The Ford Barn

RKemp · 08-30-2025, 02:43 PM

I have checked many things but my 31 will not go into gear. Took top off of tranny and everything seems to be "functioning" properly.
Car starts but will not let me shift into gear. Running or not, will not go into any gear. Thoughts? Oil was clean but I changed it anyhow. Car had been sitting for 5 years.

Thank you.

ronn · 08-30-2025, 03:26 PM

stuck clutch- take cover off of trans- alcohol sucked into a straw, drip it between clutch and plate. should pop loose. this often happens when stored in a damp space.

Keith True · 08-30-2025, 05:22 PM

I'm reading this as the shift lever won't move,running or not.That would have nothing to with the clutch.

jw hash · 08-30-2025, 05:55 PM

put your shift tower in a vise and see if it will shift. I think your shift rails might be stuck.

Y-Blockhead · 08-30-2025, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jw hash

put your shift tower in a vise and see if it will shift. I think your shift rails might be stuck.

I'm with John.

jg61hawk · 08-30-2025, 11:28 PM

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I'm understanding the writer is saying the shift moves but the gears do not engage....two different scenarios. Try having a helper rock the car forward and back ...gently as you try to get the shifter into any gear...prefer 1st. If you catch a gear...then push start it...keep us up to date.

Keith True · 08-31-2025, 07:27 AM

And,don't start the car with the shift tower off.That will put a ring of gear oil around the inside of the car.

RKemp · 08-31-2025, 08:46 PM

Thanks everyone. The shift tower was the problem. The shift rails needed to be cleaned and I used penetrating oil to get the forks to move. Emery cloth and 0000 steel wool helped move this process forward. Once they moved, re-installed the tower, started the car, depressed the clutch and BINGO, into second gear. I was able to get all the gears after a bit.
THANK YOU for all the help.

08-30-2025, 02:43 PM	#1
RKemp Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 7	Free up stuck clutch I have checked many things but my 31 will not go into gear. Took top off of tranny and everything seems to be "functioning" properly. Car starts but will not let me shift into gear. Running or not, will not go into any gear. Thoughts? Oil was clean but I changed it anyhow. Car had been sitting for 5 years. Thank you.

08-30-2025, 03:26 PM	#2
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 7,873	Re: Free up stuck clutch stuck clutch- take cover off of trans- alcohol sucked into a straw, drip it between clutch and plate. should pop loose. this often happens when stored in a damp space.

08-30-2025, 05:22 PM	#3
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 3,689	Re: Free up stuck clutch I'm reading this as the shift lever won't move,running or not.That would have nothing to with the clutch.

08-30-2025, 05:55 PM	#4
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,696	Re: Free up stuck clutch put your shift tower in a vise and see if it will shift. I think your shift rails might be stuck.

08-30-2025, 11:28 PM	#6
jg61hawk Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Central New Jersey Posts: 441	Re: Free up stuck clutch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I'm understanding the writer is saying the shift moves but the gears do not engage....two different scenarios. Try having a helper rock the car forward and back ...gently as you try to get the shifter into any gear...prefer 1st. If you catch a gear...then push start it...keep us up to date.

08-31-2025, 07:27 AM	#7
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 3,689	Re: Free up stuck clutch And,don't start the car with the shift tower off.That will put a ring of gear oil around the inside of the car.

08-31-2025, 08:46 PM	#8
RKemp Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 7	Re: Free up stuck clutch Thanks everyone. The shift tower was the problem. The shift rails needed to be cleaned and I used penetrating oil to get the forks to move. Emery cloth and 0000 steel wool helped move this process forward. Once they moved, re-installed the tower, started the car, depressed the clutch and BINGO, into second gear. I was able to get all the gears after a bit. THANK YOU for all the help.