signs of worn bushings or synchros

floodbkt · 01-18-2003, 01:28 PM

what are the symptoms of worn bushings/synchros? the tranny in question is in an '83SC and shifts fine most of the time. it seems a little slow going from 1st to 2nd and sometimes doesn't slide easily into third. feels like there is a little resistance. no grinding and mostly feels OK.

it does have weltmeister short shift. would changing back to factory throw help.

thanks for any help anyone can offer!!!!

Porschephanatic · 01-18-2003, 06:28 PM

Hello, floodbkt. Did you just install the short shift ? My wrench tells me they take "some fiddling with" to get them adjusted. He prefers the factory short shift above all else. When synchros go you usually get that "notchy" feeling or grinding. Has your 915 had a gear lube change/ level check lately? Swepco 201 seems to be recommended most on this forum. Bushings and shift couplers are easy to change, and can make an improvement. You didn't mention how many miles are on your tranny. Mine needed work @ 90k, and I don't abuse it.

floodbkt · 01-18-2003, 07:07 PM

the short shift has been in for awhile. the mileage is around 90k, but the tranny was rebuilt in the mid 70's. it also has a wierd shudder on take off. if i don't ease the clutch out it will shudder when starting out in first. sometimes it shifts super smooth, sometimes i feel some resistance when downshifting into third and when shifting into fourth. i took it by the local shop and they thought the lever that hooks the clutch cable to the tranny was sticking..............ever heard of anything like that? clutch cable is new.

thanks for the help!

scott

Porschephanatic · 01-19-2003, 04:36 AM

I have a copy of a Road and Track evaluation of the SC from 1978, and they hammered Porsche for difficulty shifting multiple cars into 1st gear when the cars were brand new. I had trouble w/ 3rd-4th as well, but I had occassional grinding to accompany that. I hate to say it, but that shudder usually means you're due for a new disc and flywheel "turning"/resurfacing or new flywheel. My wrench just installed a rebuilt 915, and my flywheel was grooved and scorched and couldn't be turned again, but the disc looked half decent. Since it was apart anyway I replaced everything. I went with the factory flywheel and the Sachs "sport " this time, and am curious how long this will last. Unfortunely, it seems SCs need clutch jobs every 45k-50k based on my experience.