Shifting / Shift linkage

[MysticLlama]

I've been "breaking in " my new/25yo SC all week, and last night I noticed the shifter was getting progressively sloppier all week, enough that it was noticeable.

It also popped out of gear quite harshly if it was revved up in 2nd, though it would engage 3rd just fine.

I figure I cracked a bushing or something. I think I'm going to order and install the Seine gate shifter, new bushings, and possibly a coupler (if not, at least the bushings for it).

It all seems pretty straightforward as long as I follow the directions closely enough. Any huge issues to be aware of?

The biggest question I have right now is can I still drive it if I'm easy on it? It seems really loose, but I can still find the gears okay. But, if there is a risk of something popping off and stranding me, I think I'll just wait for the parts.

Edit: I just wanted to say that I decided to go with the Seine after reading some threads about the options, both because of the lower cost, and because the WEVO gate that goes in the transmission is past my skill level at the moment I think.

[kach22i]

If you upgade the coupler to one of those $200 aftermarket jobbies, let us know how you like it.

[CHILI]

It's not a huge job. Just tedious and cramped. I suggest taking out the passenger seat. Makes it a lot easier. I don't think you will need a new coupler, just the bushings. I would also suggest 914 coupler bushings. They don't have any slop like the 911 coupler bushings do. Just alow yourself ample time to adjust. It takes a while. Scribe marks with an exacto blade at the coupler to give you an idea where to start when you put it back together. You will thank yourself for that. Maybe a short shift kit is in order, too (for the while you're in there affect)?

[CHILI]

Ohh, and if it's that lose, I wouldn't drive it. I don't think you could hurt the 915 box, but you might miss a shift and launch the motor. Not really worth it. I had a similar problem (couldn't find 5th when I bought the car) and I jammed it in one day. Whammy. Ended up having to pull the tranny and motor. Put all new synchros in it. I suspect one washer in the box was out of sequence. Other than that, I have no idea why it had problems. Maybe just linkage adjustment.

[Jim Sims]

If the shift coupler bushings are crumbling (possible) you may experience that you can no longer find some of the gears. If this happens one can remove the rear tunnel cover and manually shift it into a gear (while the car is not moving) to move the car a short distance without shifting - first gear (or second gear if you're on a slope and can give the car a rolling start and don't have to stop and get restarted). Note at the shift coupler the fore/aft position of the gears are reversed: move the shift rod rearward to find 1st and forward to move into 2nd. I suspect replacing the coupler or it's bushings will address your problem but popping out of 2nd gear can be a indication of the 2nd gear side of the 1st/2nd gear operating sleeve (sliding sleeve) being worn. If you can, I'd park the car and wait for a new shift coupler or shift coupler bushings. Cheers, Jim

[MysticLlama]

Yeah, I can park it, that's why I kept the Honda around for at least the time being that I get used to the 911, and finish sorting it out, getting to work when I decide to tear things apart.

Figures that it's the one that burns oil and not the 911, lol. It's hard to drive after the 911 though, because the pedals make it feel like a granny car and I'm constantly overreving it/not letting the clutch out enough.

If the 1st/2nd operating sleeve is worn, is that something that I can replace somewhere I can get to? It it something the new shifter would take care of?

[Jim Sims]

"If the 1st/2nd operating sleeve is worn, is that something that I can replace somewhere I can get to? It it something the new shifter would take care of?"

No, you have to take the tranmission apart (as in a rebuild). If that's the problem, new shift coupling bushings won't fix it. However check/fix the shift coupler bushings first. A defective shift coupler may be keeping the transmission from fully engaging 2nd and hence the "popping" out of gear. Jim

[MysticLlama]

Hmm, maybe I didn't explain it right.

It doesn't "pop" out if I don't tell it to, it stays in gear perfectly.

When I hit the clutch and pull it out of 2nd when it's revved up, it just comes out somewhat violently, maybe it's normal and I'm just not used to it after the Honda coming out nice and soft all this time.

Instead of a smooth motion from 2nd to 3rd, it pops pretty hard out of 2nd, then goes over to 3rd. I guess an analogy would be pushing on a stuck door, you push harder and harder, when it gives, it doesn't swing open slowly, it goes flying (and you too sometimes )

[Jim Sims]

Make sure the clutch is adjusted properly and is all the way released before shifting. Also do not speed shift a 915; make a pause in neutral as you pass through the gears. Otherwise you'll be replacing synchros soon. Cheers, Jim

[911pcars]

.......... and to complete what Jim said, double clutch when downshifting - maybe more important to save the synchros.

Sorry to get off the subject.

Sherwood

[MysticLlama]

Well, I've played with it a little more since I got home, and just from feeling it, it really doesn't feel like it's the coupler.

I can move the shifter maybe an inch in each direction and it does nothing... once I'm pushing a direction though, it goes into gear nice and clean, it's just play on the lever, doesn't feel like the whole length.

What it feels like is a loose bolt at the bottom of the shift lever, maybe the set screw or something?

Guess it's time to tear it apart.... I need a bigger garage.

[MysticLlama]

I got it partially torn apart so I could at least look down in there and see what's going on.

The ball joint on the end of the shift lever seems very loose in the ball socket portion of the shift rod head.

(Hope you all know what I'm talking about, I'll pulling the "real" names from my Haynes manual instead of saying the doohicky or thingamajig )

Now, is the ball joint the same thing as This , referring to the middle bushing that looks about the right size?

If so.... does anyone know where I can get one in Seattle on Saturday for the quick fix until I get the Seine kit to put in? Otherwise I'll just order them together because I'll need it anyway.

PS-I'm watching American Chopper right now, and they've gone through 5 drill bits, 3 batteries, a bunch of lube, and two hours of time just to drill two holes, lol. Sounds about like how my "15 minute" projects go too.

[kach22i]

They warn to take off those plastic parts before welding, Heat + Plastic = Melt.

Replace all the parts down there you can, very little comes with the kit, but it works great.

2-hour job? It took longer than that to get out all the tools, and put them away.

A long weekend project for me, take it slow and easy- you only want to do it once.