gearbox shifter query

[Alan L]

So my SC gearbox works well - no issues over the last 20 yrs. Even after 1-200 miles without a clutch once. But it does have a quirk which I don't understand.
If I coast to a stop in 5th, I cannot get it out of gear. So I work around that by downshifting to another gear. Then it is fine at a stop, can get to neutral no problem.
But if I arrive at a red light for example, in 5th, I would be stuck in 5th. If I tried to deselect by force it feels like it would break a selector fork. I have managed to get it back to neutral by rocking the load on the box with some revs and the clutch. Pick the point when the load just shifts from load-no load.
What causes this issue?
Not about to tear the box apart, it is fine. But would like to understand what is going on.
Thanks
Alan

[proporsche]

very strange to arrive to stop sign in 5th if you ask me;-)
i`d just say, don`t do it...

Ivan

[ErrorMargin]

My first thought is to check or just replace the shifter bushings and then readjust the shift coupler. There are plenty of videos on how to do this, just search.

Be sure to replace all four bushings; two in the coupler itself, one on the shift rod and one that connects the shift lever to the shift rod. Our host sells a kit with all the bushings needed: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/PELBUSHKIT1N.htm?pn=PEL-BUSHKIT1N&bc=c&SVSVSI=0581

This is a relatively easy Saturday afternoon DIY.

[Alan L]

Yeah I guess that is a possibility. Easy to do. Thx

"very strange to arrive to stop sign in 5th if you ask me;-)
i`d just say, don`t do it..."
Just coasting - clutch in, knowing I am going to a full stop. Why go thru needless downshifts?
What I tend to do then - knowing the issue, is flick to neutral and just coast.
Alan

[PeteKz]

I assume you made damn sure the clutch is fully disengaging.

[Kraftwerk]

Inherent in the design of any standard-shift car, is an expected, down shift - a few gears - if you are anticipating a stop, it's much safer and healthier for the mechanics of the clutch & transmission than what you are practicing. The fact you can't shift out of fifth, is proof that the Porsche engineers are mad at you. Your car has a soul you know, don't hurt its feelings.

[Alan L]

Yes - I guess they are punishing me. One downshift is enough to rectify it. So I don't coast to a stop in 5th - for many yrs. because I know what happens.
The odd thing is if I do same in say 2-3-or 4, no issue. Just 5th.
Yes Pete, clutch is good. The gearbox and clutch are working beautifully (fitted complete new clutch asseembly 2-3 yrs ago)- can't complain. Just wondering what the issue may be - other than some angry guys in Stuttgart.
I think the F1 engines have telemetry that tells the builder on the other side of the world every time is is fired up. Maybe my SC is ahead of them.
Some day, sometime, I may end up pulling the gbox down. If so, if there was something in there that was not right, I would prefer to be able to address it.
Regards
Alan

[proporsche]

i wonder in what speed you are at in 5th when you are cruising???

Ivan

[Alan L]

Open hwy - say 100kmph (about 60 mph).
the typical situation would be like a country road, approaching a stop sign. 100m out, start slowing, braking, knowing you have to come to a full stop. Not a lot to gain by downshifting thru 4 or 5 gears. For what reason? Coast to a stop and look for neutral. If your were in 5th you would be stuck in 5th.
Not sure if it is a general problem, or an issue in the g/box.
A first world problem, for sure.
Just wondering if there is a problem in the gbox that could be rectified at some later time - something not quite right.
Alan

[proporsche]

kinda slow for the 5th gear i would say 100m to go and still in 5th??.....basically shift into 4th and problem solved....

Ivan

[76FJ55]

That's definitely a weird problem.

If you shut the engine off does it does it allow you to move from 5th to N?

If you were already stopped and in N, then put it into 5th would it immediately stick, or could you just move back to N? is it associated with coasting to a stop in 5th, or just being stationary in 5th?

[proporsche]

let`s see what Matt Monson will say....

Ivan

[thetorch]

if the adjusting nut (22mm I believe) on the front of the shift tower is too tight, you can get stuck in 5th due to the lockout mechanism. Ask me how I know...easy to check it.

[Alan L]

Originally Posted by 76FJ55

That's definitely a weird problem.

If you shut the engine off does it does it allow you to move from 5th to N?

If you were already stopped and in N, then put it into 5th would it immediately stick, or could you just move back to N? is it associated with coasting to a stop in 5th, or just being stationary in 5th?

I haven't tried putting it in 5th from neutral.
If I am coasting to a stop, in 5th I have to get it out of 5th before stopping, or it will be stuck there.
Sounds like The torch has supplied an answer - thx. Just didn't know where to look.
Where do I find that nut?
Alan

[Alan L]

Originally Posted by proporsche

kinda slow for the 5th gear i would say 100m to go and still in 5th??.....basically shift into 4th and problem solved....

Ivan

Ivan - our max road speed is 100kph. I think from memory my SC is doing around 2200rpm. in 5th.
Some of our roads are now reduced to 80kph (50mph). Why, because people keep crashing. So instead of improving the roads, or making people drive better, it is better we all go slower.
Luckily I get to drive my 930 at WOT on a track, so I am happy cruising in my lazy SC. The torque makes for very easy driving, and I am still allowed to attack the corners at a speed the car will handle :-)
I have had 2 clutch cable failures (clevis pin/fork). No fun. Have modified that bit now.
So I just don't do needless downshifts when cruising to a stop.
But yes - down 1 gear and problem solved. But my original Q was - what would cause the issue.
Looks like The torch has the answer - which I am glad to find.
Regards
Alan

[Schulisco]

Before you try to pull the gear lever out of the 5th gear, push it more into the 5th gear lane. Then try to pull it into neutral lane. Does this work?

Thomas

[Alan L]

Thanks Thomas - but I am not really looking for a work-around - I just avoid the issue. Was really looking for the reason it behaved like that.
Regards
Alan

[Schulisco]

Originally Posted by Alan L

Thanks Thomas - but I am not really looking for a work-around - I just avoid the issue. Was really looking for the reason it behaved like that.

Alan. This "hack" was intended to be part of my troubleshoot to narrow the issue down, I didn't write anything that this would be my solution. But well, it's your car. Too bad. Good luck.

Thomas

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by Alan L

Ivan - our max road speed is 100kph. I think from memory my SC is doing around 2200rpm. in 5th.
Some of our roads are now reduced to 80kph (50mph). Why, because people keep crashing. So instead of improving the roads, or making people drive better, it is better we all go slower.
Luckily I get to drive my 930 at WOT on a track, so I am happy cruising in my lazy SC. The torque makes for very easy driving, and I am still allowed to attack the corners at a speed the car will handle :-)
I have had 2 clutch cable failures (clevis pin/fork). No fun. Have modified that bit now.
So I just don't do needless downshifts when cruising to a stop.
But yes - down 1 gear and problem solved. But my original Q was - what would cause the issue.
Looks like The torch has the answer - which I am glad to find.
Regards
Alan

So,was the 22 nut tight and the problem is gone?
Ivan

[Alan L]

I am not sure where it is Ivan. I did post a query for Thetorch - but not heard yet.
I am guessing it is external near the shift stick, rather than internal in the box?
Regards
Alan