Shift coupler adjustment...start position?

[Jvdv23]

Hi

I am trying to adjust the shifting coupler. The gearbox has been rebuilt 2000 miles ago. I installed a new coupler myself. I know the gearshifter should be in neutral when adjusting.

The shift coupler is attached to the axis of the gearbox. With the shifter you can move this axis to the front or back. What should be the starting position of the gearbox axis?

Thx

[86 911 Targa]

Lot's of posts here this subject

Also, have a look on youtube.

Gerry

[walt]

If you are in neutral you should be able to/turn the transmission shaft by hand. If memory serves me pull the gearshift gently towards the driver and move the transmission shaft the opposite direction. It make take several trials to get it right. Many think it is easier to start in first gear. The fore to aft adjustment is not critical. Not sure if I answered you question

[rwest]

I found this YouTube video to be a good visual explanation.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b3nPONBAaZM

[MichaelSJackson]

I used to adjust in the commonly recommended "neutral" position, but have changed to using the reverse position. With the coupler loose, put the trans in reverse, then click the shift lever into reverse. Now stir the shift lever to feel the total available adjustment. Forward and back, left and right. For me, most of the time (all the time?) the middle of this little box of slop, is the correct position to then tighten the coupler. You don't want the lever to have pressure on any of the sides.

After the coupler is tightened, shift to 1st. It should not be tight to get into and should also have a slop box the same size as reverse did. If it is tight, pressing on any side of the slop box, determine the direction it should be moved to float free. Left or Right, Forward or Back or some combination. Then go back into reverse and loosen the coupler. Adjust the sift lever's position within the slop box. Left or Right, Forward or Back as you determined while in 1st. Tighten the coupler and repeat the test, in 1st.

I found there was too big of a slop box when starting in neutral. And shifting into reverse was always the hardest position to adjust for. So I just started in the problematic position. If you know reverse is good and you can reach all the way to a comfortable 1st, then everything else is good.

Michael S. Jackson
'78 SC

[archstanton]

Interesting suggestion Michael.

My trans was rebuilt &new clutch ~3k miles ago. Ever since then it has been stiff (requiring too much effort) to shift out of 3rd and into 4th-both motions are stiff. Also, when in 5th the shift lever and transmission selector shaft are solidly locked into place- no play at all. To remedy this I've tried the adjustment procedure in neutral and fiddled w/ small placement variations, but it hasn't helped. I'll try your method. When I drove the car after the trans rebuild and asked the tech if it would loosen up with use he just said no and left it at that! I don't get any grinding when shifting into any gear, so I'm assuming its not a clutch adjustment issue

I notice that most of the adjustment procedures state there MUST be play in the lever when in 5th. Is that just because it all works better then? Or is there actually potential for damage if there isn't play when in 5th?

Brian
86 carrera

[josephvman]

I installed a WEVO coupler in my '84 today and like you I don't have any play in the lever when in 5th gear. There's no significant difference in stiffness coming out of a gear, but going into 5 does require a firmer push to the right. I actually like this very much, but I was going through adjustment threads and saw, as you probably did, something about having play in 5th gear, and then your question. Any experts on this care to respond? Any issues if there's no left/right movement when in 5th?

Originally Posted by archstanton

Interesting suggestion Michael.

My trans was rebuilt &new clutch ~3k miles ago. Ever since then it has been stiff (requiring too much effort) to shift out of 3rd and into 4th-both motions are stiff. Also, when in 5th the shift lever and transmission selector shaft are solidly locked into place- no play at all. To remedy this I've tried the adjustment procedure in neutral and fiddled w/ small placement variations, but it hasn't helped. I'll try your method. When I drove the car after the trans rebuild and asked the tech if it would loosen up with use he just said no and left it at that! I don't get any grinding when shifting into any gear, so I'm assuming its not a clutch adjustment issue

I notice that most of the adjustment procedures state there MUST be play in the lever when in 5th. Is that just because it all works better then? Or is there actually potential for damage if there isn't play when in 5th?

Brian
86 carrera

[RDM]

Unlike the other gears 5th has a spring, which takes up the slack.

[josephvman]

So a proper adjustment would have you pushing slight against resistance to get 5th? That’s exactly what I’ve gott.