Blocking Rings or Clutch?

[JRA2000TL]

I've noticed if I let my 89 sit for several days and then get into it and attempt to shift through the gears, whether the car is off or on at idle, it is VERY difficult to get into the gears (any of them) and still grinds in reverse. If, however, I start driving the car and get it moving, the shifting goes back to normal--goes through all gears, even reverse without grinding or anything. What's the deal? Worn blocking rings, bad clutch, etc.? Car currently has Valvoline MaxLife ATF in it. Should I try Pennzoil synchromesh? I'm pretty sure it has the original tranny at 256k. Being an 89, it doesn't have the updated fiber blocking rings. Just a case of an old, worn tranny? Like I said, it does this after it's been sitting....but once I start driving and get going, it smooths out.

 

[Vnuk1]

Just beat the shit out of it till it blows then crush it.

 

[SHOtimer]

Sure it isn't a classic case of OE?

Doug

 

[JRA2000TL]

No operator error. The car does not want to go into any gear after it's been sitting awhile. Once the car gets moving and warmed up, it's fine.

 

[intimdatr]

Change fluid and find a newer tranny.

 

[JRA2000TL]

I'm sure it needs one eventually. 95 needs a clutch first though. I found a local shop that'll put a Sachs clutch in for $650, including flywheel resurface. I don't really wanna pay that twice, so maybe I need to learn how to do a R&R on a MTX for the red car. When I do replace it, I'll find a 91 or newer with the upgraded blocking rings. I have too much $ in it and love this car too much to quit. The 89 is the most fun to drive SHO out of all that I've owned.

 

[intimdatr]

Or just pick up MRGL95's tranny hes got listed for 250 shipped :swing:

 

[Vnuk1]

Warm it up before you drive it

 

[SHORANGERBIRD]

sure it isn't a classic case of oe?

Doug

-ocd....

 

[JRA2000TL]

No, seriously....If the car has been sitting awhile as in a couple of days and I get in it and press in the clutch and shift through the gears (car running or not), it's VERY hard to get in most of the gears, having to use force. I start it up and get it moving, and it eases up immediately. It hasn't been freezing here, but my other car doesn't do that. It's like there's no fluid in it until I get going. It's weird.

 

[itwonder]

No guarantee, but here's what I would do:

1. Change to Mobil 1 ATF - it will take about 500 miles before you see much difference.
2. Replace that white cable bushing on top of the MTX with the new one SHOsource sells.
3. Adjust the clutch

 

[JRA2000TL]

No guarantee, but here's what I would do:

1. Change to Mobil 1 ATF - it will take about 500 miles before you see much difference.
2. Replace that white cable bushing on top of the MTX with the new one SHOsource sells.
3. Adjust the clutch

I can try #1. #2 Done this past week. #3 attempted, but apparently did not need adjusting.