Manual Shift Issue

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May 5, 2012 | 09:47 AM

pbbergs

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 155

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From: Minnesota

Manual Shift Issue

Hello,
I have a 1979 Coupe that I sometimes have trouble getting into first gear while the car is running and not moving but when the engine is off it shifts fine. ???

I have attempted to adjust it but it doesn't seemed to have helped.

Any ideas?

TIA

Paul

May 5, 2012 | 10:30 AM

0Willcox Corvette

Former Vendor

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 76,656

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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Worn linkage? I think I'd take a hard look at all of it and then do the factory adjustment.

Corvette Four Speed Shifter Linkage Adjustment Instructions 63-81

May 5, 2012 | 11:58 AM

Jermo

Racer

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 406

Likes: 68

From: San Clemente

Try swapping out your tranny oil. to a top grade oil

May 5, 2012 | 04:19 PM

Sunstroked

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 2,071

Likes: 147

From: S Nevada

What's probably worn is the synchro in the trans. The inside diameter of the bronze synchro is cone shaped and as the shifter is pushed into gear, they wedge into the mating cone of the gear, slowing the gear to allow slider to align and make a smooth shift. They are a wear part and you are probably in need of an overhaul.

May 5, 2012 | 04:41 PM

BBCorv70

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 3,189

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From: Tolland CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette

Worn linkage? I think I'd take a hard look at all of it and then do the factory adjustment.

Corvette Four Speed Shifter Linkage Adjustment Instructions 63-81

Has anybody been able to get that alignment gauge in while the body is on the frame?

May 5, 2012 | 04:58 PM

theandies

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 23,367

Likes: 1,061

From: Virginia USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBCorv70

Has anybody been able to get that alignment gauge in while the body is on the frame?

Yes but its tough. I made my own with a 90 degree handle to help.

May 5, 2012 | 05:23 PM

jman1

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,501

Likes: 1

From: Maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBCorv70

Has anybody been able to get that alignment gauge in while the body is on the frame?

i made one also that was short..

May 5, 2012 | 08:23 PM

ATIS

Racer

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 396

Likes: 13

From: New Bern NC

I am having the same shifting problems and I only have 6,300 original miles so I doubt mine is wear and in need of a rebuild. Where did you get the tool or how do I make one?

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May 5, 2012 | 08:56 PM

jman1

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,501

Likes: 1

From: Maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATIS

I am having the same shifting problems and I only have 6,300 original miles so I doubt mine is wear and in need of a rebuild. Where did you get the tool or how do I make one?

i used a drill bit.. i broke it on half and put a rubber elbow on it.... you can fit in right into the alignment hole in the shifter...

May 5, 2012 | 10:36 PM

#10

ATIS

Racer

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 396

Likes: 13

From: New Bern NC

Thanks!

May 5, 2012 | 10:40 PM

#11

...Roger...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

Likes: 53

From: Dayton, Ohio

Sounds like the clutch is not fully disengaging. Does it help if you go from another forward gear into first ?
Have you done the 9 second spin down test ?

May 5, 2012 | 10:42 PM

#12

...Roger...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Drill bit works for Hurst shifters but not for Muncies

May 6, 2012 | 10:31 AM

#13

ATIS

Racer

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 396

Likes: 13

From: New Bern NC

First, second and reverse seem to be the issue gears.

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