Difficult shifting 4 speed ........
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Difficult shifting 4 speed ........
This just started yesterday, wasn't gradual at all. On my way home from the Niagara On The Lake Show ..... the old girl decided she didn't want to go into any gear. I have to shift very "aggressively" to get a gear change. What should I look for? Any tests I can do to give you more info?
Michael
Michael
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (75Rag)
Obviously, it is either one of two things. The transmission or the shifter linkage. As a start I would probably inspect the shifter linkage and make sure it is adjusted properly. If there is no obvious binding etc., I would disconnect the linkage from the transmission and see if the shifter rods move pretty freely. If they are binding then you have probably found your problem. You will need to remove the shifter and rebuild it. If the linkage moves freely then you may have worn syncros or shifter forks or some other problem. If it were me, I would pull the tranny, remove the side cover and investigate.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (BB68Vett)
I'm sure hoping it's the linkage. I tried double clutching and no difference so I don't think it's the synchro.
Might have to start hunting down a 5 speed, anyone got suggestions there?
Might have to start hunting down a 5 speed, anyone got suggestions there?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (75Rag)
Most likely it's the shifter linkage or the clutch. A clutch that is out of adjustment will make it difficult to shift gears. Was it wanting to grind the gears? If not, it's the shifter linkage. The rods could be binding up or the bolts that hold the linkage in place could have loosened up. It has happened to me before.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 10,073
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (75Rag)
The black rubber thing on the left is what's know as a 'clutch pedal'. Tou will find that depressing that before you attempt moving the shifter will improve performance dramatically..... :lolg:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (bence13_33)
Was it wanting to grind the gears? If not, it's the shifter linkage.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (SuperFast80)
The black rubber thing on the left is what's know as a 'clutch pedal'. Tou will find that depressing that before you attempt moving the shifter will improve performance dramatically..... :lolg:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (75Rag)
I agree that it could be the clutch linkage or the shifter linkage. If it changed suddenly I would suspect the pivot ***** for the bellcrank. Also, check the oil level in the transmission. Mobil One synthetic makes an old (or new) 4 speed shift really smooth. It's worth changing to it even it that's not the problem.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 6
From: lancaster ma
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (75Rag)
When i think of something that might change with heat or a long drive i would suspect the clutch. Check the adjustment. You seem to indicate that it was in all gears which also leads me to think there is still pressure on the drive train. I would think double clutching would improve a sycronization problem. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (adamdinat)
Thanks for the help guys! I've made note of all your comments and I'll check the obvious stuff first.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, Indiana
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (75Rag)
My push rod (clutch to cross shaft) broke this weekend. After putting it back together temporarily I noticed a difference in the clutch, and shifting. I think the rod was bending, finally work hardened and broke. It broke at the threaded end. There's not that much material there. Of course mine is 35 years old. Got a new one from the general today for $11.84.
Worth a look see.
Worth a look see.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (DaddyO)
I'll bet you a beer its the clutch no fully disengaging. Linkage wear, clutch pivot stud wear could be issues as well as it might need some adjustment.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (MikeC)
I'm going to lube the linkage first and try it out, then move on to adjustment, then ... I guess it's inside we go....
MikeC, I'll buy you a beer anytime you get down here!!
MikeC, I'll buy you a beer anytime you get down here!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (75Rag)
Just be careful after adjusting your clutch linkage..... it makes your clutch pedal a very different beast. The points where your clutch disengaged and engaged and the rate that the clutch will grab will be different. This means your leg will have to re-learn the clutch(I once spun the tires out of my garage because of this..... almost took off the sideview mirror doing it.)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (MikeC)
Just an update guys ...... the reverse lock out & linkage was hanging up, making it difficult to get any forward gear ...... cleaned and lubed ... all OK.
Thanks for the help. BTW, changed to synth gear oil too.
Thanks for the help. BTW, changed to synth gear oil too.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (burners)
It's good to hear that you fixed it. How does it shift with the new synthetic?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Difficult shifting 4 speed ........ (burners)
Right now I can say it's never been better, BUT, having said that, I'm not certain if the greatest gain came from cleaning a lubing the mechanism, or changing to synthetic.