transmission or the clutch?

[N1ceDrgn]

After an interesting evening for New Years I was on my way home and I noticed the car driving a little strange. I pulled over and checked things out and there was a 'box of rocks' sound coming from the underside of the engine?! When the clutch is in it stops and when it's out it starts? Pick up/ power is starting to fade too! At the same time it is difficult to put into gear sometimes. Before I pull it apart tomorrow, I wanted to see if anyone else had any ideas? Would it be the clutch or would it be the transmission?
There is only one other thing I noticed, the resevoir for the clutch was empty as well? I checked things out and I didn't see anything wrong on any of the lines. The only thing I did see is that the clutch slave cylinder was damp. Other than that, there wasn't anything. I'd like to hear what anyone has to say.

[mrmephistopheles]

Sounds like clutch and maybe pilot bushing to me. Could be the pilot bushing is thrashed, or a spring from the clutch disc is loose. The lack of fluid in your clutch hydraulic system would easilty contribute to your difficulty in shifting, esp. if air got into the system.
I'd say have a clutch, pilot bearing, pressure plate & pilot bushing ready to go.

Kevin

[DarkRaptor42]

Im familiar with this occurance as well. 1st off it could just be fluid is needed either in the tranny or the clutch but if you have a case like mine, it was the bearing between first and second gears was going out and I needed a new tranny.

[N1ceDrgn]

Well, I hope it's only some debris inside the bell housing and maybe a lack of fluid. Since I've had the car and I've talked to others, they've also had problems with the clutch system on these cars as well.
It doesn't keep full pressure and when it gets hot it slips. Well, mine has been that way from the start. Now, unless it's disengaged, it'll make the 'box of rocks' sound. Like I mentioned, I only hope it's some debris and a lack of fluid. If the tranny is going that will present a whole new dilemma! My tranny isn't for a KA, it's for a CA.

[mrmephistopheles]

Go to McKinney and look at a KA tranny. See if the bellhousings can be swapped. I remember that being the case for the SR, and I'm pretty doubtful that it'd work, but it's worth a shot.

Kevin

[N1ceDrgn]

Well, I would like for them to work on it. I've contacted them and I am waiting to see what they have to say. Hopefully good news! Then again, isn't that always the case?

[AKADriver]

The CA18DET tranny is an FS5W71C, just like the KA and SR, so the bellhousing should swap. The gearing is the same too, except maybe 5th.

Good luck.