Can't get it into gear

[walt]

Suddenly when driving I go to shift into 2nd and it won't go. Pulled off the side of the road shut off the engine and got it into gear and drove home w/o gear changes. I checked the shift rod coupling for slip and the motion of the actuator arm below the transmission. Everything appears to be okay. Just tried to back it out of the garage and can't get it into reverse.

I'm thinking the clutch cable has stretched/slipped. Anyway to confirm that or what else might be wrong? It has a Sachs clutch with 10K-15K miles.

Thanks,

[yelcab1]

Need more info.

Does it shift into gears with the engine off? if so, the problem is clutch related.
If it does not shift into gears (second or reverse) with the engine off, the gearbox is the problem.

The clutch related problem can be a cable, some adjustment, or a new clutch pack.
The gearbox problem needs about $5K

Either one will likely need to have the engine out again.

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Also check the plastic bushings on the shift linkage. Nos. 22 and 23

[walt]

With engine off can't get it into 4th and reverse. Goes into second but with some nudging. So you are thinking this is likely a gearbox issue then.

Pedro - just replaced the shifter and refreshed all bushings within the past 6 months.

[r lane]

A plate on the bottom of the trans, 4''x4'' and 4 bolts I think, has a fork bolted to it. I have seen the fork come loose. I guides the little finger that finds the shift rods. Bob

[Robey5]

Before going into the extreeeeeme; take a look at the shift joint/coupling; located in the tunnel, just behind the seats, under the green painted cover.

The reason? Well, my first drive after driveline installation included 3rd and 4th gear, as well as 5th, but I could not get reverse, 1 or 2. Embarrassingly, I adjusted the coupling until I was able to get all 5 gears with ease. Consider the simple before going in deep...

[gduke2010]

Mine did the same just after I bought the car. Went from shifting smoothly, then on a long Sunday drive it wouldn’t shift into gear. I had to start in 1st and drive home without a clutch. But, it could be something else mentioned above.

[yelcab1]

I agree. Spend some time with the shift adjustment before you drop the gearbox. Removing the inspection port is also a good idea. Once you have confirmed that all is good outside the box, then whatever problem remains, it's inside the box.

[walt]

Originally Posted by gduke2010

Mine did the same just after I bought the car. Went from shifting smoothly, then on a long Sunday drive it wouldn’t shift into gear. I had to start in 1st and drive home without a clutch. But, it could be something else mentioned above.

What did you find to be the problem?

[gduke2010]

It was the clutch.

[stevej37]

Pedal cluster bushing?
That's what mine did when bad.

[walt]

Looked at everything I could external to the transmission and clutch and couldn't find anything unusual. The clutch cable appears to actuate the clutch fork shaft fully, the oil drained clean with no bits falling out and the oil drain plug magnet was almost spotless. I removed the access plate from the bottom of the transmission and didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

Tried a dozen times to replace the access plate with the fork on it, never could get it. Had someone hold the shifter in neutral but the car was jacked so high in the rear the small pendulum arm inside the transmission kept swinging to the front of the car and I was unable to hook it with the fork. If that's not the right procedure please let me know.

Looks like engine drop time.

[stevej37]

I see no mention of the pedal cluster. That is exactly the same symptoms that mine showed.
Couldn't get it into gear with no prior problems.
Not saying that yours is the same...just easy to check.
It was my 84...$150 later...shifts perfectly

[walt]

Steve, I thought about the pedal cluster but the clutch cable at the fork arm on the trans is working as it should so it seems everything upstream must be in order. But your right, I'd best play it safe and have a look at the pedal cluster tomorrow.

[stevej37]

Any resolve to your prob yet?

[walt]

Pedal bushings OK. I have the engine prepped to drop, waiting on a jack adapter from Pelican. I've used a ATV jack in the past but thought this might be easier. Since I haven't done any trans work in the past I will probably find someone local to service it.

[stevej37]

Ok...good luck to you. Keep us posted.

[tdw28210]

I had his problem on my Targa. Turned out the cup (part #24 I think) was not able to be tightened down on the shift rod. The retaining screw threads were wallowed out. Had it welded until it could be fixed. THAT was a fun job, welding next to the fuel lines. I (mostly) outsourced that job. I stood by with a fire extinguisher after we jammed welding blankets into the tunnel.