Shifter Adj.

KlaasyT · 05-04-2006, 07:10 PM

Hii I've just replaced my shifter cup bushing, rod bushing,and coupler bushings,everything was shot.
After adjusting the coupler using instructions from both Wayne's book and my Haynes manual many times I seem to still have a problem.
I can shift in and out all gears fine except that while in 5th there is always a spring load on the shift lever putting force on the coupler. This is causing a rough sounding hiss from the tranny. If I push the shifter against the spring tension it goes away but I can't drive like that.
If I move the coupler so there is no spring load on the shifter in 5th then there is not enough movement to get 1st and second. Everything looks fine in the shifter(spring plate,lockout for reverse etc).
My Haynes manual says after adj, to pull back the boot and make sure there is some freeplay at the coupler while in 5th.
I can't seem to achieve this. I must be missing something.
Any ideas anyone? I sure would appreciate it. I commute on the 4lane every day with my car.
Thanks in advance
Clarence

911pcars · 05-04-2006, 08:26 PM

Try rotating the shift coupler in the opposite direction - the same effect as if you were holding the lever against spring tension.

Sherwood
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

Kroggers · Kroggers's Garage

Interestingly enough, I have recently done the same job, and installed a factory ss at the same time. I managed to adjust everything OK, and it feels good to me. But I also do not get the free play on the coupler in 5th gear - But it drives all OK, and the shifting has no problems?!? I will be very interested in your solution...

KlaasyT · 05-05-2006, 03:35 PM

Thanks for the responses, Sherwood I was looking at your Gate Shift kit on your website and you describe the gate spring pressure very well. My car has the earlier style shifter(72) and doesn't use tabs to relieve that pressure in 5th. I can't determine how it does /is supposed to. I've thought of notching the spring plate to relieve the pressure once the gear is selected. I want to be sure first that I haven't missed something. I have moved the coupler both ways to no avail. one way more gate spring pressure, other way no gate spring pressure and no 1st or 2nd.Do you know in what way the earlier shifter relieved that pressure?
thanks
Clarence.

911pcars · 05-05-2006, 05:49 PM

HI Clarence,
It looks like the '72 and prior shift housings don't have any method to relieve spring tension while in R/1 or 4/5 (assuming 901, 5-speed).

The sound you hear in the gearbox might be the "dongle", the gearbox end of the shift rod (other end connects to the shift coupler). The dongle is next to and moves the gear selector forks. The spring tension could be forcing the dongle against a fork and transmitting vibration through the shift rod.

If all the shift linkage pieces are tight, I'm not sure what the solution is. You could try a 915 shift housing with the tabs on the top carrier plate that relieve spring tension, but I wouldn't guarantee that's a definitive solution.

Sherwood

KlaasyT · 05-05-2006, 06:10 PM

Thanks again. the tranny is a 915 5sp and 72 was the first year for them. interestingly the shifter housings were changed starting 73 up. When my shifter cup bushing was all but missing (worn so bad only the bottom remained) the slop would allow the spring plate to relax after engagement. Your explanation of the "dongle " sounds like it would make the noise I am hearing. Maybe I will try my aforementioned idea first and failing that try a 73 and up style shift housing.
It will have to wait till after the weekend.

Clarence