97 GT won't move in gear

[DrYeRLiNt]

I have a 97 mustang GT. The transmissi has been rebuilt, and a new clutch was installed. Since the clutch install, the car will not move under its own power.

I had an issue with the first clutch set and had to remove it and install another set. It made a grinding noise but would move under its own power. The throwout bearing had come apart within 400 miles.

Now... when I release the clutch, the engine continues to idle with no load. I can even change gears without touching the clutch pedal with no grinding.


Is there any way to tell if the input shaft is turning without removing the transmission?


Any other suggestions for me to diagnose this problem before I tear it apart again?

 

[trinity_gt]

How does the clutch pedal feel? Do you have free play, for example? Do you feel resistance when you depress the pedal?

I'd get under the car (jackstands...) and check the release arm movement when the pedal is cycled. Maybe it's hung up or something and the clutch is always released.

 

[wmburns]

Just wondering. If the clutch cable broke, this would leave the clutch permanently disengaged. If so, it would grind every gear wouldn't it?

Is it more likely that something has happened to the shift forks? Something where the forks are not moving when the gear shift level is moved? Now the transmission is stuck in neutral.

If you move the gear shift lever with the car off, can you feel and hear the shift fork move and engage?

If the shift forks do move, then it would seem that something like a failed clutch friction hub or the input shaft has sheared off.

 

[Lugnuts]

The car cranks up, but in gear it will not move or it stalls out - which do you mean by will not move under it's own power? Would be a good idea to take a look in the clutch fork hole and see if anything is obvious.

 

[DrYeRLiNt]

It won't move it just idles. The clutch pedal feels normal and it definitely shifts out of neutral as the reverse lights come on when I shift into reverse.

Taking off the cable cover, the fork seems to have normal movement. I wish I could see if the input shaft is turning with the clutch...

 

[Lugnuts]

If it continues to idle when in gear then either you are not really in gear like you think or your input shaft is not spinning. Either way, the trans has to come out. When you look into the bell housing from the clutch cable access, have someone operate the clutch and see if it is working correctly. The bearing should be pressed into the pressure plate fingers and deflect them inward toward the engine. Can you take some pics? Does not matter if it is clutch or transmission related, the trans has to come out.