915 Shifter problems help!

[55VOLLEY]

Driving my 81 SC and after 30 minutes on the road I could not shift into 2nd gear, 10
minutes later 4th was gone then 5th. No noises just could not shift into those gears. Reverse ,1st and 3rd are all I have. When I move the shift lever in neutral there is a slight metal on metal noise and the shifter feels very loose. Any ideas?

[schumicat]

check the shift coupler under the metal panel on floor behind the front seats. check the rubber bushings on the shift lever (need to remove shifter for this).

[Peter Zimmermann]

Yep, the bushings in your coupler have probably failed (schumicat's post). Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws that hold the tin coupler cover (it'll be under the carpet) to the floor tunnel below the rear seats. You will find an aluminum part with a bushing in each side, it might be covered with a rubber boot. Check those bushings...

There's a very slight chance (1%) that the problem is internal.

[winders]

Kendall will fix it!

Scott

[Mattcamp]

No way "guy that didn't just fall off the turnip truck". Kendall sucks! (anyone smell that sarcasm?) Swepco will fix it for sure. Ask all of the old time Porsche racers.

I can't wait until you need help from JW or PZ.

[55VOLLEY]

Thanks for all the help. Sounds like a job to tackle this weekend.

[winders]

Mattcamp,

It's called "humor". Swepco won't fix it either. No oil will.

PZ is retired.......he's a smart guy and I have no issues with his recommendation of Kendall.

I have been a customer of JW in the past (he did a great job fixing some 3.2 heads for me) and likely will be in the future. I live 20 minutes from his shop. He does excellent work.

Scott

[joe payne]

the same thing happened to me on Saturday. Couldn't find a gear. Took a peek at the coupler and found no bushings at all. Tre had some, so it was back to fix it. One word of advice, don't even try to remove that big pin without a vice. It has to be pressed out.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by 55VOLLEY

Thanks for all the help. Sounds like a job to tackle this weekend.

Be aware that it's not an "easy" job, and will require a sturdy vise and an assortment of hand tools (large punch, heavy hammer, etc.). You will need an Allen socket, or wrench, to remove the pin screw that secures the coupler to the trans shift fork, and you must be prepared to adjust the finished unit after installation.

The bushings are installed from the inside of the coupler, which increases the difficulty factor. Adjustment can be helped by making some careful chalk marks at the clamped end of the coupler, which can help with both the fore/aft adjustment and the rotational adjustment. You will have to loosen the clamp to remove the coupler from the car, and that will "lose" all of your adjustments.

[Hugh R]

As long as you're in there, do the shifter bushing as well. All of it is one system and it will greatly improve your shifting. If you have 101 Project by Wayne it has a good writeup, otherwise this. http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_shifting_improvements/911_shifting_improvements.htm

[DRACO A5OG]

+1 Check the coupler then the Shifter Bushing:

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

+1 Check the coupler then the Shifter Bushing:

HEY! Get that dirty thing off the kitchen counter!

[masterdave]

I had the same issue when i bought my car, it turned out that the whole shaft had split where it meats the universal joint at the bottom of the stick. Basically the shaft is a hollow metal tube with a piece welded in to it at the shifter end. This piece from so much constant motion had come lose, cracked the welds and split the shaft. I was able to get the shaft out through the E-Brake hole, but it was not easy. All in all the shaft was about 75$ the bushings, which i replaced cause i was in there, were another 25$ and some extraneous bolts and nuts another 10$. so 150$ after shipping and every thing, but the car shifts like new. Remember when you put it all back together, to align the universal joint to the trans correctly, Hugh R put a link to the article with the steps in it. I was able to do the job in about 6 hours, but that was because i had to replace the shifter shaft which took some yanking and hammering. If you are quick and diligent you could most likely get the bushings done in 3 hours. I put some axle grease on them as well, any type of thick grease should do, im sure there is some thing that is more appropriate but i wanted to get the car running and it was what i had on hand, its held up fine for the past 4 months.

If that is not the problem but you are going through all the work to check the bushings you may as well replace them while you are in there and save your self the headache latter.

Best
Dave

[masterdave]

this is the thread from back when i had the issue

1978 911SC Shift linkage question

[dicklague]

I put in a Wevo coupler instead of rebuilding that thing. Actually I did rebuild the old one, but put the wevo in instead........has been perfect of r6 years.

[Techne]

Do all the bushings, and clean and lube the shifter assembly itself - did wonders for me and wasn't that hard - did it in less than a day and I am far from a pro.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

HEY! Get that dirty thing off the kitchen counter!

LOL Dr. Z. Wifey says that to me all the time. That is actually my New DERLIN coupler from Ivangene aka ED M. Wow it just made my drive train so perfect now

I hope I can visit you one day to take my baby for a spin. I would love your opinion.

[ivangene]

that would be me

here is my "how to" and if you want the "what to put in"....I have those parts for you

(selfless promotional plug)

coupler bushing replacement 101 - YouTube

[55VOLLEY]

I am leaning towards buying the complete WEVO coupler. Is it worth the investment and does it make the job easier?

[GH85Carrera]

It is an easier job only because you don't have to rebuild the old coupler.

Getting it installed and the shifter aligned just right is a little tricky. Once you grasp the basics you will be able to adjust it perfect. You will love the improved shifting.