to a mechanic and see what they say. May be as simple as adjusting the clutch uptake point.
Regalstallion joined OzBargain.
Welcome aboard!
16 min ago
First question… is this a real problem?
Most definitely
No worries… carry on.
Clutch probably fried.
Either a Lancer or a Magna. Cost to replace clutch > cost to replace car…
At current fuel prices, cost to fill tank > cost to replace car…
Where you gettin fuel that cheap??? Do share.
OP, you have a reason to get a new car now :)
That's a good way to look at it
Clutch release bearing is shot
3000GT??
Probably clutch got overheated and warped. It won't release properly now so very hard to get gears. Needs new clutch and flywheel machining.
That sounds disasterous. Any telltale signs?
Yep. Won't go into gear with clutch down. A mechanic might put in first gear and try and start the car with the clutch in. If the car tries to pull forward on starter or engine then clutch is not working at all. If it sit's still at idle but won't change to second easily then clutch is dragging for some reason. The mechanic might asssume stolen manual car driven by ham fisted thief could burn clutch and warp flywheel. Probably around $1000 from a local small mechanic but find a mechanic and ask them to have a look at it.
RIP Regalstallion (the car, not the OP).
Cheers mate
The hidden mechanical damage is what I've always been scared of when it comes to getting my car stolen.
So I've always hoped that, if ever or whenever my car gets stolen, they'll just torch it at the end of their joyride so insurance will just pay me out! lol
After experiencing the costs of towing, having new locks/ignition installed, being without the car, etc that sounds like the better outcome
What did the thief say when you asked them?
I could only wish I met the thief..!
Personally i'd part out/send the car to the wreckers or sell it on gumtree.
Time for a newer, safer car as much as it is nice to keep old cars going.
Unfortunately that seems to be the best option
Sounds like a toasted clutch. In the scheme of things it’s a wear part and shouldn’t be overly difficult to repair - if you want to. How much you want to will be determine by how much you like the car, how much it is valued, how much it costs to have it done or if you can diy.
Since you’ve spent money on a tow and ignition locks is t worth it to you to put a new clutch in?
Realistically the car is worth 2k so probably not worth it unfortunately. I was thinking it may not be the clutch and just something cheap to replace like the master cylinder but unfortunately it sounds like the clutch from the sound of answers on this thread
You may still be able to sell it for a reasonable amount. While it’s not cheap to get a clutch changed the clutch itself is fairly cheap, the cost is all in the labour. You will likely someone willing to buy it for more than a wrecker will give you.
What model is it? Some of the 90s lancers are used as track cars.
As AndyC1 suggested, get a mobile mechanic to at least look at it. It'll be under $100 (I recently paid $88) to confirm the problem. From there you can decide whether to proceed. They may even be able to perform a miracle and fix it if it's not the clutch. A wrecker might give you about $500 or more if it's in good condition otherwise. Or sell it off as a non-running car. Someone into small manual cars might like it as base for a project car.
As with any of these old type clutch, get a mate to press the pedal and see if the activator is moving. This would prove if it's the fluid side of the pedal or the actual clutch, you may be able to help push the arm to disengage the clutch and put the car in gear, you may also find they have pinched part of the mechanism, have a good look and sus out whats going on.
Could also be a broken shifter linkage or cable. Might just be stuck in neutral.
Did the car start and idle normally? What if you try to start it in gear, does it move as if it is in gear? Can you change gears with engine running but without pressing the clutch pedal without horrible grinding noises? Does the engine idea speed change at all if you choose 3rd, 4th or 5th gear and release the clutch?
Could be a broken driveshaft, but that would probably make horrible noises when a hear is selected.
Have it assessed by a "proper" transmission mechanic. If manual vehicle, I would say they have ceased the clutch.
Your insurance should pay for this!
Have you even read the op and subsequent responses?
It seems that wouldn’t be a strong point of ozhunters technique
Just like ceased and siezed I assume
Sounds like your clutch is stuffed
Probably costs more than the car is worth to fix it
If you have insurance call them about what to do as it may be expensive to fix it could be anything. How was it recovered/moved from the field if you can't get it into gear?
You could try a mobile mechanic to come out and try to figure out what is wrong, but you will need to pay them at least a call out fee.