Muncie shifter problems
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 33
From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Muncie shifter problems
My '57 has a Muncie 4 speed transmission that was rebuilt a few years ago. I purchased a new stock shifter and shifter rods. I installed it using the gauge block and for several years it worked fine.
Occasionally, when stopped at a light it does not want to shift into first. I usually have to shift it into one of the other gears (with the clutch in) before I can shift it into first.
Do I need to readjust the linkage or is there some way to lubricate the linkage?
This only happens occasionally but it is a bit aggravating. Other than that, the transmission works OK.
Occasionally, when stopped at a light it does not want to shift into first. I usually have to shift it into one of the other gears (with the clutch in) before I can shift it into first.
Do I need to readjust the linkage or is there some way to lubricate the linkage?
This only happens occasionally but it is a bit aggravating. Other than that, the transmission works OK.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 161
Likes: 11
Shifting
My '57 has a Muncie 4 speed transmission that was rebuilt a few years ago. I purchased a new stock shifter and shifter rods. I installed it using the gauge block and for several years it worked fine.
Occasionally, when stopped at a light it does not want to shift into first. I usually have to shift it into one of the other gears (with the clutch in) before I can shift it into first.
Do I need to readjust the linkage or is there some way to lubricate the linkage?
This only happens occasionally but it is a bit aggravating. Other than that, the transmission works OK.
Occasionally, when stopped at a light it does not want to shift into first. I usually have to shift it into one of the other gears (with the clutch in) before I can shift it into first.
Do I need to readjust the linkage or is there some way to lubricate the linkage?
This only happens occasionally but it is a bit aggravating. Other than that, the transmission works OK.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 181
From: Concord CA
I have a Muncie tranny and shifter, and it's essential that all the plates in your shifter are aligned FIRST before you align the linkage to the tranny. Being slightly off can cause exactly what you are experiencing.
I would first check this by putting the tranny in neutral and remove all the linkage. Make sure your levers are fully engaged after the linage is off. Then with the shifter in neutral, ensure that all the plates are aligned by sticking a metal rod through the alignment hole in the shifter. I just happen to have a stick welding rod that fit and I could bend to check the alignment.
I would first check this by putting the tranny in neutral and remove all the linkage. Make sure your levers are fully engaged after the linage is off. Then with the shifter in neutral, ensure that all the plates are aligned by sticking a metal rod through the alignment hole in the shifter. I just happen to have a stick welding rod that fit and I could bend to check the alignment.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 33
From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Thanks for all of your suggestions. The car is in winter storage now so I can look at the linkage and the clutch adjustments.
SupremeDeluxe: I will remember to try your tip this next spring when I take it out for the first drive. The transmission does not have many miles since a rebuild by a reputable shop. I know it did not cause me any problems when I first used it. Only have I experienced it recently.
SupremeDeluxe: I will remember to try your tip this next spring when I take it out for the first drive. The transmission does not have many miles since a rebuild by a reputable shop. I know it did not cause me any problems when I first used it. Only have I experienced it recently.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Greenville, Indiana
T
SupremeDeluxe: I will remember to try your tip this next spring when I take it out for the first drive. The transmission does not have many miles since a rebuild by a reputable shop. I know it did not cause me any problems when I first used it. Only have I experienced it recently.
SupremeDeluxe: I will remember to try your tip this next spring when I take it out for the first drive. The transmission does not have many miles since a rebuild by a reputable shop. I know it did not cause me any problems when I first used it. Only have I experienced it recently.
If you're stopped and the transmission will go into second gear but not first, I don't see how you have linkage problem. I'd believe it to be a synchronizer issue that may clear itself with miles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 181
From: Concord CA
I had a linkage problem going from 1st to second (just the opposite). It felt like there was something blocking the shifter moving into that position and it had nothing to do with the synchro. It's a lot easier to first check the linkage then ripping your transmission apart.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,662
Likes: 2,344
From: Lake Minnetonka, Mn
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
You might check the side cover to see if there are any issues with your interlock system that is preventing it from going into first. At first blush, I wonder if you aren't missing or have a broken clutch key (one of three) on your first gear synchro unit. That will always manifest itself in a non shift into a gear.