My Escort Mk4 XR3i refuses to move...

When I put it into gear, I get nothing but a nasty grinding noise.

The clutch appears to work, as I cannot put it into gear without using it and the nasty noise stops when I push it in. The car seems to go into each gear OK too, but I get no drive.

The gearbox itself is fine too - it worked in the car I got it from and nothing has changed, just put it into this car.

I'm at a loss as to what the problem might be - any suggestions?

 

Cv joint/diff? Get someone to look under the car when you do this. Mate had the same issue with his golf no so long ago, driveshaft was turning but not the wheel.

 

Sounds to me like a a driveshaft has popped out! Make sure they are both firmly in the gearbox.

 

I agree. check driveshafts. but if not then i'd say more gearbox than clutch.

 

Had a look this morning and nothing is apparently rotating either in gear or out of gear.

Is it possible for a driveshaft to be not fully home with the rest of the car fully assembled??