Seems like clutch isn't fully disengaging when cold
 

Recently my 915 has developed a problem where the clutch seems to be dragging only when cold (i.e, after sitting overnight). On startup, when i try to shift into reverse, it grinds like the clutch is not fully disengaging. Same with the other 5 gears.

Whats weird is the problem is only apparent when cold, and goes away 2-3 minutes after driving. The clutch takeup is about 1/2 way off the floor, and the car shifts beautifully after driving for a short period. Once warmed up, the problem goes away, and all gears shift very smoothly with no grinding and minimal resistance.

I have replaced the clutch cable, rebuilt the pedal cluster, all new bushings for the shift linkage, including new coupler bushings, and i am sure my linkage is adjusted properly. As i said, the car shifts like butter otherwise, it is only for the few minutes after it has been sitting that the problem is apparent.

Could this be a clutch or internal transmission problem? Car is low miles (<70k), although i do not know if the clutch has ever been replaced. Also, i cannot find in either the Haynes or Wayne's book an article which explains how to adjust the 74 year 915 clutch cable, which doesn't have an omega spring, even though i cannot think of the cable being the problem, seeing as i replaced it less than 10k miles ago and the pedal action and clutch takeup is very smooth. Any ideas?

swepco?

Missed that detail-- put fresh 201 in ~5k miles ago, some pretty potent smelling blue goop.

get rid of it and use kendall 80/90 GL-5 and report back.

Interesting. Why swepco? Swepco helped with syncros; but too sticky when cold?

good for gear faces, not good for the proper function of friction syncros, IMO, and of others.

Another possibility is oil on the clutch disc.

If you crank the car cold with the clutch fully depressed, level ground, parking brake off, and the car in first gear, does the car want to move forward?
(Remember to try this with space for the car to move. :D )

Best,
Grady