My cousin owns a 1985 Corvette with the 4+3 Manual, and he's having shifting problems with the car. I've felt it myself, and 2nd gear will not engage, and reverse is very hard as well. 1st, 3rd, and 4th go into gear just fine. I'm thinking he has a linkage problem, but I have not experience with the 4+3 manual. Anyone else run into this? Common problem? Easy fix?


[Modified by C5Luv'R, 10:39 AM 4/21/2003]

 

I'm having the exact same problem. My motor is out right now, but when I put the new one in I'm going to try to bleed the clutch and see if that helps any.

 

Ray:

what is weird with my cousin's car is that you can feel it even when the car is not running. Just sitting the the driveway, with the engine off, rowing thru the gears, you can feel that 2nd is not going in. Try that with yours and see if it does the same.

 

Hey! Was everything fine, and then one day no shift? I have a 4+3 too. It kinda sounds like the linkage, but that stuff just doesn't change by itself. Any problems before this? :skep:

 

Tranny isn't in the car, but if I remember right, it was fine with the motor off. Does it grind reverse. Mine does some times. I can pump the clutch and it still grinds.

 

I had the same problem with mine (85 z-51) and was able to solve it (best $60 I've spent yet on this car).

There is a reverse lock out rod in the shifter that wears out. It is about 8 inches long and has the plastic **** that we use when we go into reverse. The end of it just kind of disintegrates. You can purchase this from Corvette Clinic (Chris Petris) in Florida, or if you are so inclined, manufacture your own for about $5. I'm sorry I don't have his #, but if you get Corvette Fever, he is often listed on 'how to' articles, or you can do an internet search for his website.

Doing this and adjusting the linkage per the manual changed my car back into a sportscar. Before it was miserable to shift, now it is nice and tight and I never miss 2nd gear, whereas before it was hunt and search for it.

Having the manual AND a blow-up schematic of the shifter assembly will help considerably. I was able to have Jeff Koop email me the schematic. Thanks again, Jeff.

This job took my brother and I about 3-4 hours and a few beers to accomplish. If you're motivated, it could be done in about 1.5-2. The driver's seat needs to be removed and the carpet pulled away from the tunnel to get at some of the areas that need work (adjusting the linkage, for example). Don't forget to add some lubrication to the linkage while you're in there.

Good luck!

 

The 4+3 in my 87 wasnt shifting so hot for a while, as simple as it seems I changed the clutch fluid and it feels much better now :cheers:

 

Never heard about this. If the clutch bleed doesn't work, I'll have to give it a try.

 

Sounds like it could definitely be linkage. The linkage can work loose over time, and the shift rod bushings/spring clips wear out and put slop in the system.