4 speed muncie shift problem
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 58
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From: Apex NC
4 speed muncie shift problem
Bought a 1970 454 with engine and trans out. Had to reinstall, which I think I did correctly. When the engine is off, the trans shifts freely. But when I start the car, it will not shift at all. I can start it in a gear and it will move, but cannot shift it out of the gear I started in. I did not replace any of the trans parts, only reinstalled the used parts. Does it sound like a clutch problem?
Any trouble shooting suggestions?
Any trouble shooting suggestions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
That definitely sounds like a clutch problem. You may want to double check your clutch linkage before you remove the transmission again. Do you have enough (and not too much) free play in the pedal? I think you need between 1/2" to 3/4". It sounds like the clutch isn't dis-engaging the engine so you probably have too much free play. Try adjusting the linkage first. Also, is the shifter adjusted properly?
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 58
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From: Apex NC
4 speed muncie shift problem
We have adjusted the clutch linkage in increments to the very end and it doesn't help. When you ask, is the shifter adjusted properly, we have checked and rechecked the linkage from the shifter to the transmission. Is that what you mean? Or is there something in the shifter itseld that needs adjusting?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
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From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
make sure 1 and 2 arm is in the netural detent position,
make sure 3 and 4 are in the netural detent position
make sure the reverse are is not engaged.
If the reverse selector is selected with another gear it will be locked up.
with motor off can you shift thru all the gears ?
If all of the above is correct you got clutch linkage problems
make sure 3 and 4 are in the netural detent position
make sure the reverse are is not engaged.
If the reverse selector is selected with another gear it will be locked up.
with motor off can you shift thru all the gears ?
If all of the above is correct you got clutch linkage problems
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,504
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Bought a 1970 454 with engine and trans out. Had to reinstall, which I think I did correctly. When the engine is off, the trans shifts freely. But when I start the car, it will not shift at all. I can start it in a gear and it will move, but cannot shift it out of the gear I started in. I did not replace any of the trans parts, only reinstalled the used parts. Does it sound like a clutch problem?
Any trouble shooting suggestions?
Any trouble shooting suggestions?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have the exact same problem. Transmission input keeps turning so i could not get into gear. Problem started while I was driving.
I adjusted the gear locations so that shifting was as smooth as possible. This did not solve the problem. I took a movie with my camera and the linkage did move. I ended up pulling the motor (for other reasons) and will now assemble again. However I am still concerned about this issue.
During disassemble I noticed the place where the linkage attaches to the body was loose. Could this have been lifting up?
My gut feeling is it was still something inside the bell housing. However after disassemble everything looked fine. Could it be that the bearing got stuck on the fork?
I adjusted the gear locations so that shifting was as smooth as possible. This did not solve the problem. I took a movie with my camera and the linkage did move. I ended up pulling the motor (for other reasons) and will now assemble again. However I am still concerned about this issue.
During disassemble I noticed the place where the linkage attaches to the body was loose. Could this have been lifting up?
My gut feeling is it was still something inside the bell housing. However after disassemble everything looked fine. Could it be that the bearing got stuck on the fork?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
I agree, it sounds like a clutch disengagement issue. If you do not have a stock clutch and pressure plate (for instance a Centerforce), the clutch fork ball stud (in the belllhousing) may be too short and not allowing proper clutch pedal free play adjustment. Some people with Centerforce clutches have gone with an adjustable clutch fork ball stud. Just a thought.
