Car had been off the road for 2 weeks whilst i was sorting out the bonnet after having a stag run out on me. Covered the engine bay with tarpooling but it didnt work at all times so rust may be part of the problem.

The first time i drove it once the bonnet was fixed i went out for about 15 minutes and on the way back i went to go from 3rd to 4th and it grinded and wouldnt go into 4th and felt loads of resistance in the pedal. Pushed as hard as i could and it klunked into 3rd, managed to nurse it home until i was about 100 metres away from my house and had to stop at crossroads. couldnt get it into any gear except reverse but as soon as i did it just jolted and stopped.

I thought the clutch might be stuck, but i wouldnt of been able to do 15 minutes of driving in the first place with no problems if it was?

I adjusted the lock nuts where the cable enters the gearbox via the rubber boot but the problem is still there.

PLEASE HELP!!

Have you been under the car with someone working the clutch pedal to see if the cable is doing its job properly?

It could be several things, with the faves on my list being either the cable or release bearing. But who knows - it could be the pressure plate, but I'd be surprised.

Could be that the clutch friction plate has broken up. I've seen it several times. Usually there's little or no warning of it happening.

Friction plates braking up on capris? Could make sense as their was no smell or anything

I'd be inclined to go with Tony and check the cable first, perhaps it has seized with lack of use and maybe some rain in it. It's certainly the easiest and cheapest possibility so start with that!

Ill have a go at the cable first then, ill work out how to remove it and check it out cos there is alot of slack when its operated.

Took off the cable and it was fine, ive freed the gearbox from the engine and prop shaft and will remove it tomorow, just the gearstick is still on which is in the way if anyone knows how to take it off? The exhaust is also in the way of the gearbox which could cause some problems.

Had a look in the release forks hole in the bell housing and the pressure plate and bearing look fine, so im thinking the friction plate must of shattered.

Gearsticks depends on box type

Type 9 3 bolts and it lifts out the 4 speed box (Type e?) theres a ring that unscrews and it lifts out, its a serrated thing thats sharp as fuck!

its a 5 speed box, sorry should of said, i think it will come out its just the gearstick is going to be in the way when i try and get it past the exhaust

Gear lever screws will probably be Torx head size T44
You'll need the centre tray out so clock to disconnect (don't let the wires short) rubber plug lifted to remove hidden screw in centre etc.
Stick it in gear before removing the lever, click photo below for details:

Ok cheers, how would i go about getting some of those front end bushings that you replaced on your page? my control arms and anti roll bar have none left whatsoever.

Any idea what gearbox oil i need aswell?

Superflex do a complete range of bushes for the Capri. In my opinion they're the best on the market but make your own mind up on that one.
As for gearbox oil, whenever we drop a gearbox we drain it and refill with ATF (automatic transmission fluid). Gives a smoother gearchange and doesn't drag so much in cold weather.
If you slightly overfill the gearbox it will help lubricate the 5th gear bearing.

Lots of suppliers stock poly bushes for capris at various prices.
CCI have them, Superpro Europe, and my local village garage are Duraflex stockists who could order them in. Google 'poly bushes' and 'capri'



Ford specification is Semi-synthetic transmission oil, I've always used 75W90 without any problems.

Alright lads, just got the gearbox and clutch off; turns out one of the springs had came out of the friction disc! Never heard of that one before. Ripped the friction disc apart and put a few dents in the pressure plate. Brilliant.

I've had a spring come loose, it was giving me a bit of clutch judder so I investigated. I guess it would have come free if I'd ignored it.

Told ya, have seen this a few times, mostly on 2.8i's though.

finished it and its running fine. cheers for the tips on the bushes, will probably order some this week.