Notchy shifting, Resistance Going Into 1st & 2nd

[JRA2000TL]

The 89 shifts terrible unless it's warmed up really good...notably 1st and 2nd are hard to get in gear and seem notchy. I'm 95% sure the tranny fluid has never been changed as I know the PO and he was the 2nd owner (had it over 10 yrs). The car has 255k, clutch was redone approx. 190k by the PO. I'm thinking a change with Valvoline MaxLife ATF may help. I do get some grinding in 2nd and R once in awhile; however, if I wait a few seconds in N before shifting, I don't get the grinding (which is what you're supposed to do anyway). Any grinding occurs only when the car is being shifted from a cold start.

 

[SVOFANATIC]

Have you checked the fluid? Could it be low?

 

[NebraskaSHO]

Make a vacuum can like I did. Was a real breeze to change the fluid. I also used this to remove PS Fluid on the 89, and the trans fluid on both the 99 and my Ranger.

Cut a hole in the lid of a 32 oz. gatorade bottle. Attatch shop vac to this cap. Punch hole in top rim of bottle, install 1/4 or 3/8" fuel line. Turn vac on. Voila.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Yeah I've done the procedure on the 90 I had. I actually have a Tempo Oil Boy which I use to change the oil on my jetski. I just suck all the fluid out of that front plug with the 3/8" square head. Then I run a 1/2" piece of heater hose about 3 ft. long up through the top of the engine bay, attach a funnel, then use hang the funnel to the top of the hood with a piece of wire....then I refill the trans.

Just wondering if maybe changing the fluid would help or if my synchros and blocking rings are shot.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Sounds to me like clutch time.

 

[SHOtime2511]

yes,this very well could be a clutch issue.
I'd also check the shifter cables.

 

[93rev2sev]

sounds like a couple of pressure plate fingers have been worn through.

 

[SHOhopefull]

Jeremy, is it noisy when you start up? My red one is real noisy, and the symptoms are similar. And I'm positive it needs a TOB/PP.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Not noisy ever--other than replacing some gaskets and bearings, I've spent all I can spend on the car this year. Might need to budget for a clutch next year. Good thing it doesn't get driven much.

 

[itwonder]

First thing is adjust clutch cable. Slip you foot under the clutch pedal and pull up hard. Change the MTX fluid with Mobil 1 ATF. Is the operation of the clutch pedal even and smooth? If PP fingers are worn through you can usually feel some unevenness or light binding in the pedal as you depress it.

Go into third, then into reverse and see if that doesn't help with grinding.

 

[RonPorter]

Yep, could be the clutch.....although since it changes with temps, maybe not.

Anyway, a cheaper method is just to try different tranny fluids. Cheapo gear oil, Synchromesh and/or it's generics, and the Redline (the pricier stuff....try it last).

 

[jayro]

I would deifinitly try different fluids. Max life is what mine liked....did ok with synchromesh.....didn't like mobil one. I installed a drain plug in my case so changing fluid is just like an oil change. Since it gets better as it warms up I would think that a fluid change would help. Good luck

 

[JRA2000TL]

Thanks everyone. I'll try to change the fluid first and go from there. I've already tried pulling up on the clutch pedal. On every MTX SHO I've had (all 3), not one would let me pull up on the clutch pedal (so I'm guessing it's already adjusted?).

If it's clutch time. It'll be clutch time later on ;-) 95 needs a RF wheel bearing and 2 rear tires before the convention. That one takes priority right now since that's the car I'm taking to Charlotte.

 

[93rev2sev]

You should be able to pull up on the clutch pedal on all shos. It only moves maybe 3/8", but that releases the ratchet and allows the spring in the quadrant to pull extra slack out of the cable. I've never had one make an audible click except right after installation and then it can sound like a zip tie. Simply releasing the clutch quickly should provide the same effect as the inertia of the pedal propells it past it's "at rest" position.

I've never seen a clutch or shifting problem fixed by pulling up on the pedal, but doing so regularly allows the clutch cable to remain properly adjusted.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Argh!!!! I think it needs a clutch! Got in it and started it when I got home today...pretty hard to get in 1st and 2nd....even did the shift in 2nd, then to N, wait 3 seconds, then shift to R.....nasty grind.

Damn...my local reputable and GOOD tranny shop quoted me $1125. Guess that'll be a next year expense. I'll just drive it close to home for now and keep the battery charged. I have some work I need to do on it in the fall anyway. Convention and some minor stuff the 95 needs will pretty much eat up this year's car fund $.

I don't feel confident doing a clutch job myself unless someone wants to volunteer to help courtesy of much alcoholic beverages, food, some $ etc. Oh well, I got a project...spent too much to stop now, must move forward and let it empty my wallet.:banghd:

 

[SHOhopefull]

Just drive it up here for the tech meet... oh wait...

 

[JRA2000TL]

Just drive it up here for the tech meet... oh wait...

I knew when you were sitting in it at Glenn's and shifting through the gears it was notchy and grinding really bad. Oh well that's what I get huh? After the convention, my weekly contribution to the car fund will go toward its replacement I suppose. After the paint ordeal and the time and $ into it now, I'm keeping her.

 

[SHOhopefull]

Good... you need one of each LOL