Dan,

Figured I'd post these pics of how 5-R are supposed to be set up. Could it be that they went back together incorrectly?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083027281.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1083027299.jpg

Oh, hey, don't worry about not meeting up. I'm more disappointed that you're not 100% yet. Just don't get discouraged. It'll happen..you'll be shifting through all 5 in no time at all.

Randy

That look almost exactly like my picture, Randy. Only difference is that mine is up on end, instead of lying on it's side, and 5-R is in neutral.

It occurs to me that if the circlip on 5th gear wasn't fully settled, it would make a ridge that the operating sleeve couldn't slide across to get onto the gear -- which is kind of what it feels like. I'm almost positive I shoved it into 5th just one time while I had the cover still off, to make sure it would work, though, and I'm almost positive that everything went together smoothly. I'm like 99% sure that when I laid out the gears on the coffee table before assembling, they all had fully seated circlips, and everything was _right_.

(frustrated) I'm on the way out the door to work, but I'll try JWW's shift linkage adjustment again before I dig into the internals. Despite my deep inner concern that I may have to spend a whole weekend re-doing all this, he's batting about 1.000 on advice on these cars.

BTW -- I assume the flight went well, and you're home again? Glad you could make it out here, but sorry I missed you. Thanks again for all your help.

Dan

Update and News Flash: John Walker knows more about Porsches than any of the rest of us. It turns out that there are some ways to misalign the shift coupler such that certain gears are inaccessible. This may lead to frustration, confusion, and nasty premonitions about having to re-drop your engine. Have no fear -- realign the shift coupler as per JWW's instructions, then go for a drive, using all of your gears. You'll feel much better afterwards. :)

The gratuitous drive pic:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1093732665.jpg

Yes, the proper term for the above style of grin is "s***-eating." The photo-site happens to be at the far end of a series of scenic 3rd gear turns. I like using 3rd gear. :) And 4th and 5th. The first two gears are kind of neat, too. Woohoo! :cool:

And yes, I owe you all big time. Special thanks to John "Yoda" Walker, without whom I'd be getting ready to re-drop my engine in preparation to futilely recheck my detents; Randy "Devildog" Cecale, without whose rebuild thread from May, complete with high-definition pictures and detailed commentary, not to mention the morale and technical support for my own rebuild, I'd be mired somewhere on Page 301-6 of the Bentleys; Chris Bennet, who always had a handy photograph, drawing, or random bit of technical expertise that brought it all together; Ingo Schmidt, UTKarmannGhia, and too many others to count.

(ahem) I'm going for a drive, now. :)

Dan

Dan, you are definitely "Da Man!" Way to go!!!! Gotta love it when "stick-to-it-ivity" pays off. I know the feeling of that "grin" all too well. And yes, John Walker comes through yet again. What a super guy and invaluable asset to have in your corner.

Congratulations! Well done!!!

Randy