915 Tranny check-up?

[simsalabim]

Hello all,

While my motor rebuild is being completed and my trans is sitting all alone, I am wondering if there's a few relatively straight forward evaluations I could do to check for some obvious problems. When the car was on the road, there was nothing that stood out as an issue. I realize that the 915 has a reputation for being a bit "quirky" (1st and 2nd gear ease in, as well as a couple of seconds of clutch before shifting into reverse) and I have no real complaints, I just thought that while it was out and accessible I could do some maintenance. It has around 30k miles on it since it's last rebuild (at least that's what the records show.

Any suggestions, thoughts or ideas? My car is an 81' sc.

thanks in advance!

[Peter Zimmermann]

Really nothing to do other than seal replacement to correct leak(s). Be sure to install a new M/S seal to protect the clutch (if you do this ask for instructions first). Take a good look at the TOB release fork; check it for cracks on its fingers.

[Bob Kontak]

I was looking for what year you had in other posts and could not find it. Then I see it is here in this thread. There is a footer you can add to say what car you have. Makes it easier on folks.

However, I did see your P&C issue with the score marks. What choice did you make?

Regarding transmission, take that plate off the side and make sure those nuts that hold the v-block thingie on are nice and tight. Not stupid tight, but you get the idea. Mine were a loose on my 81 and may or may not have caused a circular saw cutting through a 2 X 6 noise as the trans engaged 3rd and 4th.

Mayo Performance, who rebuilt (refreshed) my trans said the loose block is more of a problem in earlier 915s.

Replace the throw out bearing fork. You are way overdue with 200k. Pin too. Lever seal 900 301 139 00. Look at the exploded view in the PET and look your parts over.

Consider a reverse switch for precautionary measure.

[Bob Kontak]

If Zimmerman says observe the fork vs replace, defer to his insight.

It's around $100 plus your wrench time but on mine Mayo said "while we are in here" and I said ok. I am saying it's way overdue simply for precautionary reasons. Plus, it's easier to spend your money than mine.

[simsalabim]

Thanks Bob,

Looks like we own the same car..

Will add my garage feature as you suggest.

I wound up purchasing a new set of Euro Mahle P&C's. Found a good deal online and decided to be done with the Alusil issues (real or imagined). I set the deck heights to limit the CR to around 9.5/1 since I am single plugged. I also have an Electromotive Crankfire ignition setup on it, which should also allow me to limit any pre-ignition issues with a more controlled advance curve.

I will take your advice on the tranny check-up. Looking at the receipts from the PO, it looks like the reverse switch was installed as well as a number of other replacement parts, but my motto with this car is "trust, but verify" on all stated repairs. We will see...

Looking forward to getting back on the road soon. I have had an initiation by fire with my car since I bought it last year (full engine rebuild) and although it was unexpected, you won't hear me complain. In fact, in many ways being forced to learn all I have during this process has been a blessing and has helped me to appreciate these machines all the more!

Cheers,
Bill

[RWebb]

clean the fork very carefully (brake cleaner) & check it with a magnifier

posts here somewhere show some common failure spots

look at the wear on the ends too

[simsalabim]

Thanks RWebb and all others. Sounds like the fork and some seals are the most applicable trouble spots. Great forum folks...