Shift Coupler Set Screw

[Robb79SC]

I'm replacing the front shifter bushings on my 79 SC - ball cup and the shift rod bracket - and cannot get the set screw on the front coupler to come loose. If I loosen the rear shift coupler will that allow the shift rod to turn enough that I can get an allen socket into the set screw?

This is my first time doing this project and I loaned out my 101 projects book so I don't have a ready reference. I also did a search for previous threads but couldn't find any thing on set screws not coming out. Thanks for the help.

[cgarr]

I think it should allow you to trun the rod to get at the screw, can you get some heat on it then? I have seen a lot of those welded up front, I think thats the part which tends to crack, I have a new rods in both mine.

Craig

[Robb79SC]

Craig,

Thanks for the heat suggestion. I'll give that a try this evening when I get back to the project.

[jaydubya]

Originally posted by Robb79SC
I'm replacing the front shifter bushings on my 79 SC - ball cup and the shift rod bracket - and cannot get the set screw on the front coupler to come loose. If I loosen the rear shift coupler will that allow the shift rod to turn enough that I can get an allen socket into the set screw?

This is my first time doing this project and I loaned out my 101 projects book so I don't have a ready reference. I also did a search for previous threads but couldn't find any thing on set screws not coming out. Thanks for the help.

I had to cut down an allen wrench to get it in there to loosen the set screw. It was too tall and loosening the shift coupler still didn't provide enough clearance.

[ChrisBennet]

Forgive me if I'm missunderstanding the situation but..
That screw should be pointing directly up. The only reason it wouldn't is if someone left the whole coupler twisted to one side when they adjusted the shift coupling. I'd take this opportunity to fix this cockup while you're in there.
-Chris

[jaydubya]

Originally posted by ChrisBennet
Forgive me if I'm missunderstanding the situation but..
That screw should be pointing directly up. The only reason it wouldn't is if someone left the whole coupler twisted to one side when they adjusted the shift coupling. I'd take this opportunity to fix this cockup while you're in there.
-Chris

I think he's talking about the set screw below the shifter. Mine was pointing to the driver's side. Since it connects two tubes they would both have to be oriented incorrectly, which seems unlikely.

[Robb79SC]

jaydubya,

You are correct about the problem being the coupler under the shifter. I did manage to get an allen wrench into the set screw but it is so tight that the allen wrench twisted. When you cut down the allen wrench what did you use to turn it?

[jaydubya]

Hi Robb - sorry if I wasn't clear on this. See attached image - lower allen wrench is the one I cut down.

The head of the set screw was pointing toward the driver's seat. With the shorter wrench and the shifter in neutral, I inserted the allen wrench into the head of the set screw with the long end pointing toward the rear of the car and then pulled up on it. Make sure it is seated in there well. If you cut down a wrench make sure you smooth the edges so it will go into the head of the set screw.

Hope this helps,

Jeff

[randywebb]

you can get allen wrench sockets - stubby ones too - might be a better soln

yes, it should point up if this is what I am thinking of -- it goes into a dimple in the trans shaft.

[Robb79SC]

Jeff,

Thanks for the picture. That looks like it will work much better than fighting with the longer wrench. Now all I have to do is get enough leverage on it to break it loose. I really appreciate the help. By the way, my 79 SC is orginally a SLC car - 1979 to 2002. Great Porsche country!

Robb

[jaydubya]

Originally posted by Robb79SC
By the way, my 79 SC is orginally a SLC car - 1979 to 2002. Great Porsche country!

Robb

Oh yeah! My commute takes me up an down Parley's Canyon every day. There is a new road track being built in Tooele, should be ready in Sept/Oct.

Try soaking with liquid wrench and/or a little heat...

[kycarguy 935]

Once you get the allen wrench on use a tool as an extender of the allen wrench. For example if you could use some large vice grips for leverage or a hardened tool with a hole the size of the allen wrench. Good luck.

[strupgolf]

Thats what I just did. I put the allen wrench on it, and then attached a vise grip to the tool, clamped down, and then turned it. It worked fine.

[Robb79SC]

Thanks for all the help. I'm going to give the allen wrench/vise grip a try tonight and see what happens.