Hi there, I have a 1998 Ford Escort GLX TD wagon, It's done 190kms and been serviced on a regular basis. About a week ago whilst slowing down for lights, I could not engage gears with out a little bit of a fight! I managed to get it home and now it's parked up. I've never had any issues with it before, however I noticed 3 weeks before said incident, a small leak under drivers side (diesel oil?) Upon inspection, it seems to be weeping out of the "pump wheel looking thing" next to the oil filter. Could this be a cause of gearbox de selection? or a seperate 'need to fix' issue?

I've read on here about a clutch adjuster under pedal!
It does take a little pounding as they are slug's to get off the line, and also it does seem a little spongy now??
It's been a fantastic little wagon, and boggies along well on the motorway, I'm planning on having her for a while.

all sugestions and advise would be welcomed. thanks

Sean Taylor - Waitakere City -Auckland NZ, November 2006

Oil leak is unlikely to be related to your gear selection problem.
Does it select ok with engine off? If so then it's probably clutch drag (not disengaging fully), which would seem the case with your pedal going soft.

Andre, November 2006