Problem hitting 3rd

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Apr 19, 2007 | 04:07 PM

gg91c4

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 171

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From: Winston-Salem NC

Problem hitting 3rd

On a '91 what could make shifts into third difficult?
It just flicks into all others but sometimes 3rd requires varying degrees of force.

Apr 19, 2007 | 09:53 PM

bogus

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 40,156

Likes: 45

From: San Pedro CA

I assume this is a manual?

You may want to change the oil, first... just to see what is going on.

What is the condition of the clutch hydraulic fluid?

I am thinking it's a minor issue.

www.c4guru.com - Changing ZF6 Fluid - this will give you instructions on how to change the fluid.

Apr 19, 2007 | 10:59 PM

Dads90

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 898

Likes: 1

From: Pearland Texas

As silly as it sounds, I turn my hand around, where I can see the back of my hand and shifting into third goes so much smoother. I too struggle getting it into third, but this trick will hit third everytime.

Apr 19, 2007 | 11:43 PM

bogus

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 40,156

Likes: 45

From: San Pedro CA

I am wondering about the shifter carrier. There is an assembly that holds the shifter in place, it's made of pig metal and can crack. Changing the pressure on the shifter can change the pressure on the assembly.

Apr 20, 2007 | 01:22 AM

CentralCoaster

Team Owner

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 24,337

Likes: 25

From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed

Taking the slop out of that carrier/cradle helps.

3rd gear is always the first one to suck on these ZFs.

Apr 20, 2007 | 09:38 AM

gg91c4

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 171

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From: Winston-Salem NC

Gentlemen, It is a 6spd. I must run off now. Thank you all so much. Hope to be back tonight or tomorrow.

Apr 20, 2007 | 10:15 AM

pr1mu5

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 904

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From: Boynton Beach FL

If I grind a gear, it's always 3rd...

Apr 20, 2007 | 10:32 AM

BADDUCK

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 5,642

Likes: 5

From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas

IIRC there are bias springs that help guide the shifter into 3rd gear. My ZF seems to shift better when it is warm. 3rd and 5th seem to be the "sloppiest" gear throw on my 1989.