915 shifting issues (and leak)

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 08:28 AM

Hi,

I am running what I think is a "euro spec" 915 trans. It has the oil cooler on the side. Picked it up used a few years back and was told it was "rebuilt".

After installing it and filling it with the swepco stuff, it was obvious that it had some leaks. I pulled it, and replaced the input and shift linkage seals. That seemed to slow it down to the point where there is a light coating of oil on the body, but rarely do I have any drops on the ground.

Of course, that is the least of my problems..

I am unable to shift in to 1st if the car is moving at all. I have to be at a complete stop to get it in there, otherwise it grinds. I have been living with it that way for the past 4 years or so.

After sitting the winter, I got it out this spring and now it does a weird thing when shifting between 2nd and 3rd. SOMETIMES, I pull it out of 2nd, but it wont go in to 3rd. It feels like it gets hung up because I cant even get it in to 4th. If I release the clutch pedal, I can then get it in to gear. Typicaly this happens if I am shifting fast. It I take it slow, it is less likely to get caught up.

Looking for any/all advice on what could be wrong. I will check the fluid level this weekend, not that I have any extra to add..

Thanks,

Marc

howiee · howiee's Garage

Hi Marc,
I have a grey market 83euro sc and the 1st gear does the same for me. I've had the car for 8yrs and I double clutch between 1-2nd and it doesn't go back into 1st until I am pretty much at a stand still. As for the 2-3-4 gears sounds like it might be the bushings. The plastic bushings in the shifter and the tunnel do wear out and when they do it becomes harder to get in gear. I'm no specialist but when I changed the bushings and got them adjusted right 2-3-4-5 shifting became nice and smooth. I still have to be at a full stop to get back into 1st and I double clutch from 1st to 2nd.

I would try adjusting the linkage in the tunnel and see if it helps. Costs nothing and is easy to do yourself. Adjust the clutch cable to make sure it is spot on.

Thats about as far as my knowledge goes. Hopefully someone else with a little more knowledge will chime in and give you some other tips.

Cheers

Howie

cdrik915 · cdrik915's Garage

Same problem on my 86' : i must stop completely to shift in to 1 gear.

I think that's normal.......or perhaps a synchromesh that is a bit used.

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 09:03 AM

Thanks.. Makes me feel better that the 1st gear thing is not unique.. I am however more concerned about the 2-3 shift. I essentially cant do anything with it when it gets in that mode. Like, I am stuck on the syncro or something.

john walker's workshop · 06-04-2010, 09:18 AM

remove swepco, replace with kendall 80/90 GL-5. MANY folks found that their shifting improved. won't fix the grinding 1st gear though.

tobluforu · tobluforu's Garage

I have been reading about the kendall and is this an oil that should go into only a certain year tranny or all 915's?

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 09:32 AM

Looks like Kendall is not easy to find..

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 09:52 AM

I called the local distributor, they wont sell direct. They did say there is a LSD and non LSD version?? I assume I want the LSD version.

They Gave me the name of a place to try, not luck there.. Also said Firestone has it. I tried them, and they wont sell it to me.

Peter Zimmermann · 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcL

Looks like Kendall is not easy to find..

JEGS Performance Auto Parts - Holley - Billet Specialties - Edelbrock - MSD - Moroso - Mr Gasket Type "Kendall" into the search box.

To check if your car has LSD, raise the back end so both rear wheels are off the floor. Turn the right rear wheel, by hand, forward. If the left rear wheel turns the same direction you have LSD.

Peter Zimmermann · 06-04-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobluforu

I have been reading about the kendall and is this an oil that should go into only a certain year tranny or all 915's?

All 915s. As John wrote, be sure to use the 80W/90 NON-synthetic oil.

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

JEGS Performance Auto Parts - Holley - Billet Specialties - Edelbrock - MSD - Moroso - Mr Gasket Type "Kendall" into the search box.

To check if your car has LSD, raise the back end so both rear wheels are off the floor. Turn the right rear wheel, by hand, forward. If the left rear wheel turns the same direction you have LSD.

I think I have LSD.. I did a peel out to test it..

YouTube - VQ35 DeLorean Peelout

Peter Zimmermann? I was just reading your rebuild article.. At some point I may need to use it (although, I hope not!). So, thank you in advance for publishing that. I am very appreciative of people sharing their knowledge and experience with the general public.

Peter Zimmermann · 06-04-2010, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdrik915

Same problem on my 86' : i must stop completely to shift in to 1 gear.

I think that's normal.......or perhaps a synchromesh that is a bit used.

Not normal at all! If you have to stop in order to shift into 1st, that synchro is used up.

Porsche Wiki: Forum Categories

Click on "915" under page tags.

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 11:28 AM

Peter; Where are you located?

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

Just a heads up...
If you drain the tranny remove the inspection plate on the right side and check that the guide fork is tight.
I just change my oil and found my guide fork flopping around on the cover.
Cleaned everything up put loc-tite on the studs and nuts. Shifts alot better now.

Peter Zimmermann · 06-04-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcL

Peter; Where are you located?

Bakersfield, CA...

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

Bakersfield, CA...

Too far to just drop it off and say "fix it"..

Anyone in NJ who has experience with this trans? Just looking for a backup plan if the oil change does not fix it and I don't have the courage to try it on my own.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

BTW - how are all the bushing in the shifter? did you replace them?

also, try putting it in 2nd before trying to shift into 1st

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWebb

BTW - how are all the bushing in the shifter? did you replace them?

also, try putting it in 2nd before trying to shift into 1st

I replaced some of the stuff in the shifter 2 yrs ago.. That thing at the bottom of the shifter where it slides in to that 90deg bend to the rod.. Something else too, but my memory is awful.

Like I said, right now I was more concerned that it is getting stuck on 2-3 shifts. Double clutch seems to fix it, but I'd like to to be right.

MarcL · 06-04-2010, 12:52 PM

This may be a dumb question, but does it have to be Kendall brand?? I was calling around all afternoon looking for it, but stopped when a friend who is "in the auto parts business" said he could get me some.

I sent someone to pick it up for me, and it is "CAM2" brand. They are telling me "it is the same thing".

redranger · 06-04-2010, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcL

Anyone in NJ who has experience with this trans? Just looking for a backup plan if the oil change does not fix it and I don't have the courage to try it on my own.

Where are you located in NJ? I have a mechanic that can help you in central NJ. PM me and I'll give you the details.