R4 Gearbox problems ?

[Cyprus Andy]

Well I have been convinced by members that an 850 will do the job and have found a nice solid? looking example in original condition.
Problem is its been left parked up in a garage since 2002 and now you can not get any gears ?
I was told it had no problems when it was driven in so what has happened ?
It is only 400 euros so that is a bonus but if I cannot sort out the problem it might be an expensive shed as I doubt I would find another box for it here in Cyprus........we had the EU scrappage scheme here 2 years ago and anything not used was scrapped for cash and we unfortunately lost a lot of "solid" classic vehicles..
Has anyone else encountered a problem like this with a gearbox......??? I am tempted to buy it but worried it will never get sorted out

 

[Tripyrenees]

Might just be the oil. Any way to get the lid off to look.

 

[jonigel]

Probably the clutch has stuck,not unusual after 12 years,if the engine runs ok it should be relatively easy to free off,buy it!!

 

[pepper]

If you can get gears with the engine switched off but not when it's running, it'll be the clutch, a nice easy thing to sort out but good to get money knocked off!

 

[Cornish4]

Yes I'm sure too that the gearbox is fine, and it's a long time for a car to be stationary, a clutch can seize in a matter of months in some climates. I would say buy the car, and as pepper suggests, the clutch problem is a bargaining tool. What is the state of the clutch cable? Is it still in one piece, and doing its job? If so, put the car in gear, keep the clutch pedal depressed and try starting the car. Do this where you have a bit of space, I would hate it if you disappeared through your garage wall

 

[bantamallan]

You can also get someone to hold the clutch pedal down while you lever it free through the hole between the box and engine