scorp
And I have always done all of my own wrenching...
I have an 87 conv. with a 4+3, which last week began hanging up. that is to say, intermittently it blocks the 1st.-2nd. shift channel. you can get it into reverse, if stopped, but not into 1 or 2.
It happens, after the car is driven a few miles (can't get it to fail when cold) and then, after a couple of trys to get it free, the prob. goes away!
It has happend after backing out of a parking place and also when shifting down from 3rd.
When stopped, after backing out of a parking place and playing with the shifter, trying to get into 1st. a few times, it will finally go in, but when the problem is present, if you pull ahead slowly and then depress the clutch, it feels like a brake is dragging...or the reverse gear is partially engaged?
I cannot see anything external that may be causing it and, after reading some of your posts, wanted to check with you to see if you've seen this one before I tear into it....
over
I have pulled the interior (driver's seat, console covers, etc), but cannot see anything obviously wrong with the shifter...or the linkage.
And, as I said before, I cannot get it to fail at will....it fails when it wants to.
Gary
This is what happens when the synchro's start to go. Might be time to freshen the 4spd unit. Easy to do before there is a failure.
There is no binding in the shifter or linkage, except when this condition occurs and I can't get it to exhibit the symptoms except when driving it, and then only occasionally. Once it happens and I get it cleared up it had been OK for that outing...perhaps to fail again on the next trip to Wal Mart!!
Gary
I just received an email from Paul at 5speeds.com, another 4+3 guru.
He suggests the problem is being caused by wear on the reverse lock-out pin allowing me to bias the shifter too far towards reverse, bypassing 1-2. The bias can be adjusted by breaking the weld on the bias bolt, adjusting it to compensate for the worn rod, by moving it in and then tack welding the bolt back into place.
I'll be on it as soon as the markets close today!! and will let you know how went.
Regards,
Gary
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