I own a 1981 SC over here in Malaysia.Shipped it from the UK back in 85'. Carried out a service last August and amongst many other things I had the clutch plate replaced. The gears have never given me any serious problems till last week when the 1ST and reverse gears would not engage at all. Worse was the sickening crunching sound it made.Brought the specialist over to have a look and he relieved my worst fears that the problem lay with the syncromesh gears and said it could be a selector or coupling problem. Anyone had a similar issue and I would welcome any pointers and help.
Concerned SC owner.(Dave)

 

I would be a tad suspicious because of having the clutch recently worked on. Try depressing the clutch, waiting a few seconds (maybe 5) and then trying to put it in gear. If it still grinds, it may be a problem with the clutch not fully disengaging rather than bad syncros. An easier (cheaper) fix if it is.

 

I would check the bushings in the shift linkages first.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, but here's what happened.I slowly managed to get the car over to the Specialist by driving all the way in 3rd and 4th gear!! It would engage 1st or even 2nd now!!!
But as soon as I got there the mechanic who had been working on my car over the last 18 years just jacked it up and where the clutch cable meets the Omega ring,he just adjusted the cable as it had stretched too far and was not engaging gear. After a mere 2 minutes my beloved SC was back in gear and ready to roll.
So a massive heart attack was avioded and not to mention sleepless nights!
Happy Motoring.
Dave.