'81 4spd - reverse shift grinding
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 40
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'81 4spd - reverse shift grinding
Can anyone tell me why my '81 has started grinding the gears when I go to shift in reverse. I have no problems and the forward gears all synchronize smoothly. In order to shift into reverse without the heavy grinding noise, I have to run through several of the forward gears first. What do I need to do? Does this represent a major problem with the transmissions. By the way, the vehicle has 50,000 original miles, I'm the second owner and it has never been raced or wrecked.
Your very informative responses will be greatly appreciated.
Your very informative responses will be greatly appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 1
From: Rosemount MN
Gotta agree, reverse is not synchro'd. So it sounds like a little drag.
If memory serves me right, the Manual says that in the clutch adjustment you have to wait 10-15 seconds for the tranny shafts to quit spinning.
If memory serves me right, the Manual says that in the clutch adjustment you have to wait 10-15 seconds for the tranny shafts to quit spinning.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,468
Likes: 463
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...in the 1968 owner's manual, it recommends shifting "momentarily" to any forward gear BEFORE going to reverse.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 362
Likes: 11
From: Aptos CA
I've had this issue with a few of my stick shift cars. Try this: With the clutch in, shift into 1st and then into reverse. It will slow the cluster down and it will not grind going into reverse. Hope this helps.
Ooops, like Paul & Tonys96 said above. I should read the whole thread before I post!! It has been a long week already!
Ooops, like Paul & Tonys96 said above. I should read the whole thread before I post!! It has been a long week already!
Last edited by blown454; Mar 4, 2008 at 11:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Thanks to all you great people who responded, recommended and shared solutions. I greatly appreciate your assistance. Happy Vetting!
In my younger days I owned every engine chevy made with both Muncies and Borg Warner 4 speed trannys and I can honestly say I red lined these vehicles constantly and never have I encountered the reverse grinding I have recently noticed in my '81.
Best wishes to all.
In my younger days I owned every engine chevy made with both Muncies and Borg Warner 4 speed trannys and I can honestly say I red lined these vehicles constantly and never have I encountered the reverse grinding I have recently noticed in my '81.
Best wishes to all.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,468
Likes: 463
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
