Having trouble shifting 86 into first gear

[jleonej]

I am having trouble shifting my 86 into first gear, it has been cold (in the 30's) could this be the cause or could there be something else wrong mechanically? All of the other gears are shifting fine, just going from say second to first or from neutral to first while at a stop light.

[livi]

The 915 gear box always was a delicate lady. She needs a smooth but deliberate handling and will still be obstructive, not least with first and second gear. Many times its worn intestines like syncros and such but sometimes a certain improvement can be reached by changing the gear oil and shift bushings and coupler. Many swear by Swepco gear lube.
Also their are a few techniques, like first engaging second gear briefly before going into first gear. Others will only slip into first gear at a complete stand still.

I am just a tech ignorant. Better knowledge and judgment will come along shortly.

Good luck!

[attamz]

I believe that's the nature of the 915. Try engaging and disengaging the clutch in neutral before selecting first gear

[javadog]

Try a double clutch shift while rolling to a stop, at maybe 2-4 mph. Don't wait until you are stopped to make the shift.

JR

[Drisump]

Is it any better when warm? My 915 with Swepco is a little difficult when cold but is OK once warmed up. Could be something very simple like clutch adjustment. I believe Grady Clay has done a bit on shifting the 915, it will likely have some useful info.

[jleonej]

I do not know about when it is warm. I just got the car this past month and a half and it has been cold ever since. I just want to make sure I am not doing any damage to the car. This is a great forum and everyone on here has been very helpful. Thanks guys for the input, give me some time and bear with me on what at times may be stupid questions!

[Flat6pac]

You need to look at the alignment of the shifter to make sure you can select all the gears. Move the handle so 2 nd is further toward the rear of the car, that will help you select 1 st.
Bruce

[jklaspok]

Not uncommon for a 915. I lightly move mine in to frst as I come to a stop. Another techique is to drop it in 2nd while at a stop and then move it up to 1st. Some have had better luck with Kendall lube in cold weather. This was discussed in length at: Swepco Transmission Fluid Question

[D911SC]

When did you last replace the shift bushings? This can really help improve issues such as yours.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Post #8 has the link to a thread that I consider mandatory reading. However, I'm leaning toward a synchro issue, rather than linkage, based on that you consider shifting into all the other gears as OK. It's extremely difficult to diagnose a problem such as yours on the Internet, without actually driving the car it's mostly guessing.

The best thing for you to do is to drain/have drained the trans oil, and check the magnet on the drain plug for debris, especially small metal chunks that look like teeth.

[Canuck_Targa]

I was tired of fighting with my shifter so did some searching in the tech articles and followed these instructions:
Pelican Technical Article: 911 Shifting Improvements

The difference was dramatic after adjusted correctly, as long as your bushings are in good shape.
Added the factory short shift and still great (with a little more shifting effort).
The 915 is never going to shift like my buddys 2011 Mustang GT or even my sons Golf VR6, but thats the way they are made.

Fresh Swepco doesn't hurt either.

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

Post #8 has the link to a thread that I consider mandatory reading. However, I'm leaning toward a synchro issue, rather than linkage, based on that you consider shifting into all the other gears as OK. It's extremely difficult to diagnose a problem such as yours on the Internet, without actually driving the car it's mostly guessing.

The best thing for you to do is to drain/have drained the trans oil, and check the magnet on the drain plug for debris, especially small metal chunks that look like teeth.

+1 .

I don't recall who (may have been JW?) mentioned something in another thread regarding "staging" the shift to first gear, especially when cold (I'm sure I was digesting this within my G50 "domain"...) But mentioned that, at start up then needed movement forward, one should go ahead and hit 3rd gear position (clutch in, of course) then shift into into first gear postion,..somehow would assist with less wearing (during the "cold moments"....) by a "staging of tghh synchros

Inanycase,...I've ALWYS DONE THAT! I'm VERY careful on my shifting (G50), ensuring I don't feel anything other than silk-smooth shifting,..I love this G50tranny.
And, she gets her Mobile-One Delvac religiously, at no later than annually.


Shifter bushings were installed on a repair a few years back and made a huge improvement to the damage itself (naturally) and , ultimately, a tighter shifting box.

Diggin' it, for sure!

NOW,..back to your 915...

BEST!

Doyle'

[wildcat077]

Since you just got your car, you will have to get used to the "special" procedure to shift a Porsche 911 gearbox,wether it be a 915 or G50 ... lol

Mine is a little harder to shift when cold as well,although i use Quaker State 75W140 synthetic gear oil. The temperature gets rather on the cool side at the end of November
in Quebec before i store my car away for a few months...and it's something i learned to live with but once everything gets warmed up it's like butter.

Cheers !
Phil

[DRACO A5OG]

+1 on checking the fluid.

Very easy process, at least you will know if there is damage.

Note: Make certain you can open the fill plug prior to draining the fluid. Some P/O or Wrench may have over torqued it.

Post a pic of the magnet and any debris, Dr Zimmerman may chime in to give his 2 cents.

If all good ( hopefully) replace with Kendell 80w90 ( with LSD additive if applicable ) you will be very happy. I am.

I Recently had to rebuild my 915, the 1st gear band twisted off and destroy my gears. Wrench opened the drain and found chunks of metal. I could not engage into 1st at all. I hope this is not your issue.