Can't shift into 5th--what da.....?????
 

Last week, my 915 shifter on my '86 suddenly felt really sloppy, with much lateral movement while in 1st-4th gears. I posted a thread on this, and most suggestions were to replace all shift bushings (not done yet), etc.
Well, I also noticed that now I can't get it into 5th. In attempting to go from 4th to 5th, it feels really spongy, and will not go into 5th at all. It gets diverted into 3rd.
What can cause this, and what is the fix??

thanks

I would guess bushings as well if you have been issues. Maybe one completely failed or cracked. Just a guess.

My suggestion would be to replace your shifter bushings, you were going to do it anyways, and see if the problem persists. It could be something else. I don't know too much.

Shift coupler bushings
 

Replace the shift coupler bushings (or buy a new shift coupler). My car was the same, after I replaced the bushings (Weltmeister) it 915 felt like new!

Good luck!

Replacing the bushings is worthwhile, but I would start with just checking the couplings position. It takes only a few minutes to realign it and if that is the major culprit, you will then not be in an acute hurry to change the bushings. Do you have Wayne´s 101 Projects or the Bentley manual ? Well outlined in both.

I would also recomend replacing the bushings. And while doing the coupling get some brass bushings. I love mine. The trans is still a 915 but the shift patern is very percise, and tight.

Hey MIK911,

I was looking for a thread I had seen some time ago describing the socket/press trick for the coupler bushing. I found the thread. Had to smile as I read the thread. It is Early_S_Man talking to us from Porsche Heaven.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=30299&highlight=shift+coupler+bus hing

Pop open the cover over the rear coupling and look at it. If you don't get a few degrees of rotation when you go for 5th it will be obvious where your problem is.

It is almost certainly the bushings and the car will be way better if you replace them anyway so...

Another vote for bushings.

I took advantage of the opportunity to upgrade the shifter linkage to a Wevo short shift kit and also swap out the knuckle at the rear of the tunnel. OMG what a difference! Well worth it!

Boil the new bushing in water for about 10 minutes to make it soft prior to installing. It's virtually impossible to install (or remove) once it has cooled.