901 Shifting Issues, 1st Gear

[Ovis]

After reinstalling my motor and transmission, I watched all the videos and read all the threads on adjusting the shifter. This is for a 901 5 speed transmission. I also had taken apart and rebuilt the shifter. I got it close and was able to drive the car for a few days before the snow came.

The only issue I had was getting the shifter/transmission to go into first gear while at a stop. If the car was rolling it would go into 1st every time, no problem, but when stopped at a light, I really had to work for it to go into first, and usually only after a considerable clunk feeling in the shifter.

Just looking for some advice and or ideas on where to start looking. Just seems weird to me that it will go into first every single time while it's moving, but at a dead stop it takes a miracle to get it into first.

Thanks for your help!

[nickelplated5s]

It's called the 'double shuffle.' Threads about it but basically neutral, another gear, neutral than first. There are other ways that work too but read the thread. It's a 901 box and is normal. FWIW Matt Monson of Guard fame says 'if you want to launch it' start in second.

[Ovis]

Originally Posted by nickelplated5s

It's called the 'double shuffle.' Threads about it but basically neutral, another gear, neutral than first. There are other ways that work too but read the thread. It's a 901 box and is normal. FWIW Matt Monson of Guard fame says 'if you want to launch it' start in second.

Interesting, I'll see if I can find the thread. If you happen to have a link, send it my way. Thanks man!

[Bob Ashlock]

It's always been a bit of a puzzler to me. Even with new dog-teeth and synchro they still can be stubborn at a dead stop. I usually get it into first while still rolling down to a stop, or put it in neutral, clutch out to get the gears spinning and then depress clutch and pull into first gear.

[Ovis]

Originally Posted by Bob Ashlock

It's always been a bit of a puzzler to me. Even with new dog-teeth and synchro they still can be stubborn at a dead stop. I usually get it into first while still rolling down to a stop, or put it in neutral, clutch out to get the gears spinning and then depress clutch and pull into first gear.

Thanks Bob....I don't get it either. The transaxle has been rebuilt with all new internals and shifts wonderfully while moving, it's just at a dead stop that I can't get the shifter to
"pop" into gear. It doesn't grind or anything, just won't find first.

By the way, the CDI box you put together for me has performed great. My new motor rebuild absolutely rips! Just wish I didn't have to wait until spring to drive it again.

[john walker's workshop]

if someone used 2 brake bands in 1st instead of one, which is stock, it's harder to get in gear at a stop.

[nickelplated5s]

First off always listen to John or EdMayo. Second is, yes, you can slip it into first coming to a stop. Personally I don't like sitting on the throw out bearing. 901 box = classic car so anyone can wait 5 seconds. What you described sounds normal to me. Mines been rebuilt and I've owned it a very long time, same issue.

[Ovis]

I've been perusing the forms for quite a few years now, and you are correct. Anything I ever see from John Walker, Ed Mayo, Henry Schmidt, etc.....I value their knowledge and advice. I am fortunate that I have an awesome guy here in Alaska that helped me as I rebuilt my motor, but I hate bugging him all the time with questions, so I turn to the forums.

It sounds like my first gear issue is quite normal. I think it will just take some driving of the car to figure out what works best to get it into first. The 901 was rebuilt with a 904 mainshaft and new, closer ratio gears. It is wonderful, and with the motor I built, it is 10 times the car it was the last time it was on the road 15 years ago.

Now if Spring would just hurry up and get here.

Originally Posted by nickelplated5s

First off always listen to John or EdMayo. Second is, yes, you can slip it into first coming to a stop. Personally I don't like sitting on the throw out bearing. 901 box = classic car so anyone can wait 5 seconds. What you described sounds normal to me. Mines been rebuilt and I've owned it a very long time, same issue.

[Krieger914]

Is the clutch cable adjusted properly?

[Matt Monson]

When you let out the clutch and sit there idling in neutral, the mainshaft on the gearbox is still spinning. Only when you depress the clutch does it come to a stop. Either you have to let the synchros do that or wait for it to stop by itself. About a second

[nickelplated5s]

Saw a Valet stand the other day. "No manuals." Plus is less likelihood of it getting stolen. Then there is some of the old farm equipment I've driven...

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by nickelplated5s

Saw a Valet stand the other day. "No manuals." Plus is less likelihood of it getting stolen. Then there is some of the old farm equipment I've driven...

I’ve got a ‘58 Porsche Super tractor. 4 speed, with hi-lo, making it an 8 speed. Non-synchronized.

[gled49]

I always install an 08 synchro in 1st instead of an 06 , which is the normally sold part. The 08 is described as an easy shift synchro which might of come from the 924, not sure about that. The original synchros in early boxes had narrow gap in the synchro and the replacements had a wider gap creating more tension. I’ve had good results using this in dog leg 1st gearboxes. The part numbers might of changed.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by gled49

I always install an 08 synchro in 1st instead of an 06 , which is the normally sold part. The 08 is described as an easy shift synchro which might of come from the 924, not sure about that. The original synchros in early boxes had narrow gap in the synchro and the replacements had a wider gap creating more tension. I’ve had good results using this in dog leg 1st gearboxes. The part numbers might of changed.

We did this as standard practice on racecars where we had put an active first gear ratio into it. I may still have a few on the shelf here.

[frosty2]

I have a 911/01 gear box as well and have the same issue at a street light with not always wanting to go into first. As others have said it goes in better at the end of your rolling stop but I find it much easier to just use 2nd gear to take off in.
I find it takes off very smooth in 2nd and also gives a much longer gear that way which is perfect for down town driving.
Mike

[nickelplated5s]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

I’ve got a ‘58 Porsche Super tractor. 4 speed, with hi-lo, making it an 8 speed. Non-synchronized.

It was an early 60's John Deere. Shifting pattern made no intuitive sense But I figured it enough to scrape my shop out before pouring concrete. Then there's the Peterbilt with a 'jockey' box. As far as I know that's a two stage transmission versus a split year end. Never figured that one out.

As Matt said long ago, 'if you want to launch a 901 use second.' I've got a chipped first on my shelf. I don't drive that car downtown so the double shuffle and whomever waiting I'm fine with.