84 Stiff shifter.

HotPorsche · 10-19-2003, 05:12 AM

I hate to keep asking questions but I cannot contribute much to the BBS yet. My 84 911 shifter is very stiff to get into and out of most all gears. The car has mostly lived in Atlanta but did move to New Jersey for two years. Some times I have to slightly bump it to get it out of 5th. Any ideas on where to start looking?

Dan Owens · 10-19-2003, 06:34 AM

Jeff,

I would suspect a couple things could be wrong and it may be a combination of things. You didn't mention any grinding so I presume that's ok. Your description wasn't very extensive so here goes my thought process.

1. Change out the trans fluid and go to sweepco fluid.

2. Check the coupler bushings in the shift tunnel behind the front seat under the access panel in the back floor board. These start breaking down over time and prevent proper alignment of the shift shaft when selecting gears.

3. Reset the alignment of the shift lever and the trans shaft via the shift coupler in the same tunnel.

4. Pull the gear selection lever and check the bushing at the bottom and replace.

5. Adjust the clutch

You can do a search on the board archives or look under the tech section and find plenty of help in the way of discussions and also explanation of how to do these. They are all very DYI projects and not very expensive at all.

scottb · 10-19-2003, 07:20 AM

First of all, start with the premise that your 915 transmission is never going to shift as well as a Honda or Nissan. That's just a fact of life for us mid-80s Carrera owners.

Aside from that, I'd echo everything Dan said. I did all of his suggestions, and the improvements were noticeable. Maybe not dramatic, but noticeable. Also, while you're in there, there's a bushing that holds the rod that runs from the shifter back to the shift coupler. You should replace that one also, in addition to the one at the base of the shifter and the coupler bushings. Replacing the one holding the shift rod generally won't improve your shifting (much, if at all), but they do wear and since you'll have it apart, now's the time to do it.

If you haven't already done so, buy yourself a Bentley manual and Wayne's 101 Projects book. Both are indispensable when doing this sort of tinkering.

Good luck. Let us know how things work out. And, welcome to the party!

Scott

Early_S_Man · 10-19-2003, 08:14 AM

Jeff,

One thing separate and aside from the previous good suggestions ... the condition of the grease and any wear-product contamination inside the shifter itself!

I suggest removing and disassembling the shifter to clean thoroughly with Brakleen or similar solvent . The factory used a simple lithium grease, but I like Valvoline SynPower Synthetic grease with Moly #985 or #986.

The following diagram may help in the reassembly:

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

The following article should help:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_shifting_improvements/911_shifting_improvements.htm

HotPorsche · 02:23 PM

Thanks for the great information. FYI I do have the 101 projects, and Chiltons for Porsche, as well as the Porsche Engine rebuild book. I do understand that these cars shift slower than the GM products however I also have a 77 911 and it shifts smooth and easy. Sounds like linkage adjustment or bushings. I'm going to start by changing the transmission oil and go from there.

911pcars · 10-19-2003, 04:27 PM

Have you checked clutch pedal free play (adjusted clutch?)? Does the gearbox shift easily into reverse or does it grind?

Sherwood
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

HotPorsche · 10-27-2003, 02:24 AM

Sherwood, It could be the clutch adjustment, as it was recently replaced before I bought the car. I currently have the shifter stuff all apart replacing all bushings. It does not gring going into reverse.

Russ in VA · 10-27-2003, 04:09 AM

I've done all of the above and still have some issues. I may just need a tranny rebuild, but I am hoping that the "club sport" (aka cabriolet?) engine and tranny mounts are going to help (they should get here today). I'm suprised nobody has mentioned mounts. Can anyone attest to this?

911pcars · 10-27-2003, 09:16 AM

You shouldn't need special gearbox or engine mounts to shift easily, especially at 0 mph. There's something going on in the shift linkage, clutch and/or gearbox departments.

Replacing with Swepco is a good start, just because it works best. However, most gearbox complaints are centered around the two lower gears, not usually all five. Because of this, I'd guess some wear or misadjustment with the shift and/or clutch mechanism/linkage.

Sherwood