75Rag

This just started yesterday, wasn't gradual at all. On my way home from the Niagara On The Lake Show ..... the old girl decided she didn't want to go into any gear. I have to shift very "aggressively" to get a gear change. What should I look for? Any tests I can do to give you more info?

Michael

BB68Vett

Obviously, it is either one of two things. The transmission or the shifter linkage. As a start I would probably inspect the shifter linkage and make sure it is adjusted properly. If there is no obvious binding etc., I would disconnect the linkage from the transmission and see if the shifter rods move pretty freely. If they are binding then you have probably found your problem. You will need to remove the shifter and rebuild it. If the linkage moves freely then you may have worn syncros or shifter forks or some other problem. If it were me, I would pull the tranny, remove the side cover and investigate.

75Rag

I'm sure hoping it's the linkage. I tried double clutching and no difference so I don't think it's the synchro.

Might have to start hunting down a 5 speed, anyone got suggestions there?

bence13_33

Most likely it's the shifter linkage or the clutch. A clutch that is out of adjustment will make it difficult to shift gears. Was it wanting to grind the gears? If not, it's the shifter linkage. The rods could be binding up or the bolts that hold the linkage in place could have loosened up. It has happened to me before.

SuperFast80

The black rubber thing on the left is what's know as a 'clutch pedal'. Tou will find that depressing that before you attempt moving the shifter will improve performance dramatically..... :lolg:

75Rag

No ... it was just being difficult getting it all the way into the "gate", it felt like it was binding about 1/2 way thru the throw.

75Rag

Gee ..... thanks Flav. I thought I only had to press that to get it started. :D

burners

I agree that it could be the clutch linkage or the shifter linkage. If it changed suddenly I would suspect the pivot ***** for the bellcrank. Also, check the oil level in the transmission. Mobil One synthetic makes an old (or new) 4 speed shift really smooth. It's worth changing to it even it that's not the problem.

adamdinat

When i think of something that might change with heat or a long drive i would suspect the clutch. Check the adjustment. You seem to indicate that it was in all gears which also leads me to think there is still pressure on the drive train. I would think double clutching would improve a sycronization problem. Good luck.

75Rag

Thanks for the help guys! I've made note of all your comments and I'll check the obvious stuff first.

Thanks again!

Indy Year 25

My push rod (clutch to cross shaft) broke this weekend. After putting it back together temporarily I noticed a difference in the clutch, and shifting. I think the rod was bending, finally work hardened and broke. It broke at the threaded end. There's not that much material there. Of course mine is 35 years old. Got a new one from the general today for $11.84.

Worth a look see.

DaddyO

Try getting under the car and spraying the linkages with white lithium grease. Worked for me with the same problem. :thumbs:

MikeC

I'll bet you a beer its the clutch no fully disengaging. Linkage wear, clutch pivot stud wear could be issues as well as it might need some adjustment.

BB68Vett

I am sorry I didn't also think of the clutch/clutch linkage. A very good possibility.

75Rag

I'm going to lube the linkage first and try it out, then move on to adjustment, then ... I guess it's inside we go....

MikeC, I'll buy you a beer anytime you get down here!!

MikeC

Just be careful after adjusting your clutch linkage..... it makes your clutch pedal a very different beast. The points where your clutch disengaged and engaged and the rate that the clutch will grab will be different. This means your leg will have to re-learn the clutch(I once spun the tires out of my garage because of this..... almost took off the sideview mirror doing it.)

75Rag

Just an update guys ...... the reverse lock out & linkage was hanging up, making it difficult to get any forward gear ...... cleaned and lubed ... all OK.

Thanks for the help. BTW, changed to synth gear oil too.

burners

It's good to hear that you fixed it. How does it shift with the new synthetic?

Fevre

I know when I switched to syn it did shift smoother.

75Rag

Right now I can say it's never been better, BUT, having said that, I'm not certain if the greatest gain came from cleaning a lubing the mechanism, or changing to synthetic.