Sportomatic Problem

JArling · 04-17-2008, 06:34 PM

I'm about to buy a '68 911L with the Sportomatic transmission. One flaw as best I know now. It will not shift out of 'Park' when running. Grinds. The shift lever moves when the engine is off, but cannot be started. The local mechanic - not a Porsche expert but generally quite competent, has not been able to figure the problem out. I am Porsche ignorant as well, at least for now.

Any ideas?

John in Gallup, NM ( not Porsche country - yet)

Zeke · 04-17-2008, 06:38 PM

The clutch is operated by a vacuum. You must check out that system first. Better get workshop manual on this because the system, while simple in concept, is anything but.

rodoredas · 04-17-2008, 08:04 PM

John, does this occur when the motor is cold, i.e you left the car in park from your last journey, then started it again; if so maybe let the engine warm up a bit and give some time for the oil to actually circulate into the gear box. Also make sure you have a full tank of oil, I have found that we must keep the oil level right up.

enjoy the sporto, they are great driving and offer fast gear changes and plenty of fun, and they are good for what they were designed for - crusing around town in 2nd, take Milt's advise and get the vacuum system checked before you do anything else, leaks here will cause problems.

cheers

rodoredas · 04-17-2008, 08:06 PM

Also, I believe the Owners Guide says we should turn the engine off before shifting into park, have you got the Owners Guide. I shift from park to neutral to start-up.

JArling · 04-17-2008, 08:13 PM

Thanks gents. I'll try warming it up tomorrow. And check the oil level. Sweet if it is that simple. We checked the vacuum system - seems to work fine.

John