seeking 915 transmission advice!

[jcsjcs]

All -

I have an '84 911 Targa. I have had the car for about 1 year. The transmission has always been a focal point for concerns - due to issues with it and learning how to shift a 915, e.g. taking my time.

I have always had some trouble getting into 1st from standstill - but have no problem getting into 1st as I slow to a stop. I plan on having the transmission rebuilt next year - when I am in a better position financially.

A new issue is occurring where the transmission occassionally pops out of 1st when I am starting up.

This happens most frequently when I go from reverse to 1st and is occassionally happening if I shift into 1st from a start.

I believe that my synchros for 1st are worn ???

Questions:
1) Is this new symptom a major problem OR can I continue to drive the car? I obviously don't want to do significant damage, but really want to wait to deal with my transmission until next year.

2) If this is not a major problem, can I autocross? I generally shift into 1st before a start and then run the course in 2nd.....

3) Anything I should check to help reduce this issue?

Any advice is appreciated!

[dentist90]

Popping out of a gear is often indicitave of worn synchro parts. It is the synchro band and selector sleeve, along with spring-loaded detents, that hold the selected gear. As far as reluctance to going into gear, a good place to start is to drain your tranny fluid and check for little teeth that may have broken off your synchro hubs. If you find frags of metal on your drain plug it is time for a repair. You risk huge damage if a loose piece gets lodged between the gearsets.
The difficulty getting into gear and coming out could possibly be a shifter adjustment problem, ie., the gear lever may be hitting the end of the shift tower before 1st is fully engaged. Worn shift bushings can cause problems, but not necessarily in just 1 gear. 1st and 2nd gears do wear/break most frequently as they are heavily used, especially in small autocross tracks.