Will not engage gears when the car is running. No problem when engine is off

mags, April 2013

FIXED IT. K was right, it was rusted on.
I did a few bump starts and that did the trick.

Thanks K and thanks to everyone who replied

Bernie, April 2013

hi bernie,definitley sounds like clutch plate is rusted to flywheel/clutch cover. did you try starting in gear with clutch pressed? have a look for a cover plate or any access in bell housing that could give access to edge of clutch plate,and again with pedal pressed,you could try a thin chisel or screwdriver on edge between flywheel and plate and give it a light tap which may free it,may need to turn engine a bit for access.failing these you may have to remove gearbox!good luck.

k, April 2013

The car is a 1973 tvr. it has a ford essex V6.
The car has been in the garage for a couple of years without moving. Decided, that it should go out this year, and just my luck it will not move.
when it is running it will not go into gear, when it is not running it will go in to gear freely.

Was working perfectly when stored no problems at all.
Think it has seized with lack of use, how do I free it

Bernie, April 2013

if vehicle has been stood a while the clutch plate may have rusted to flywheel,can sometimes be released by trying to start in gear with pedal pressed and handbrake on.

k, April 2013

clutch not clearing,check adjustment if it has a cable

cdc, April 2013

You don't say what car it is!!Has the problem just started?Have you checked the clutch is operating properly,that can cause the problem with gear selection.More info.

rich, April 2013