Darn omega spring

[hughc]

I've got engine / transmission back in car and now I'm dealing with the omega spring.
Should've dealt with when transmission was still separate from engine which would have allowed me to roll transmission on it's back to have better access to everything.
Anyway, now I'm on my back trying g to sort it out, and it ain't easy.
Again, I didn't take photos but I think I know the orientation but I'm not 100% sure.
It seems as though it's going to be tricky getting the loose end of the spring over the holding pin.
If anyone has a face on picture of that complete assembly it would certainly help confirming the proper orientation of the spring AND if anyone has a trick for installing that spring I would like to hear it.
Thx
Hugh

[SCadaddle]

I've almost seen this spring installed, once. That being said, there is a method that allows the omega spring to be put in place, but not quite in the correct place, where upon a large screwdriver is used to lever it so it snaps into the correct place and works as it should. Like I say, it happened so fast when the best 911 mechanic in all the world did it that I missed it. I don't recall if it rotated or seemingly turned inside out on itself, but it was an easy task for the guy who has done a bunch of them.

[jjeffries]

Hugh, sorry no photos, but maybe look at Google images and/or do some searches here on PP. I have an 82 SC and have experience with my omega spring and just want to tell you, "It will be OK". The 915 version is really quite easy to deal with, and like the other fellow stated, with a large screwdriver CAN be popped over the pole against which it retains tension. I have a friend with a 930, however, and THAT omega is a brute. Best of luck, John.

[Jdub]

See here.

[hughc]

Thanks to all that replied. I was finally able to get that spring in place as it should. But it wasnt easy.
I tried with a screwdriver but I wasnt getting anywhere since it kept slipping away.
I found a piece of steel tube that was slightly larger in diameter than the pin and cut a 45* angle at the bottom which would allow easier positioning of the tube over the pin.
So with enough force I was able to locate the spring end over the pin.
I think it would be considerably easier if the heat exchanger wasnt there.
So I got the spring in place and proceeded to get the cable adjusted.
Having done that I hooked up the shift coupling , then sat in driver's seat to give every thing a try.
Well, the shift road would not budge. Neither for or aft, nor would it rotate.
So, what have I done?
When I had the transmission on the floor I had removed the shift cover only because I had read that occasionally the inside nuts might loosen and I thought "what better time" to check the nuts.
As it turned out they were all tight. So I replaced the cover with a new gasket and the cover went in place very easy, no forcing.
So obviously I am wondering now if something happened during that operation that is causing the shift rod to hang up.
If need be i will drain the tranny, remove the cover and try to determine if something is not right.
Not looking forward to that operation.
I will try to get more opinions as to why the shift rod appears seized.
Thx again.
Hugh

[tirwin]

Is this a 915 transmission?

If you do drain the transmission fluid, remember to make sure you can loosen the fill plug FIRST before you drain it.

Starting with the simple things first, are you sure the shift linkage and the coupler are adjusted properly? If you disconnect the shift linkage from the coupler in the tunnel, you should be able to grab the coupler by hand to twist and pull forward/backward to select gears. If you can do that, then the problem is elsewhere.

[hughc]

Thank you Tim.
Yes, 915 box out of 83sc.
No adjustment was made to coupler after engine removal so it should be fine.
I disconnected the coupler but the shift rod from the tranny appears to be locked solid. No in and out movement and and no rotation either way.
I tried rotating the axle flanges to no avail.
I'll take a break and give it some thought.
Thx
Hugh

[tirwin]

Hugh,

When you had the engine out, did you separate the trans from the engine?

Scratching my head too.

[hughc]

Originally Posted by tirwin

Hugh,

When you had the engine out, did you separate the trans from the engine?

Scratching my head too.

Definitely. Replaced main crank seal and transmission input shaft seal, T/O bearing guide tube and pilote bearing.

Also replaced T/ O bearing itself.
At this point I suspect something in transmission moved when I removed the shift cover for inspection and it seems I'll have to remove that cover to see if anything is askew.
TBO, transmissions are more of a mystery to me than engines and as much as I hate the thought I think I'll have to remove that plate once again for a look/see.
I hate the thought of having to drain the tranny
and worst, having to re-fill it.
That plate gasket is $6 from pelican and $23 to ship to Canada. WTF, ridiculous or what?
I'll get under the vehicle later today to see if anything else might cause my problem, but I'm not very hopeful.
I'll keep you informed.
Cheers

[jjeffries]

I re-used that gasket once. If it's still in one piece and you wipe it down with some of your favorite solvent then smear a little ultra grey or favorite sealant you'll likely be fine. This may be a bit too "hack" for some, so better advice could be to buy some gasket paper locally and use the old one as a template for a new replacement, cut by your with an Exacto knife. Best of luck, John

[hughc]

Well we got the transmission straightened away . The problem was caused when the inspection plate was removed. Something moved out of sinc before the plate was put on and that caused everything to seize up.
I have a friend that knows manual transmissions and he offered to have a look at it. Problem solved in 5 min
I'll refill the gearbox tomorrow and carry on buttoning everything up. Still have a few items that I'm awaiting and once they arrive I think I'll be ready to turn the key.
Should be fun.
Hugh

[hughc]

Well, almost there.
Yesterday I connected battery, turned the key and she fired right up.
Pretty pleased about that.
I still have to install the half shafts and wheels, get a timing light on it and hopefully I'm on my way.
I'll start it up and let it run to see that its behaving properly.
It was a bit of a long road and I'm glad its behind me and that it seems to have worked out well. So far.
Cheers
Hugh