Shifter problem

hpmad · 11-02-2005, 06:12 AM

Hello,

I have a problem with my gear box, it does not want to get in 5th and reverse (ie, I can not move the shift lever to the right).

all the linkage seems to be OK, and so is the shifter, so it looks like it's in the gearbox... does anyone have any idea what it could be and how to fix it?

thanks, cyrille

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Car year and age would be helpful.

pa911 · 11-02-2005, 07:46 AM

I believe he has a 80 sc

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Or the Kayak?

hpmad · 11-02-2005, 08:40 AM

hello,

yes, you are right :-)

1980 P911 SC Targa 5speed 3L engine stock (except for SS headers)

regards, cyrille

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Cyrille - have you replaced the shift bushings? That's the first thing I would do - especially with a 915 gearbox. There are many threads that cover this if you do a search.

hpmad · 11-02-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JeremyD
Cyrille - have you replaced the shift bushings? That's the first thing I would do - especially with a 915 gearbox. There are many threads that cover this if you do a search.

hello,

where are these bushings located?

regards, cyrille

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Shift Coupler Bushings - Brass or Nylon ?

Shift Coupler Bushings - Brass or Nylon ?

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

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

and of course, the WEVO shift coupler...

K9Torro · 11-02-2005, 10:33 AM

Hi

First thing you should do is remove the center console, then lift up on the rubber boot which covers the shifter and make sure that the shift lever has not spun in the cup, which would cause the tab not to line up to fit over between the ears on the top of the housing, thereby keeping it from going into 5th and R.

If this is not the problem , you can then loosen the two smaller allen head screws on the shifter assembly, looking down you should see four large ones and two smaller ones, by loosening the two smaller ones you will gain more play see if this will allow you to get all six gears.

If neither of the above works then you will have to take the shifter off , take a look at replacing your bushings, clean up your shifter, look at your coupler as well, once this is done you should be set hopefully.

A quick way to determine if it is in your trans is to take off the coupler and simply use your hand and clutch to try all the gears, by moving the trans shift shaft by hand. You will definately be able to test reverse that way.

Todd

emcdan · 11-02-2005, 12:17 PM

K9Torro said it best

Very first thing remove the consol and shifter boot. Right away you'll see the tabs for 5th and Reverse and how it works. It will probably be very obvious why the shifter is not going behind the tabs. (1)One or both may have gotten bent, (2)check if shift ball cup broke, (3)adjustment screw (large nut) facing to the front of the car loose, (4) lastly check the adjustment screws on the coupler between the seat may have come loose. Probably an easy cure. Good Luck!

Lets us know....curious

DG624 · 11-02-2005, 12:55 PM

Cyrille, do you have any other shifting symptoms...trouble going into 1st or 2nd...trouble downshifting...gear clashing or trouble getting out of gear? I would be intereted in knowing if you change the coupler and whether it solves your problem.

911pcars · 04:11 PM

I suggest doing the easy stuff first (Homer Simpson says his two most favorite letters of the alphabet are E and Z). Wise man.

Remove the sheet metal cover from the rear floor and take a look at the shift coupler. Verify the gearbox shift shaft (into the gearbox) moves along with the shift lever. Any loss of movement means there is wear in the linkage joints (bushings). Enough wear can prevent the shift shaft from moving far enough to select certain gears.

Like the others, I suspect a worn shift lever bushing and possibly the front support bushing for the shift shaft.

The adjustment set screw on the front of the shift housing doesn't affect the left-right range of movement. However, it does affect the amount of preload on the lever movement and thus how freely it moves.

Sherwood

Navaros911 · 11-02-2005, 04:22 PM

Cyrille,

As Sherwood suggests, start with the EZ stuff.

That would be:
1. Pull up the rubber boot from your shift lever and check to see if the tabs are bent (just like emcdan suggests)
2. Adjust the coupler see here how that's done http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_shifting_improvements/911_shifting_improvements.htm

That would take hardly any time and a toolset of one screwdriver to open the access panel between the seats and two 13mm wrenches to losen the clamp bolt from the coupler.

If that doesn't do it, prepare to change out the bushings... not expensive and very easy.

Good luck,
Michiel