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Trouble getting 4spd into gear

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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 12:19 PM
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Default Trouble getting 4spd into gear

I've got a 76 with a 4 spd. Sometimes it's tough to get the car to go into 1st or reverse. This only seems to be when the car is completely warmed up and it is definitely an intermittent problem. I've tried adjusting the clutch (there is plenty of adjustment available) and it did not help. Any ideas? Is this a linkage issue or maybe the trans is low on fluid?

I've just purchased the car and am not that familiar with it yet.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 12:22 PM
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Will it go into gear if you shift into second and then try to put it into first or reverse?
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 02:27 PM
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It seems like when it doesn't want to go, it doesn't want to go. No matter what I try. Ultimately I can force it and it grinds a little but goes. If I take it out of gear and try again after forcing it, it goes back into gear no problem.

It's interesting, if I'm coming to a stop and down shift to first prior to stopping, it goes into first every time. If I leave it in neutral at a light, then it might not want to go back into gear.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 03:00 PM
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This sounds like a bellhousing alignment issue.

http://www.camaros.org/bellhousings.shtml
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 03:01 PM
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Your clutch is not disengaging completly.Check both ends of the Z bar.The end at the block has a habit of the ball stud backing out and then you loose some of the travel.Could also have a bad pilot.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 03:54 PM
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Hopefully it will be the ball stud backing out. That would be nice, but far nothing that has needed attention has been a simple fix.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by DWncchs
Your clutch is not disengaging completly.Check both ends of the Z bar.The end at the block has a habit of the ball stud backing out and then you loose some of the travel.Could also have a bad pilot.


Clutch Pilot Bushing (bushing in the flywheel) sounds like it's not disengaging from the pilot shaft of the trans. (could be too tight or somewhat maligned)

ez test:

It won't go into gear. remove hand from shifter. shut off engine. try to put in gear now (without wiggling the stick from where it was when it wouldn't go in gear). If it now goes into gear without fighting, I would lean toward the pilot shaft of the trans dragging on the clutch pilot bearing.

when you bought the car, was it listed as having "new clutch"?

Last edited by pbcanney; Jun 6, 2008 at 04:01 PM. Reason: not thrust... pilot
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 07:39 PM
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Thats interesting, I have the same problem and figured my clutch just wasn't releasing all of the way. Might have to look into the bushing.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by JustinD
Thats interesting, I have the same problem and figured my clutch just wasn't releasing all of the way. Might have to look into the bushing.
Justin did you use the stock type bushing or a needle bearing type?
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by DWncchs
Justin did you use the stock type bushing or a needle bearing type?
Bushing. I am thinking that I will switch to a bearing.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 09:16 PM
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Originally Posted by JustinD
Bushing. I am thinking that I will switch to a bearing.
I put a needle bearing in mine. When I test fitted the bushing, it was snug and I couldnt find an answer to how snug it should or should not be.

some criticize needle bearings as being suspectible to being torn up, but, that suggests to me either theres excessive movement in the pilot shaft or someones over beating on their drive train.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 09:20 PM
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Ya, when I put mine in I had to beat on it to get it in the hole.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by JustinD
Bushing. I am thinking that I will switch to a bearing.
Originally Posted by JustinD
Ya, when I put mine in I had to beat on it to get it in the hole.
I would put a bushing back in but dont beat it up AND leave it out of the crank by about 1/8".
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by pbcanney
I put a needle bearing in mine. When I test fitted the bushing, it was snug and I couldnt find an answer to how snug it should or should not be.

some criticize needle bearings as being suspectible to being torn up, but, that suggests to me either theres excessive movement in the pilot shaft or someones over beating on their drive train.
I believe the problem with the bearing tearing up is because the needle bearings are hard and the input shaft is soft.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 10:55 PM
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What should I use to get it in the crank with?
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by JustinD
What should I use to get it in the crank with?
I have a driver but an old input shaft works good.
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