Yet another 901 shifting question

[RallyJon]

Can you other <72 drivers tell me if this is normal?

When shifting from 1st to 2nd, it takes a lot of effort to get the lever out of first gear. I've tried it with some power still applied, I've tried it coasting, I've tried it fast, I've tried it slow, it just doesn't matter. It's almost like the gear mesh is holding it in gear.

I find it works best when I push the lever slowly straight forward towards reverse 'til it comes out of 1st, then I can zig zag it towards 2nd. Pushing straight towards 2nd makes it even worse. Every other gear is smooth as butter.

Is this normal? Any idea what causes it?

My clutch cable was just adjusted--so that's not a factor, the clutch is fully releasing.

Thanks! -Jon

[Scott Clarke]

Jon-
Thats not how mine was (prior to it blowing up). It took effort to get into first, but not out. This was with a short shift kit which, of course, increased shifting effort significantly in and of itself.
-Scott

[cegerer]

Not normal. Although, going into 2nd takes a little bit of effort and accuracy on mine. -- Curt

[RallyJon]

Hmmm--not good. Actually, it goes into 1st quite easily, but coming out is an effort.

I wonder what would cause that? The shift pattern seems spot-on, so if moving the lever puts it in 1st, the reverse motion should take it out the same way, right?

[red-beard]

The way the slider mushrooms as it wears could lead to this, but usually it will also be hard to get it into gear, and more often at a standstill.

Alternatively, there could be a problem with the internal first gear shiftrod and ball detant which hold the rod inplace when switching into other gears.

How is reverse and how is going between reverse and 1st at a standstill.

James

[jluetjen]

You definitely have an issue. The 1-2 shift on my 901 is no worse then any other shift with just a slight bump as the shifter crosses the reverse gate. The other thing to check are the engine and transmission mounts. I could picture the engine shifting enough under load to cause this sort of problem.

- John

[RallyJon]

How is reverse and how is going between reverse and 1st at a standstill.

Flawless. I should clarify that this only happens when moving. Engine speed doesn't matter--but it wouldn't since the clutch is in.

[SweetE]

Jon,

You might also want to check the transmission fluid level.

Your problem could be related to low or no fluid.

When they lose fluid and become very hot, they tend to lock up!

Don't ask me how I know!!!

[red-beard]

Actually, I'm talking the internal shiftrods, the ones the shift forks ride on.

OK - no hang up at zero speed. No hang up going into gear (Which for first should be near zero speed). The first gear system rides on the output shaft.

OK, how about what happends during a high speed downshift? I'm beginning to suspect a bad or mislodged brake band under the synchband.

And checking the fluid would be good too, if you haven't already done that.
James

[Todd Simpson]

I've had 2 different 901's and getting out of first is harder than the other gears, but nothing like what you describe. I agree that shifting towards reverse helps too, but I can also just push straight forward and let the springs guide it to second.

Have you tried pushing even further to the left as you go towards neutral?

[RallyJon]

Ok, by remarkable coincidence, I had the gear oil changed today to Swepco 212. FWIW, the level of the old oil was fine. Everything seems to have smoothed out a bit, but that may be cognitive dissonance talkin'.

but I can also just push straight forward

It's during the push forward that there's the "hump" of resistance to push through. I'll try pushing even more to the left and see if that helps.

what happends during a high speed downshift?

I can downshift from 2nd to 1st while moving just fine, with no grinding. 1st gear almost never grinds going in, under all circumstances. 1st gear whines quite a bit once engaged, though. For example, coming up to a stop, if I downshift to 1st while going 15-20, it will go right in, then make a gentle "woopwoopwoop" whining sound as I slow to a stop.

[jluetjen]

I'll try pushing even more to the left and see if that helps.

Why are you pushing to the left on 1>2 shifts? I use my palm to push the lever in the general 1:00 direction during which there is a slight bump as I cross the center of the patern. Pushing towards the left risks nicking reverse.

[Todd Simpson]

I push towards the left as I go towards neutral to take the load of the springs off the lever. My theory is the springs are trying to push the lever towards the 2-3 plane when you're not even out of first yet. Once in neutral I pause, then go straight up into second. It's a very deliberate straight forward, over to the right, straight forward type motion, and it does make getting out of first easier.

I can go straight forward right into second and let the srpings guide the lever but I find it works better this way, at least on my car.

[jluetjen]

Tod; In my car, doing what you describe is a sure way accidently catch reverse. I've found that shifting a 901 is definitely not like shifting a car with a gated H pattern. My car is happiest if I shift it like an upside down W pattern. Are you sure that your linkage is aligned correctly? It sounds to me like the linkage is binding.

Here's the adjustment procedure per the shop manual:

1) Remove the cover over the linkage which is on the tunnel in the back seat area.

2) Loosen the hex bolt on the shift rod clamp.

3) Move selector shaft of internal shift lever in transmission all the way left to stop while in neutral position. (Right or left is in direction of travel)

4) With transmissioon in neutral, move the gear shift lever to the right to stop.

5) Tighten the hex bolt of clamp to 18 lb/ft. (Insert serrated washer under the hex nut)

6) Check adjustment by shifting all gears. Also check play in the gearshift linkage. (Gearshift lever play should be the same in all gears in all directions.)

[RallyJon]

I'll try adjusting it this weekend.

3) Move selector shaft of internal shift lever in transmission all the way left to stop while in neutral position. (Right or left is in direction of travel)

Is this done from inside the tunnel, or do you have to get under the car?

4) With transmission in neutral, move the gear shift lever to the right to stop.

It's been in neutral the whole time, right? Or did step three put it into a gear?

[jluetjen]

Is this done from inside the tunnel...

>>> Yes

...or do you have to get under the car?

>>> No

It's been in neutral the whole time, right?

>>> Yes