Chips in trans drain plug

Okay, things were going good today I bought a gallon of swepco for $25.00 a local repair shop until I removed my drain plug (915) in trans and it had at least 8-10 metal chips which I assume were syncro teeth and in addition it was full of shavings.
The car seems to shift good after being warmed up with no grinding etc. at times its a little quirky but seems okay

Question: What is the significance of these shavings and teeth for my trans life?

It also seems the adjustment of my clutch is all the way out (with the adjustment screw all the way back) so I assume I'll need a clutch shortly, would it be wise to replace syncros(if thats whats in my drain plug) etc. then?
How difficult is it and are special tools needed?
Thanks

[This message has been edited by jryerson (edited 05-11-2000).]

The 'chips' are most likely from the synchro hub, or the operating sleeve that directly engages the hub in the shifting process. The synchro hubs can be replaced, and special tools to change them are availabe ... two different sets are required because the 915 has larger synchro rings and hubs for 1st and 2nd gears. The smaller tool set can also be used for 901 and 914 transaxles.

It sounds like you changed the oil at just the right time! Just how soon your transaxle will really 'need' to be rebuilt is hard to say. I would recommend the Vol.3-6 factory service manual set as a prerequisite to attempting to replace synchro rings or other work inside the 915! I suspect most owners finding chips in the gear oil tend to be a little more careful and easy on the trans. in the future, thus extending the period until work is positively needed! From what I have read, the Porsche transaxles (all from the mid-50's models up through the 915) tend to get 'harder' to get into gear as the damage gets worse. As one of our regulars, Kurt, recently found out, eventually you cannot get into a gear that has been severely damaged at the synchro hub or operating sleeve! I am sure that the SWEPCO 201, changed rwice a year, will make the remaing life in those synchro hubs and operating sleeves longer, and certainly more pleasant to use.

As far as the clutch adjustment goes, I would recommend changing the clutch cable ... see if that helps the situation. Use plenty of moly grease on the new cable as you feed it in. Don't forget to order a new cable clevis and pin/clip along with the cable, as you will probably need it!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

[This message has been edited by Early_S_Man (edited 05-11-2000).]

Thanks Warren
Looking at the factory manual I see a lot of reference to proper clearance and spacing for gears along with readjusting selector forks - alot of areas someone inexperienced could easily mess up and have a nightmare of having to take everything apart again

If you take apart the trans do you need to readjust everything from scratch or can you put it back just the way it was with the new syncros?