Very HARD to shift into first

[Dr. Tweak]

This morning when I went out to my SHO I had the hardest time getting it into first. It finally went it but kept giving me trouble. It seemed like if I put it into second and then first it would go in okay.

This went on for probably 10 shifts into first, then it cleared up, gradually, not all at once.

Any ideas?

*edit* This was always at a complete stop.

 

[n8rsk8r]

I don't know what to tell you, but hope it works it's self out!

 

[Dr.Evil]

Do you have the short shifter? I have the same problem...only from a stop. I will try the 2nd to 1st trick and see if that helps.

I was told that when I installed my new tranny that the PP bolts were not torqued perfectly throwing off the clutch action slightly.

However with the regular shifter it is fine.

 

[AutoSHO]

Try changing the transmission fluid.

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Try changing the transmission fluid.

I just put in Castrol Syntech ATF a few weeks ago and it's been shifting fine. It's possible that it's leaked out, which is the first thing that I'll be checking.

 

[sdpatt]

Difficulty shifting into first gear at a stop indicates that the clutch is not fully disengaging.

Verify this by letting the engine idle and depressing the clutch. Hold the clutch pedal fully depressed for at least 5 seconds. After that length of time, the input and main shafts should have spun down to a stop. You should then be able to shift into the non-synchronized reverse gear without any grinding. If you still hear and feel grinding, the clutch is not fully disengaging. If you wait longer than 5 seconds and this occurs, it is a certainty that the clutch is still partially engaged.

Try the clutch cable re-tensioning by lifting the clutch pedal with about 10 pounds of force. If the cable is proerly tensioned and this still happens, the throwout (release) bearing and pressure plate fingers are likely worn. That would indicate it is time for a clutch replacement addition to the Phoenix Project.

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Scott,

I did that test several times. It seems that when I first go out to my car when it's cold and do it, it does grind. But after it's warmed up, (when I'm about to shut it off), and I do the test it goes into reverse perfectly.

 

[trainguy1989]

Scott,

I did that test several times. It seems that when I first go out to my car when it's cold and do it, it does grind. But after it's warmed up, (when I'm about to shut it off), and I do the test it goes into reverse perfectly.

Mine MTX does the same thing. Ever figure it out? TOB?

 

[Racer X]

5 1/2 years later...

 

[SHO SPD]

5 1/2 years later...

Atleast he searched

 

[AREA 91]

Sounds like it's time for a new clutch.
I would first pull the starter and check the pressure plate bolts.

 

[itwonder]

Make sure you have adjusted the clutch cable per Scott's instructions above. It can take a strong upward pull on the clutch pedal.

 

[trainguy1989]

Sounds like it's time for a new clutch.
I would first pull the starter and check the pressure plate bolts.

I installed a new clutch and TOB 500 miles ago. This is mind boggling

 

[Racer X]

I installed a new clutch and TOB 500 miles ago. This is mind boggling

Issue with the clutch cable bushing on top of the transmission, or the PP bolts are backing out because you forgot the red loctite.

 

[trainguy1989]

Issue with the clutch cable bushing on top of the transmission, or the PP bolts are backing out because you forgot the red loctite.

I will check that. It is just weird that these problems [grinding in reverse and hard stick (have to push it hard into each gear especially first)] only happens when cold. When the tranny warms up it shifts and drives perfectly. If the PP bolts and bushing were bad, wouldn't these problems occur when the tranny was warm too?

My original post:
http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=108112

Thanks for the help,
David

 

[trainguy1989]

I am leaning to my clutch not disengaging. I am just trying to figure out why it has trouble disengaging when cold and not hot. When cold and coming to a stop I can push the clutch pedal in and through the stick in first real easy. If I am already stopped and try to put in first I have to push pretty hard to get it in there. Also if the car is cold and I try to put it in reverse after a forward gear it grinds. If it is warm it goes into reverse perfectly. I have installed the drain plug and drained the fluid and filled it with Mobile 1 ATF. Clutch is less than 500 miles old. What could it be? Self adjusting mechanism, cable, etc?

Thanks for the help guys!!

 

[trainguy1989]

Tranny falling apart?

I really need some help. Yesterday I put GM Synchromesh in the tranny and did not change a thing. Still hard to shift when cold and getting worse when warm. When I push the clutch in I here a WHHRRRRRRRRRRRRR sound and when it is out I hear nothing. Also on the 3rd gear it seems to hit something on the way in. When I try do put the car in reverse, I shift into second, then neutral and wait 5 seconds to let things spin down and then into reverse, but it grinds like things are not disengaging. When the car is not running I can go through the gears flawlessly, but when she's running thats when its hard to shift. Clutch, TOB, Rod shifter bushings, are new. Used red lock tight on the pressure plat bolts. Used a 2x4 to hold the pedal up.

Its driving me nuts! Please help. This is my daily driver right now and I am afraid I am hurting it by driving it.

Thanks David

 

[Racer X]

something something something When I push the clutch in I here a WHHRRRRRRRRRRRRR sound some other stuff

Oh... well, this changes things a lot. Your TOB is shot, either because of age, or because a PP finger has worn through and taken out your TOB as collateral damage.

Sounds like it's time for a new clutch and TOB.

 

[trainguy1989]

Already on my 500 mile stock clutch? Darn!

 

[kevinspann]

Sounds like it's time for a new clutch.
I would first pull the starter and check the pressure plate bolts.

I've pulled the starter, but how are the pressure plate bolts accessed? Is the only way to check to rotate the engine and reach a couple fingers in there? If that's my problem, will they be noticeably loose?