'84 911 Shifting issues

jcsjcs · jcsjcs's Garage

Hello - I recently purchased an '84 911. The Shift Coupler was replaced by the dealer when I purchased the car. It still has some shifting issues - some that are probably normal and some that may be issues. My main problem now is that shifting from 1st to 2nd sometimes takes a bit more pressure than I would like.... There is almost a stop before I can go into gear. If I try to rev the engine a bit - to "rpm match" the shift tends to be a bit more clean and easy.

I changed the Transmission mounts and I changed the transmission fluid to swepco over the weekend - hoping this would help - but now it actually seems a bit worse. Seems to be tougher shifting into 2nd more often.

When I replaced the fluid, I had the rear on the car raised. I am wondering if I did not put in enough fluid - as perhaps the downward angle of the car caused the fluid to start exiting the fill hole early? Anyone have an experience with this? I will check tomorrow - but I am anxious for advice.

Also any advice on the shift issue I am describing? I know that the 915 transmission has its quirks - but I can't tell if I am just experiencing those quirks or if something else is going on.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

This is the weak link in the 915. That shift takes a little patience and experience to get better at.
Don't force it. Usually a little pause before making this shift will give you good results.

tonythetarga · 10-15-2007, 07:25 AM

One question to ask yourself is HOW are you shifting. The 915's cannot be shift as fast as possible and there should be a slight pause between gears. You should only use fingertip pressure when selecting gears and not forcing the change. First gear can be tough to get on a roll in some cars. Tight entry into second could also mean a fresh rebuild of this gear and it needs to be worked in a bit. If you are not experiencing grinding when making the changes and are certain the shift coupler is correctly adjusted, it might just be you needing to adjust to the 915. Try and drive another or ask someone with similar vintage to drive your car and feel the transmission for comparison.
As far as fluid goes, the car needs to be level and check if fluid runs out of the fill hole.

Javers · 12:17 AM

Just another couple of ideas, does your car have a short shifter kit? Because the shorter travel means you have to put a little more force on the shifter for the same effect (but it shouldn't be excessive). Also when the dealer replaced the coupler, do you know if he replaced all 3 of the bushings?

Jon

jcsjcs · jcsjcs's Garage

So it sounds like this is not an abnormal issue. I will check the fluid on level ground soon anyway.

I am going to put out a post to see if I can find another 915 car in the area! See if the owner is willing to trade drives so I get a better idea of what to expect....

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

I just had my 915 rebuilt when I had the engine done, I had a slow 1st to second, and it was impossible to shift into first unless I was stopped. I can now jump right into second quickly, and I can shift to 1st while rolling at any normal speed. I thought these were just 915 issues, but now I know my tranny was just worn out.

AHartz · 10-15-2007, 09:21 AM

My car (81 911SC) has the identical problems. I can't believe that the transmission worked this way when the car was new and that "I just need to get used to shifting the 915 transmission." I have it on my project list to change the necessary parts to fix the problem, but have never been able to determine from searches, etc. what parts exactly need to be replaced. Scott R, do you know what parts were replaced during your rebuild?

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHartz

My car (81 911SC) has the identical problems. I can't believe that the transmission worked this way when the car was new and that "I just need to get used to shifting the 915 transmission." I have it on my project list to change the necessary parts to fix the problem, but have never been able to determine from searches, etc. what parts exactly need to be replaced. Scott R, do you know what parts were replaced during your rebuild?

1st, 2nd 3rd, syncros, ops sleeves, dog teeth, and one of the case bearings. That's all I can remember right now, I was going to dig out the paperwork for something else anyway, so et me post up when I have the complete list of parts.

dickepoohp · dickepoohp's Garage

Re: getting into 1st before stopping...You HAVE tried double clutching?
2 months, still a bit dicey 1st to 2nd.

911pcars · 10-15-2007, 10:45 AM

Back to basics. Are you using Swepco?

Sherwood

livi · 10-15-2007, 11:01 AM

Is it possible that changing the transmission mounts have slightly affected the coupling adjustment ? Would readjusting be worth a try ? Just speculating here.

Did the dealer change only the coupling or also the bushings in front at the bottom of the gear stick and on the front end of the rod ?

Early_S_Man · 10-15-2007, 11:21 AM

jcs,

My guess is that you didn't put the full 3 liters [3.2 qt] needed in the transaxle. Jack the driver's side up until that rear wheel clears the ground, then put a jack stand under the torsion bar tube before removing the transaxle filler plug.

Have you checked clutch pedal freeplay? Many times ... a new clutch cable and adjustment takes care of shifting problems!

jcsjcs · jcsjcs's Garage

So tonight I am going to check the level - which I think is low. Will do as Warren recommended - to be sure the car is level.

Also will consider adjusting the transmission mounts - if still having problems. We did apply slight pressure on the transmission when installing the new mounts with a jack and I don't think it moved.

I will report back soon....

schmidter91 · 10-22-2007, 06:43 PM

I have a 1982 911SC with a freshly rebuilt 915 trans. Only 1,000 miles on it. My problem has been getting into fourth. It always took a bit more massage and force to get it into gear.

dimeified · 10-22-2007, 06:58 PM

I never really shift down to first or let the car roll in first. It's more of a "pit gear" just to get the car moving. If i get going in first and need to slow down if im in traffic, I always shift to neutral and brake. Im no automotive expert, but the combination of the car's inertia on the small size of the gear makes the car too jerky using first like any of the other gears. You can actually hear your car complain to you do this. It sounds like "ah ohhhh oh." Sorta like your a pain in it's back, haha. Well at least, my car does that, don't know about the rest. (gulp).
As far as 1st to 2nd, i've come to accept it as a 2 step process. Get going in first, dump the clutch, arm pulls lever back, and then a quick pause, and press the gas pedal slowly to "rev match" while you easily slide the lever into second with nice light wrist action and the let the clutch pop back up. I know it sounds like alot of work, but you will get quick at it. It honestly takes less time to do this than to try to jam it from first to second, only to embarass yourself and have to push the lever foward and back again.
This arm then wrist kind of shifting has become habbit for the rest of the gears during light driving, saving wear on the trans.