Transmission questions

[Youjustgotbeatbyasho]

Ok, I'll admit Im not a carnut completely but am learning quickly. I have a problem with my transmission and I think I know whats wrong but want to make sure. Ok every once and a while, seems the longer i let it go the more often, but when i shift into second and third it scratches on my manuial transmission. Its not all the time, but more frequently. But into first and fourth and fifth I have no problems. But if I scoot my seat forward and really slam the clutch its ok, which you cant really drive like that all the time. But I think its the clutch going out, and Ive been told it could be the pressure plate or the syncronizers? Plus with most cars Ive noticed that theres a little bit of pressure when you press on the clutch and mine goes to the floor quickly. Just wondering, if you guys know what can help I would really appreciate it. I just dont wanna pay $1,000 for a tranny rebuild if I dont have to which is what I was told I might have to do. Thanks

 

[SHOForum Admin.]

First things first.

Check that your trans is full with fluid
Check that there are no obstructions

How long has it been since the clutch was replaced? What kind of driving does it see? How much pressure is required to push the clutch pedal down? When you let back up off the pedal to engage a gear, where does the clutch engage in regards to pedal travel? i.e. Close to the floor, in the middle or towards the top?

Just from what you say it could be the clutch/PP, could also need new blocking rings or synchros....Need more info please.

 

[Youjustgotbeatbyasho]

When you put it into gear and let off it will go into gear, but say it gets stuck in a gear, if you let off about half way it will kick in. It just doesnt make sense because it only does it every once and a while. But theres not a whole lot of pressure in the clutch, like when I press it in it is really easy, a lot less pressure than the brakes. My driving isnt really that bad since its winter, I mean its been in its fair share of races and all that, but most the time I drive it normally, shifting out of 1st at 20, 2nd at 30, 3rd at 40 and so on. So I dont really rev it very hard. And I dont mean to sound retarted but how do you check tranny fluid on a manual? I dont see a dipstick and all I was told is that I have to drop the plug to find out and I'd rather not do that...I dont know about the clutch, just bought it about 6 months ago and they didnt say anything about the clutch. But Ive driven other cars and the clutch's are a lot stiffer and have more pressure in them than mine, thats why im leaning towards a clutch but not sure...thanks man

 

[Trojan Man]

Sounds like it's a worrn/broken pressure plate to me, or at least on it's way out. If the clutch doesn't fully disengage when you press it in, it will still have some pressure on the flywheel, which will make shifting hard and noisy.

If you have a friend who can help you, or you have the tools, a clutch job isn't too bad. You can get a replacement clutch kit for a lil over $200 if I recall.

To check your fluid, on the front side of the tranny underneath the car, you'll see a plug with a 3/8" square cut into it. Stick your 3/8" ratchet in there and unscrew it. You want the fluid to be level with the bottom of that hole. In other words, add more until it overflows out of the hole.

 

[Bizzy]

Youjustgotbeatbyasho:
And I dont mean to sound retarted but how do you check tranny fluid on a manual? I dont see a dipstick and all I was told is that I have to drop the plug to find out and I'd rather not do thattowards a clutch but not sure...thanks man

Pulling the fill plug on the tranny is easy. You can do it by putting the nub of a 3/8 ratchet in the square hole of the fill plug, using a breaker bar or even a long deep well socket to gain a better grip. Rightsy tightsy, leftsy loosey, same as with all standard bolts. Once the plug is out, stick your finger in the hole and if you feel fluid you're ok. It should be just at the bottom of the hole.

Here's what you'll see.

This would be prime time to drain and refill the tranny if you'd be up to it. I marked on the picture a bolt that a lot of folks remove to drain the tranny. Important thing to note though, if you take this bolt out do not move the shifter or spin the wheels as that bolt holds the alignment of some of the internal parts in place. If you anything you could lose the alignment. Also, when replacing the bolt use some teflon tape on it to seal it up. (Not pipe dope.) FWIW, any bolt that comes out of the wet side of the tranny should be sealed with teflon tape.

Give that a try and see if it helps. If not then it could be a synchro or pressure plate issue.

Good luck!

<small>[ January 28, 2004, 04:34 PM: Message edited by: Bizzy ]</small>

 

[SHO_Driver]

You've been given some great advice so far. Just to add some background info, normally a well worn SHO clutch will get very stiff and slow. At this point the pedal will only go soft if the clutch gets hot, let's say from quick, repeated shifts and then you'll experience clutch slippage. Since your symptons are nearly opposite I would suspect a broken component somewhere.

 

[Youjustgotbeatbyasho]

Thanks a lot guys you were a lot of help. Im gonna pull and drain the tranny this weekend hopefully and fill it. Then if the problem continues then Im gonna look into the pressure plate problem. Thanks again!

 

[autobahnsho]

Also, check your clutch cable is adjusted right. It's in the owner's manual, but pull UP on the pedal w/ about 10 lbs. of force. If the cable is too slack it's SUPPOSED to pull it tight. Sometimes the auto-tensioner doesn't work though....