Is there engine problem if manual car doesnt go in gear

change mechanics --or bring back and have them fix correctly when they did the engine work doesnt sound like was done correctly and now you may have a bigger problem

old post but 88s are so rare , so here we go. the answer.
ok its a manual transmission, (i had 2 that year,) the xj and the Comanche PU truck , a pair. (drove the snarf out of them)
the post is weak sorry, but you didnt tell the full story,.
huh?
is engine running? fails to shift parked engine off>?????
cant start engine in 1st gear??? (pickone or reverse) with clutch depressed to floor and car moves doing so?) or stalls.....?
that is a bad clutch.
it will start in neutral, with a bad clutch. so..... that be key fact there.

or is this a post that means, car starts ok in gear
but cant shift moving, only a moving car issues ?
we cant guess any of that, it must be stated.

my 88s both had crapppy" Peugot trans", and worse a coaxal
throw out bearing , that took me 10 long hours (4wd)
to replace, my new JK jeep its only 1hrs work on slave.

the first clue (bad) is the clutch master cylinder fluid drops lower
day by day or every week, oops. that be the first clue.

"from 1st" is my only clue.
surely you can better that. do tell.. please.

Hi. Thanks for your question.You can also visit https://www.reliable-store.com and download the entire workshop manual for better understanding. It has all the information along with the diagrams which are really are helpful. Good day!

I believe your clutch is not disengaging fully. When this happens it may be hard to get into first gear but subsequet shifts are easier due to the fact the vehicle is moving. You probably have a hydraulic clutch system which is low on fluid or may have air in the system. Before shifting into first gear or reverse try pumping the clutch pedal 5 or 6 times then shifting, if it goes into gear easier after this then you probably have air in the system, it can be bled similar to bleeding brakes. If this doesnt work you might be low on fluid, or have a bad master or slave cylinder.

possible slave cylinder failing

My guess is the clutch is not releasing completely. I would syart by checking the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder.

the throw out bearing is bad ,so change bearing and clutch

As long as it does not slip (eng speeds up, but car doesnt) you MAY have a clutch hydraulic problem. Ck that first. If the clutch hydraulics are OK then the only thing that could do that it a pilot bearing bad (seizing) but I dont think that is your problem.

check clutch fluid reservoir, fill-up. or replace rubber cup in the clutch master cylinder.

Sounds like your clutch cable is caught. Try new cable.