my dad has a r reg escort diesel estate and has trouble selecting 2nd and 3rd gears it has a crunching sound and you have to force it in as if the clutch wasnt pressed in while driving 1st, 4th and 5th are fine does he need a new clutch??
Mine went like this and it was part of the clutch mechanism that had worn. Does the clutch pedal vibrate when up and a gear is engaged? If so it is more than likely the clutch.