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Difficulty engaging 1st gear

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Old Sep 5, 2007 | 02:12 PM
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Default Difficulty engaging 1st gear

I have developed a problem engaging 1st and sometimes 2nd gears, when I come to a stop and downshift to 1st gear, the shifter wont fully engage 1st gear on occation. If I let the clutch out a bit or shift to second and than back to first it will uasally engage all the way ok. Is this a clutch adj. issue or a trans rebuild issue?

Thanks

Leo
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Old Sep 5, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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Mine does the same! I know my syncros are majorly worn--surely it's related...
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Old Sep 5, 2007 | 02:59 PM
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Your clutch rod could need adjusted. I would try that first. More than likely you need 1st and 2nd gear synchros. Again, try the easiest first!
Bernie
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Old Sep 5, 2007 | 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Leo001
I have developed a problem engaging 1st and sometimes 2nd gears, when I come to a stop and downshift to 1st gear, the shifter wont fully engage 1st gear on occation. If I let the clutch out a bit or shift to second and than back to first it will uasally engage all the way ok. Is this a clutch adj. issue or a trans rebuild issue?

Thanks

Leo
Sounds like a clutch adjustment is in order. I would certainly do that first!
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 12:06 PM
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Thanks
1st thing I will try is the clutch adj. If I do infact need a rebuild, any recomendations, Is there a reliable shop that I can ship the tranny to, or just purchase a rebuilt unit and send them a core?

Thanks Again

Leo
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 01:45 PM
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Check with some of your local speed shops to find a reputable local transmission repair person. Or PM GTR1999, I think that is correct. I think he builds trannies and is first class.
Bernie
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Leo001
I have developed a problem engaging 1st and sometimes 2nd gears. Is this a clutch adj. issue or a trans rebuild issue?Leo
Leo -
One of two things will cause this:
  1. Input shaft rotation has not been stopped prior to engaging the gears
  2. Synchros worn out
Issue number 1 can be caused by 2 sources:
  1. Pilot bearing worn or tight. If the input shaft is "chattering" in the pilot bearing or if the pilot bearing is "grabbing" the input shaft too tight, the input shaft will continue to rotate after you depress the clutch. This will make the tranny tough the engage.
  2. Clutch not fully releasing. This can be caused by incorrect linkage adjustment or by a bad pressure plate/clutch.
To check to see if one of these is the problem, start the car up and let it idle in neutral. Depress the clutch, give it 5 seconds, and then put the tranny in reverse. If it grinds going into reverse, the input shaft is turning. If it goes into reverse smoothly, the input shaft is not turning.

If you eliminate the turning input shaft as the problem, you need new synchros in the tranny.
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 06:32 PM
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Thanks for the input, as always you guys are a great source of information and help.

Leo
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Leo001
Thanks
1st thing I will try is the clutch adj. If I do infact need a rebuild, any recomendations, Is there a reliable shop that I can ship the tranny to, or just purchase a rebuilt unit and send them a core?

Thanks Again

Leo
You might try Ed Harnett in Langhorn, Pa.(610)623 9381

EH4speeds@aol.com
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Old Sep 9, 2007 | 11:05 AM
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Another item not mentioned on this thread is that the 1-2 slider could be worn as well. If you tear into the trans have this looked at-they're about 30 bucks. On my fleabay M20 all the synchros were new, and you absolutely could not get it into first gear without forcing it. Upon disassembly I noticed that the engagement teeth on first gear and the 1-2 slider were badly worn. Not wanting to spending the money on a new first gear I just replaced the slider-no more problem, shifts like butter.
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