fine tuning shift coupler

[Wil Ferch]

The 915 trans for my 85 Carrera is set up really nice.....it's one of the nicer shifting 915's I've experienced.

However, there is one particular problem I need some advice on. As I engage 5th gear, I feel as if I'm forcing the lever over (to the right) too much before I can enter the 5th gear slot. Like I'm putting a torsion load on the shift rod. Therefore, once I'm engaged, there is a preload or "reaction force" load toward the left. This can't be good for the trans...and I need to re-adjust.

I've been putting this off due to other projects and the fear of losing the sweet spot on the other shifting aspects.

Can someone here give detailed , precise guidance on how to re-adjust so fifth enters cleanly without a sidewards pre-load after its engaged?

- Wil


EDIT...hmm... title was supposed to read "fine tuning shifter coupler"...maybe I had stutter finger, and something else was written !!!

[Vipergrün]

Hmmm, have not experienced that particular 915 oddity

However, the method I use, which seems to get things set easily is;

1. loosen the shift coupler bolt
2. find the exact middle of the 1st-2nd neutral plane
3. hold the shifter all the way to the left in the aforementioned plane
4. While holding shifter, rotate the shift coupler all the way clock-wise.
5. Without letting things move, tighten up the coupler bolt

As for fine-tuning for 5th gear, cannot help, but the above method has served me well....

-Brad

[mjshira]

I agree with Brad. I had that problem once and it was solved by adjustment of the coupler and the shift gate (reverse lockout).

[livi]

A topic right on time for me ! Have new bushings for the shifter and rod together with a whole new coupler in a box. Been hesitating starting the project out of fear of (as Wil mention - loosing the sweet spot of the gears).

Then again - if Wil needs to post on the subject, I better just forget about it and send the stuff back.

[randywebb]

try putting it in 5th and then loosening the coupler - it might move just a tad on its own - then tighten again

if that doesn't work, put it in 5th and then loosen the coupler and move it just the slightest amt. - scribe a line first and use a magnifying glass... then tighten

[lateapex911]

Originally posted by bb80sc

4. While holding shifter, rotate the shift coupler all the way clock-wise.


-Brad

Cool methodm but, when you say clockwise, do you mean facing front of car or back?

[kach22i]

Not to hi-jack the thread, just want to warn any fellow Seiene shifter owners to disconnect the little spring before trying any adjustments to the coupler. Don't ask me how I know.

[livi]

Pretty sure you turn it clock wise facing front of car. But don´t quot me on it..

[Wil Ferch]

Thanks for all the input....maybe we'll give these ideas a try real soon! Randy's idea seems like thr first one to try. If that fails..on to the basic adjustment used to get all gears cleanly.

- Wil

EDIT:
I recall you need to face forward too...for the basic adjustment. see also this tech article--> http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_shifting_improvements/911_shifting_improvements.htm

[Vipergrün]

Originally posted by lateapex911
Cool methodm but, when you say clockwise, do you mean facing front of car or back?

Facing forward

[Kroggers]

Originally posted by livi
A topic right on time for me ! Have new bushings for the shifter and rod together with a whole new coupler in a box. Been hesitating starting the project out of fear of (as Wil mention - loosing the sweet spot of the gears).

Then again - if Wil needs to post on the subject, I better just forget about it and send the stuff back.

If I can do the bushings in my 915, then you can - or how about I do your bushings and you do my turbo tie rods

[livi]

Pål,

Besides the usual trouble of loosen old bolts, the tie rods was very straight forward. Rather fun project actually! However, its yet another project that certainly would benefit from a car lift. Lying on your back, cramped under the car, is a nuisance. At best..

Did you do the shift bushings your self ? If so, I would be grateful if you could lay out the more difficult parts for me. Any tips and hints appreciated !

[theiceman]

There is nothing difficult about it at all , just take the stuff apart and replace the bushings. just use a good grease when your done.

[kach22i]

Getting the carpet out of the way is the hardest part, unless you have an early year 911.

[Kroggers]

All in all it was not a bad project Markus. I did the upgrade to the factory short shift at the same time. The only things I found hard was removing the pin in the coupler - but as you will replace the complete coupler you will not have that problem, and I am finding it hard to get the adjustment correct. It is shifting OK, and I am (as everybody else comments on) experiencing more transmission noise, but I am finding it impossible to adjust the coupler so that I have some play when in 5th/reverse. Not sure what I am doing wrong??

[livi]

Thats what I am afraid of too. Finding myself worse of than before, when I realize I am not competent enough to adjust the coupler.

Then again - thats the feeling I had before changing engine oil and filter, gear lube, shocks and tie rods. And they all worked out fine.

Its all in my head (and none in my hands ) - spending my first forty years a total academic nerd. Now, finally, I have a craving need to feel more of a MAN - and doing maintenance and upgrading on a Porsche is really fulfilling that need.

Who am I fooling ?

[Kroggers]

Don't get me wrong Markus, my 915 is shifting a lot better now then before, and I can not find anything wrong with the adjustment I have made to the coupler - I just can not find this slack that i am supposed to find in the coupler when in the 5th/reverse selection?!? I do not know if this is going to create problems in the future, or indicates that I have it set up incorrectly, but it does shift nicely at the moment.

I will probably play with it again some time in the future, or just ask K3 to do it during the next service?!?

[len911]

Paul, are you checking the play correctly? When in 5th gears, go to the back and grab the shift coupler. See if you can make it rotate slightly, that is there should be some CW/CCW play (from side to side). There should not be play in the front to back plane. That is what is explained in the factory manual. Good luck! Lou

[Kroggers]

Hi Len911, yes that is what I am looking for. I have no play side to side at all when in 5th gear.

[len911]

Does the trans shaft have play by itself? That is if you remove the coupler and engage 5th by hand, can you feel shaft play? If not, then probably the internals of tranny need adjustment. If you have play, then it is an external linkage adjustment problem. I usually move lever towards left and make sure coupler is rotated towards pass side (CCW if facing rear of car), then place lever in front to back plane to a reasonable spot for neutral and tighten coupler. That gives me play when in 5th. Just did this last week in my 76. Lou