shifter torques out of place in Reverse

Paul L · 10-29-2004, 07:42 AM

When I shift into Reverse and sometimes 5th, my shifter has begun twisting in my hand. It easily can be twisted back where it belongs but is annoying. Is there a single bolt I need to tighten or is something broke?

Also, in an unrelated issue is my shift from 2nd to 3rd feels like metal on metal. I can down shift fine but feel this slight crunch upshifting. It is less with a warm tranny but not eliminated. I have assumed it was internal but read in another post it may be forks out of alignment or lack of lubrication. Does this sound right to you? Is it an easy fix?

Paul L · 11-01-2004, 05:27 AM

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Dan Owens · 11-01-2004, 06:22 AM

I believe that the shift lever is actually a two piece unit epoxyed together. The top section you see above the boot glues on to the bottom section below the boot. If the epoxy weld is broken the top section will sort of spin or swivel. It also sounds like you need to adjust the clutch, change the trans fluid and check the bushings in the bottom of shifter and in the back coupler. Hopefully nothing else is wrong internal in the trans but I'd have it checked.

Paul L · 11-01-2004, 06:43 AM

Thanks for the advise. I think it is the bottom part of the shifter torqueing out of place. The shifter will torque several inches sideways.

I will take your advise on the clutch adjustment. My fluid is fresh Swepco. Recent changes have shown a little fine shavings on the magnetic drain but it sounds similar to what is to be expected. A clutch adjustment may help me get into reverse and first without a complete stop as I am used to with rice burning cars.

Is the shifter problem I describe a quick fix?

SpeedracerIndy · 11-01-2004, 06:53 AM

I had the same thing happen to my shifter. I had a factory short shift kit in the car and the shifter started spinning when i shifted into 5th and reverse. The shift lever is indeed two parts, epoxied together. I put my factory shifter back in and haven't fixed the short shifter yet, but I planned on having it welded back together by a local auto shop. The epoxy would hold it together, but most likely wear out again in time. I suppose you might be able to pull the shift lever out and squirt some epoxy down in the hole and shove it back in for a quick fix. If that isn't possible you're going to have to remove the shifter from the car and disassemble it to get the shift lever out for repair.

Paul L · 11-01-2004, 08:22 AM

I have a Momo leather shift knob. I have always assumed it was just the knob replaced on a factory shifter. Is this the case with MOMO?

SpeedracerIndy · 11-01-2004, 09:13 AM

Can't answer that question. I would imagine the momo knob has a set screw on the bottom to tighten it. If not, it might use a crush ring as the factory knob uses. If it's just the shift KNOB moving around that should be an easy fix. If you whole shift LEVER is moving, as mine is, that's a different story.

Dan Owens · 11-01-2004, 09:53 AM

If it's the epoxy bond that's broken, the top half of the shift lever would be turning. You should be able to see down in there if you pull the boot up and off the shifter lever. There's a chance the pin that runs through the bottom of shift lever and into the housing is partially out of the housing but I would doubt that. Pull the boot and have a look.

911pcars · 11-01-2004, 04:47 PM

Yes, the epoxy connection between the two parts of the shift lever is broken. Here's a link for one repair method:

http://www.seinesystems.com/ShiftHousBluPrint.htm

Replacing worn bushings is another good idea while you're in there.

Sherwood