Can't move shifter into first or second
 

I have a 1979 911 SC. My problem is that I cannot physically move the shifter into first or second. Third through fifth and reverse are fine. I don't get to drive it much :-( I'm not a mechanic but can make some repairs.

Early 2020, I was having shifting issues (not like this). A Porsche mechanic replaced the front and rear bearings. Things ran fine but after a couple of months, I had this same problem - not being able to shift into first or second - literally, the shifter hits the gate trying to get to these gears.

The mechanic took a quick look and through there might be an internal issue - there was a little metal inside the transmission when he pulled the fluid plug. I didn't want to go inside due to possible cost and Covid so the car sat for a year until I went back to the mechanic. He investigated and found a problem somewhere in the linkage. He replaced a part and then everything was fine.

However, after a few months, the problem came back. I am reluctant to return to the same mechanic and haven't located a replacement yet. So, I'm trying to figure out if there's something I can do. I have searched for this issue online and haven't found a solution. I have a service manual and have used the resources on this site to try and figure out how the linkage works. I'm assuming (maybe wrongly), that the bushings are OK, leaving some other part. The part I see that I think might be at fault is the shift rod coupling - if something broke or came loose. Before I open up access, I wanted to see of this is the right track or that's a waste of time.

Appreciate any feedback.

The mechanic should have rebuilt the shift coupler, installed a new bushing and new ball cup bushing at the base of the shifter. I might suggest you post a copy of the invoice. Some metal dust on the drain plug would be normal.

Maybe it's only a problem with the shift linkage. As Walt asked, can you share the invoice?

We've all walked through our shifter linkage. Not very hard, no special tools. Here is a link, from our host, that describes it, step by step. (The only black magic is the shift coupler adjustment. Just might take a few tries to get it right. As I said, we've all done this.)

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/101_Projects_Porsche_911/37-Shifting_Improvements/37-Shifting_Improvements.htm

No sense doing anything else until you're confident this is all good. It's also the least expensive path.

sounds like your shift coupling has rotated a bit due to the two 13mm nuts not being tight enough.

Sam,
It would be helpful to know what parts were replaced. If you can share the invoices or part numbers it would help eliminate possible causes. If the tunnel bushing was replaced along with the shift coupler and ball cup bushings, then you'd need to look at Mike's suggestion that the shaft has turned in the coupler due to loose bolts.

Thanks for all the help. The invoices I have are
1) Replace front shift bushings
2) No invoice, but I thought he said he replaced the two rear bushings when #1 didn't work

3) R&R Shift Coupling lock pin -- don't know what this is.

I opened up the panel and it was a quick diagnosis - there were NO bushings in the Shift Coupling. There were some pieces laying about but not enough to make two bushings so not sure how long that had been a problem. My plan is to replace the coupling, not sure how much damage could have been done to the coupling itself.

There are several coupling options on the Pelican site. Besides the performance choices, there is a Porsche part and an "OEM" part that has better reviews. I think the OEM part is fine for my casual driving.

Thanks again
Sam

"No bushings in the shift collar" Can you post a pic of the collar and the pieces you describe. You don't need to replace the entire collar you can just install new bushings and save some money.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1635709733.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1635709733.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1635709733.jpg

Here are the photos. Driver side and passenger side views and the biggest pieces.

As for replacing the whole thing, I'm not sure how hard to seat the bushings properly and not sure if driving with it this way could have done some damage to the coupler itself so I'll just replace the coupler with the bushings installed. The coupler is just over $100 and anything to save me frustration :-)

Sam

Wow. Shocked the mechanic didn't pick up on this.

I've got a few of these in my garage and one has brand new bushings. PM me if you are interested $50.00 includes postage.

Not going back to them for sure. I can tell they had the panel open - the carpet was loose so maybe they just didn't want to be bothered. Lesson learned. I don't think I can PM yet, not enough posts. But, I already ordered the part, thanks for the offer. I also needed some window switches.

Noticed you're form Raleigh. I bought this '79 there in 2000. Now I'm San Diego

BTDT, get a quality coupler and school your self on the install. Not real hard but has to be done right.

Good find. Get a set of Delrin bushings for the coupler. You’ll need them in a few years.
Now post an obligatory pic of your car. :)