911 SC 1982 Gearbox/clutch problems HELP!!!

mcelliott · 05-30-2006, 11:54 AM

My Porsche 911 SC Targa is stuck in gear. The clutch won't disengage any of the gears and is now stuck in 1st gear - it won't fall into neutral or any other gear.

Please help...

Grady Clay · 05-30-2006, 12:34 PM

Welcome to the Forum.

The shift linkage is out of place. The trans is in 1st but the shift linkage is out of the 1-2 rail slot. The easy fix is to drain the transmission (remember to remove the fill plug first) and then remove the shift pivot plate on the bottom of the transmission (four nuts).

You can move the 1-2 and 3-4 shift rails to align them in neutral. Confirm the transmission isn’t in 5th or reverse by making sure you can turn the transmission by moving both rear wheels the same direction.

Check to see if the pivot fork on the shift pivot plate is tight. If that is loose it can allow the shift finger to get out of place. Common problem.

With the shift finger in the 1-2, 3-4 slots, reinstall the shift pivot plate with a new paper gasket. Check to see if you can shift into all the gears. Fill with gear lube.

Enjoy.

Best,
Grady

mcelliott · 05-30-2006, 12:47 PM

Thanks Grady, so you're fairly sure this could be the problem and there's a quick fix. You don't think there's anything terminal that may require major delving into my bank account??

Motorhead-45 · 05-30-2006, 01:43 PM

Before you open the transmission have you checked the shift coupler to make sure it hasn't moved on you?

Grady Clay · 05-30-2006, 02:08 PM

Well, I can sit here in Colorado and safely rub my crystal ball. HeHe.

This is a good guess and is easy. All you expend is some gear lube and a paper gasket. Can it be other? Yes but I go for the simple and easy first. Can you engage any other gear? Has the shift lever changed position or feel different (other than it won't come out of 1st)? Look at the shift coupling in the tunnel behind the seats. Do you have a center console and automatic heat controls?

This probably is exacerbated by 24 years of use. These parts are no longer new. If this happens again, I would do some refreshing of the linkage from the shift lever to the pivot fork in the bottom of the trans. Not a bad idea on general principals. The 915 transmission is noted for shifting gremlins and can be dramatically improved with updated and new parts. None of this requires the removal of the transmission.

Only after you have exhausted exterior remedies would you go inside the transmission unless there is some clear reason.

Best,
Grady

Motorhead-45 · 05-30-2006, 02:15 PM

Grady,

The only reason I even chimed in was that about a month ago I tried to help a guy with similiar symptoms on this board and it turned out that he had not, as you suggested in the email above, even checked the basics to make sure things were in order with the linkage...we went on a wild goose chase for something that turned out to be a slipped coupler adjustment. Sometimes we assume that the obvious is obvious to all of us which often turns out to be not true.

mcelliott · 06-09-2006, 01:17 PM

Got some bad news....mechanic seems to think its not the linkage but an internal problem with the transmission which means possible gearbox and clutch replacement.

Is reconditioned parts the way to go? How much should I pay? Could anyone recommend the best place to buy a reconditioned 915 gearbox? (I live in Europe)

Positive feedback only please! I need cheering up!!

ianc · 06-09-2006, 07:18 PM

The problem that Grady mentions above is (more or less) an internal problem with the transmission, but it is relatively easily remedied. Print his reply and bring it to your mechanic for his perusal. Let us know when you have more info,

ianc

P.S. Where's the pics of your car?