My '81 shifts into 1st while rolling!!

m_wuebben · 06-20-2006, 08:36 AM

Just got done with my first drive after the 1st / 2nd dogtooth, slider and syncro ring replacement. Besides needing a coupler adjustment, WHAT A RUSH!!! Thanks to Rcecale, and all who helped him with his rebuild and all who responded to me during mine. Good luck Art in Wyandotte. Let me know if you need help. Cheers, Mike

livi · 06-20-2006, 09:31 AM

Certainly a blessing, particularly city driving. Mine is hesitating even at stand still. Tiresome at red lights with honking SUV´s behind me. My clutch´s hating me from starting in second gear.

I am hoping shift bushings, new coupler and cable adjust will fix it in my case. Hoping...

ben parrish · 06-20-2006, 09:34 AM

My 915 (86w 100k) always shifts into first easily; even from 15mph. I count my blessings. It will balk going into second if you try to shift too fast. I love that car.
Ben

vash · vash's Garage

been sticking my head into the sand about this one for awhile...

damn!

sending you a question in PM

Cdnone1 · 06-20-2006, 12:11 PM

I was talking to a bunch of the guys on the Big Bear run. I'm suprised to hear first hand about all the problems with the 915.
I can down shift mine easily into first up to 20 mph. The odd time it doesn't want to go into first at a stop, I just let the clutch out and try again usually no problem.
I have a factory short shift kit, new bushings, Sweepco and over 98K on the original un-opened 915.
I was mentioning to some of the guys that I NEVER use my engine/trans for engine assisted braking and that I always double clutch/heal toe down shifts. My thoughts are the engine makes the car go and the brakes make it stop, don't try and use either for the others job.
Just my two cents but I love the 915 in my car.
Steve

silvercar00 · 06-20-2006, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by livi
Certainly a blessing, particularly city driving. Mine is hesitating even at stand still. Tiresome at red lights with honking SUV´s behind me. My clutch´s hating me from starting in second gear.

I am hoping shift bushings, new coupler and cable adjust will fix it in my case. Hoping...

In the meantime, to keep the SUV's at bay, try shifting into second, and then to first
to utilize the 2nd gear synchro making it easier to get into first. It worked for me until I bit the bullet and got my gearbox rebuilt.

m_wuebben · 06-21-2006, 08:52 AM

Vash - never got your PM. Cheers, Mike.

DDD · 06-21-2006, 09:10 AM

Ditto what Silvercar00 said. My 915 has always had issues with first. Some days it is fine, other days it won't downshift from second, and it won't go into 1st from N at a stoplight. But, a quick drop down into 2nd and then up into first (when stopped) does the trick every time.

Also, to echo what CDnone1 said -- my dad, who used to race old british sports cars for fun in the '50s, taught me how to drive 25 years ago, and taught me to always downshift and use the engine to slow down, but I changed a few years ago to just dropping it into neutral and using the brakes after reading a lot about double-clutching, heel/toeing, rev matching etc. I think this is technically the right way to do it -- when braking, get the load off the engine, and when ready to accelerate, pick a gear and match the revs. Also, just seems rational to wear out my inexpensive and easy-to-access brake pads than put wear on my clutch. Maybe in the old days there was concern about brakes overheating??? My dad may be rolling in his grave, but I think I'm right. Not trying to lecture anyone -- just wondering if anyone disagrees with this. --DDD

Cdnone1 · 06-21-2006, 11:26 AM

The only difference for me is that I don't put the car into neutral. I heal and toe down through the transmission as I brake so I am always in the proper gear. I don't want to be caught not having the transmission engaged if I need it

Steve