Having trouble shifting

[T1 3VOM]

For the past week, I've had trouble shifting my car. It's a 1990 LX with a 5 spd manual. I have to push the clutch all the way to the floor, and then just a little more to get it to shift smoothly past the gate... getting the car into reverse without grinding is close to impossible.

My neighbor is a mechanic and so far has done everything that I need done but can't do myself. He charges me his cost, so I know he's not trying to rip me off. The current clutch was put in 40k miles ago, and hasn't been abused. It doesn't make sense to me that the clutch would need to be replaced yet, and the symptoms don't sound like what I know of a bad clutch. Does it sound like I need a new clutch? Or is there something else I should be looking for?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[v8only]

simple clutch adjustment. Your clutch adj is too loose. If you still have the stock plastic quadrant, all that is necessary is to pull UP On the clutch pedal with your foot, then depress the clutch pedal again. It'll auto adjust at that point and should be fine.

IF that does not work, you need an aftermarket manual adjusting unit.

I've written an extensive tech article on all of this, read the link in my sig.

 

[T1 3VOM]

I already tried to adjust the clutch by pulling up on it. Didn't seem to have an effect. I'll read your write up after work. Thanks alot!

 

[88-GT]

Yep as mentioned its time for a quadrant and FWA(fire wall adjuster). Cheap insurance for your clutch, and you can adjust it to personal preferance. Just be a in a good mood when you go to get the old quadrant off.