have all gears when engine not running, but lose them when i start it

[Russ]

just fired my 65 up for the first time. new rebuilt trans (freeway flyer )
when assembled the pan i welded up the clutch tube.
the car finds all the gears, albeit stiff when not running.
as soon as i start the car i lose the gears.
free play feels good, so i gather the clutch is not disengaging
i really don't think i lost a clip on the throw out bearing when i installed it but will pull the engine if need be
any thoughts on what else it may be?

[BUSDADDY]

Clutch disc stuck to the flywheel, siezed pilot bearing or rough splines in the disc (assuming there's not much freeplay and the throwout bearing is on the forks).

What happens when you start it in gear?

[Russ]

its a new throw out bearing and pressure plate
it maybe seized pilot bearing as i didn't even look at it when i slapped it in.

when i start it in gear? clutch in and in first then let it out?
i'm not sure i can check tomorrow
what am i looking for?

[Chris]

Put it in gear and turn the key to see if the car jumps, if it doesn't then you can most likely rule out transmission and look at the clutch assembly

[Russ]

it's in a tight garage so i'm not going to jump it forward.
i can put it in gear when off and start it, slowly let the clutch out and it moves the car fine.
once i pull it out of that gear i never can fund another and reverse will grind trying to go in to it

[BUSDADDY]

i can put it in gear when off and start it, slowly let the clutch out and it moves the car fine.
once i pull it out of that gear i never can fund another and reverse will grind trying to go in to it

OK, so that rules out stuck plate and indicates the release is working somewhat as it should, if it's not making any funny noises with the clutch depressed and the pedal feels normal odds are the throwout bearing is in place. A pilot bearing will make noise when running in gear but not moving (clutch depressed), if it's quiet odds are it's not the cause. That leaves warped clutch disc, jankey pressure plate or disc hanging up on the splines, sadly Chinese quality control has touched nearly every part on our cars lately and new out of the box isn't always a guaranteed win.
You can try tightening up the wingnut to minimum freeplay and hope it wears in after a drive, but I think you'd better start planning an engine drop soon.

[Russ]

all clutch pieces were new and new cable
flywheel looked fine so I didn't resurface it

i'll put it in gear and start it and listen for any funky noises, if nothing i'll tighten the wing nut.
if that doesn't work then I guess i'll drop the engine:(

thanks for the help so far:)

[BUSDADDY]

Do make sure there's at least a tiny little bit of freeplay at the pedal, otherwise the throwout bearing will be running constantly and that's not good for it.

[Hansk]

Also ,  is your clutch cable tube in the tunnel still mounted solid ?  Bowden tube have a good bow in it?
Also , I once thought my clutch tube had broken free in the tunnel but it turned out that the clutch pedal it self was cracked
and flexing .  It took a few years to finally let go completely .  Same symptoms .

OK sorry ,  I now see you welded the tube . 

[Russ]

i'll play around with it later tonight when I get a chance.
my pedal assemble was fully redone it's in mint shape.
Bowden tube had a good bow but I will double check it tonight
thanks Russ

[kombikruiser]

Shift rod coupler?

[Russ]

Shift rod coupler?

yup it's new as well
if the bowden tube did not have enough of a bend would that do it.
i adjusted the nut in a bit and it's better but still loses the gears
i can't hear anything out of place when the clutch is in, my hearing is not great and in the garage i really only hear the exhaust though

[BUSDADDY]

The bend in the Bowden tube is more critical for chattering, the bigger bend isolates it from engine/drivetrain movement which changes the clutch cable length slightly as it moves, but it can't hurt to try a few bonus washers just in case, many new cables are slightly too long (or short), repro Bowden tubes as well, add the two minor discrepancies together and............
The coupler would make shifting difficult engine running or off, you have a release problem, something isn't quite disconnecting from the engine either due to clutch components, bearings or cable issues.

[Russ]

engine is coming out this weekend
once it's out i may have some more questions lol
thanks for the replies though