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1963 Peugeot 404 won't go into gear


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laneigedhiver
New User

Aug 24, 2015, 6:13 PM

Post #1 of 4 (2227 views)
1963 Peugeot 404 won't go into gear Sign In

Year: 1963
Make: Peugeot
Model: 404
Engine Size: 1618cc
Mileage: ~28,000 miles/45,000kms

Hi everyone. I'm guessing older cars aren't discussed as much here but at this point I'm mainly looking for more general information, so hopefully someone has some thoughts on this.

My 63 Peugeot has recently begun to grind when I try to put it into gear (1st or reverse). It's a rattling-grinding sound. Essentially, I depress the clutch, and try to put it into either
1st or reverse, and just about at the point where I'd expect it to engage, it happens. The weird thing is that the gearstick appears to stay where I would expect it to be if the car was in gear when I release it (I haven't tried to force it into gear for fear of causing damage), but the gear isn't engaged. If I slip it back into neutral, I don't observe any change.

This was not an issue previously, and it wasn't gradual. The only thing I can think of that changed was that I added brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir (I was given this car by a family member who instructed me to do this - he had the car for 30 years). I know that it was the correct fluid, and as a sanity check, I've confirmed that I put the fluid in the correct reservoir as per the vehicle's workshop manual. But since it was the only thing that changed, I can only assume this caused problems somehow.

Could this be an issue with the clutch? Or is it likely a transmission issue? Any troubleshooting suggestions? I'm not very experienced when it comes to vehicle maintenance but I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.

Thanks in advance!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 24, 2015, 9:58 PM

Post #2 of 4 (2218 views)
Re: 1963 Peugeot 404 won't go into gear Sign In

OK - So older and a Peugeot as well makes things a challenge but let's go.


I don't recall these much at all new so lost with hand on for the things. You've mentioned an hydraulic clutch linkage many of which are or are not self adjusting came on early on vehicles that would be made right or left hand drive. It seems as trouble is first noted with 1st and reverse this clutch isn't fully disengaging. Notice it probably shift well with engine off.


Issue would be the same with new cars/trucks now. It's been low on fluid if you needed to add so leaks if so. Air in this will make it not a good release same as spongy brakes are with air. Either end of the type, the master or slave could be worn out or a flex hose used leaking.


Look at your specs since you have manuals for clutch free play which is how far you can push the pedal inside with a finger without much happening. Even this wants an inch or so but also note that free play when driving under some load that it isn't lost 100% from motor/trans motion on mounts to body turning they can be was off too.


Good when right like anything. At the age probably adjustable and parts could be a hunt,


T



laneigedhiver
New User

Aug 27, 2015, 6:39 AM

Post #3 of 4 (2173 views)
Re: 1963 Peugeot 404 won't go into gear Sign In

Hi Tom, thanks for the reply and your thoughts. You are absolutely correct - it appears to shift well with the engine off. Sounds like this should hopefully be a relatively straightforward fix and a best-case scenario compared to my concerns, even if I need parts. Thank you very much for your time!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 27, 2015, 7:07 AM

Post #4 of 4 (2172 views)
Re: 1963 Peugeot 404 won't go into gear Sign In

OK - strong clue now linkage (hydraulic) isn't releasing properly. Being a 1963 will be the challenge. Unless this was opened up like a brake line for some reason I probably would seek out all hydraulic parts bad right now or not if you can find them new?


Might help to join or watch Peugeot only site for antique ones both ideas, common fixes and parts.


Sorry if said already but test out/check motor and trans mounts just to rule out being fooled AND where clutch pedal swings that something else is messed up acting like an hydraulic issue more common when driving if so then sitting still for mounts and if pedal is messed up just need to know if problem is there or what.


It would shift when not running except non synchro gears especially can - I'll call it touch tooth to tooth and not move but would if you shifted into another gear first then tried again gears would nudge a bit - all that with engine off as well,


T







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