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85 Rangie, jumps out of first gear, heavy clutch

Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 7:01 pm
by Smurf
I have just bought a 1985 Range Rover to use while I try finish off my Surf. It was cheap and is in pretty good order overall, manual, difflocks etc, and all the electrics work, except the stereo.
Main problem is the gearbox likes to jump out of first when decelerating.
Is it just a case of replacing bushes on the end of the gear lever to remedy this or is there another fix?
Also the clutch is rather heavy, Is there an easy way to lighten it?
I am a hilux owner so have no idea how this british stuff works. But I do like the engage diff lock sticker on the dash :D :D

Re: 85 Rangie, jumps out of first gear, heavy clutch

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 1:03 pm
by Stage1V8
Have a look at the V8 Supplement Manual here.
http://www.landroverv8.com/manuals/seriesIIIstage1supplement.pdf

Selectors might just need adjusting or are worn and need replacing.

Hard to say about the clutch. "Heavy" is relative but it should not be an effort to push the pedal down. Clutch master or slave might need replacing. Low fluid perhaps?

Re: 85 Rangie, jumps out of first gear, heavy clutch

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 5:10 pm
by Smurf
Cheers for that, light reading for the week.

Plenty of fluid in clutch master cylinder. Pedal is heavy as in can't keep pedal on the floor without a concious effort to keep it down, It is uncomfortably heavy to use.
I'll pull the slave out and see how stiff it is.

Re: 85 Rangie, jumps out of first gear, heavy clutch

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 8:10 pm
by Landy Rover
the reality is more than likely excessive end float in the gear cluster or mainshaft. Ive done heaps of gearboxes, Jap ones and rover, not rangie thou, but its always the same problem. Not what you want to hear :( Worn dog teeth add to the problem and selector fork wear. Either way gearbox has to come out.