915 Shifter Problem

DARTHWIL 421 · 07-11-2006, 03:36 PM

I have a 911SC with a 915 tranny. I have keep having problems shifting to 2nd gear (because of the bushings?).

I have a short shift kit that helped but didn't fix the problem. Can a WEVO shifter solve this problem? Is that the best way to go?

Can somebody help me?

Thanks,
WIL

Oh Haha · 07-11-2006, 03:48 PM

What is the exact problem you are having?
Is the shifter "baulking" before going in?
Does it grind at all going in?

The first thing you should do is inspect/replace all of your shifter bushings, including the coupler set between the rear seats.

The second thing is to lost the short shifter kit, unless it is OEM Porsche.
As discussed at length here, the factory short shifter is the only one that seems to not fuch up the shifting. The short shifter could actually be causing some of your problem.

Lastly, use the search function to read a ton of information on this problem.

dentist90 · dentist90's Garage

My 1-2 shift balks too... a very common problem. I also have a factory short shifter and new bushings all around. Could be tranny mounts wearing out, or in my case I have found a few dog teeth in my tranny oil. I thought initially that they came from 1st gear, but i'm thinking 2nd now. These teeth help retain the synchro ring, and if enough are lost the synchro ring might start to 'pop' out of it's place. This will lead to resistant shifts as the slider will have difficulty getting over the enlarged synchro ring.
Try reading this post about not being able to shift into 1st... same idea. Long, so skip ahead to see some of the pictures he posts when he gets tranny out.
won't shift

JK-81SC · 07-11-2006, 07:21 PM

If you've done the new bushings, clutch cable, and adjusted your clutch and coupler, then your tranny may be in need of some work. You didn't mention how many miles your car has on the tranny. The 911SC tranny is good for 90-130,000 miles, depending on previous maintenance and care. It may be time for a rebuild if you've replace all of the other wear items. Get Wayne's book for all of the cheaper fixes and improvements. I tried all of the cheap stuff first, and it didn't help. I had mine rebuilt at 130,000, and it shifts fine now.

SlantnoseSD · SlantnoseSD's Garage

pm sent

DARTHWIL 421 · 07-12-2006, 09:47 PM

It "baulks" to 2nd gear... shifting up from 1st and down from 3rd. I have plans to make this my weekend track car and this is killing me...!!!@@@

I have 180,000 miles on the tranny, but I bought the car used so, no accurate estimate.

Can a WEVO shifter fix the problem, or am I delaying the inevitable (tranny rebuild).

-Wil-

gerard vaglio · 07-12-2006, 10:13 PM

Unfortunately, a Wevo shifter will not fix this problem.

If you want to try a few things try all new bushings, adjust cable, add swepco. You could also look at new motor mounts and tranny mounts. All of these will help a little and they should cost less then a Wevo shifter.

If your still not happy a tranny rebuild is the next step.

Oh Haha · 07-13-2006, 05:06 AM

With 180,000 on the trans, I think it's time to pony up for a rebuild. Who knows how bad the PO beat it up. Get it over and be done with it.

dentist90 · dentist90's Garage

This confirms why my 2nd gear was balking...

You can see that 5 teeth are broken, allowing the synchro ring to expand a bit. The increased wear is evident on the synchro ring (polished area) to the right of the thrust block. Feels good to be right once in awhile.

dentist90 · dentist90's Garage

Aerial view of broken 2nd gear synchro hub teeth...

DARTHWIL 421 · 11-14-2006, 12:22 AM

How much did it (or going to) cost you to fix that?

and... How much did you guys pay for a tranny rebuild? I heard it was in the $2000 range

Wil

Oh Haha · 11-14-2006, 03:14 AM

If you are capable of major mechanical repairs, you can do it yourself.
I just repaired my 5th gear synchro without any problems. A few questions, sure. Granted, this was a pretty simple job as only the front cover is removed for access.

If not up to the task, my .02 would be to send it out to John Walker in Seattle. He posts here and is a good person. I can;t quote a price but it should be in the $1500-2000 range. Have all of the parts replaced. you probably won;t have to do it again........ever.

dentist90 · dentist90's Garage

Mine's apart on the bench right now. Have about $1000 for synchronizer parts lined up. This is my first tranny repair, but thanks to the posts on this board from others who have done the same, the mystery is reduced. It's really not 'rocket surgery' or 'brain science', but it does take time. And a few specialty tools. And a patient wife.