Should I?

stomachmonkey · 02-04-2003, 02:23 PM

Hey folks,

Think my tranny is goin south. It "binds" going into 2nd and 4th and feels a bit notchy going into 3rd. It's better at a stand still and is intermittent while driving.

Replaced shifter bushings, still have to do coupler bushings but the current ones don't look to bad. Tried adjusting coupler/linkage, no better.

Clutch engaged really high when I first got the car in Dec. Had some electrical work done at a local shop and they brought it closer to the floor for me.

They commented that the cable appeared old and that it should be replaced. Going to try readjusting to make sure the clutch is engaging fully.

So here is the question.

Do I, in anticipation of a tranny failure, get my hands on a used one and do a DYI rebuild over time and have it ready for when I need it or just wait for the inevitable and buy a rebuilt?

I like to work on my own cars and would consider it a nice learning experience but don't want to spend 2x as much as I need to. Or would either option be a wash monetarily?

Thx,

Scott

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

i was told as the cable stretches the ajustment loses its effect. i would try a new cable and see if the ajustment is more effective then.

APKhaos · 02-04-2003, 03:20 PM

Scott,
First, you need to be sure that the problem really IS the 915. A stretched clutch cable, dragging clutch, linkage binding, and more may be the cause/s of your symptoms.

In the event that your 915 is the problem, one of the best approaches is to call Gary Fairbanks in CT [adds in every Pano]. Gary's business is based on 915s, and he has a great reputation. He will ship you a purpose-built crate for the tranny, and have it back to you very quickly. If a first-time 915 rebuild sounds risky, then Gary is a far better approach than giving it to a local shop. Even most specialist Pcar shops don't do enough 915 rebuilds!

Now, if you were in JW territory it would be a different matter - of course!

RoninLB · 02-04-2003, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stomachmonkey
Hey folks,

Think my tranny is goin south. It "binds" going into 2nd and 4th and feels a bit notchy going into 3rd. It's better at a stand still and is intermittent while driving.

you didn't say grinding is an issue.. so I have to go along w/everybody and say do all the basics first.. might even be a worn clutch contributing to the issue.................Ron

Superman · 02-04-2003, 03:43 PM

DEFINITELY do all the adjusting and bushing replacement before drawing conclusions about the condition of your tranny. Bad trannies usually don't like to do into gear while moving, especially when cold. Or they like to pop out of gear. Binding might more likely be clutch or something like that. Adjusting the clutch is very special, on our cars with the horseshoe spring. Part of the process is to disconnect the cable completely from the arm under the tranny. Pry the arm away from the clutch cable until the spring snaps it back, away. Then install the cable and go through the adjustment process. the horseshoe spring has to 'go over the top' when the pedal is pushed. There have been many threads. A SEARCH might be enlightening.

stomachmonkey · 02-04-2003, 05:30 PM

Thanks guys.

Appreciate the input.

Scott

boyt911sc · boyt911sc's Garage

Scott,
I rebuilt my 915 transmission last year and spent less than $500. I decided to undertake the project after meeting someone who lend me some of the special tools and gave me guidance to tackle the project. It was very intimidating at first, but once you get familiar with the gear set-up things looks simplier.

I have about 600 miles on the car since after the rebuilt. It shifts smoothly and beginning to enjoy driving the car again. Missing the second gear shift after accelaration from a stop light was annoying and embarrasing! It was the main reason I went for the rebuilt.

If you enjoy doing the mechanical work on your car, rebuilding the 915 trans is a very rewarding experience. I would recommend the Bently Manual and some other reference books. And finally, I'll be glad to share my experience with you. Good luck......

stomachmonkey · 02-05-2003, 05:30 AM

I tried to pay attention to what was happening on my way home last night and again on the way in this morning.

I think the colder it is outside the less I have the problem. Big diff. in temp from yesterday to today.

Sitting at lights on the way in today I engaged the clutch and ran through the gears while at a standstill.

The "binding" is definately intermittent and I did experience it even at a idle/standstill. 4th seemed to be the worst, if I tried to engage it and it bound I could release and reapply pressure and it would slip in.

I'm thinking it is not tranny related.

Scott

Joeaksa · 02-05-2003, 06:43 AM

Scott,

Have you switched to Swepco 201 yet? Makes a big difference in the way a 915 feels and its well worth the money.

Adjust the cable and shifter and put the correct gearbox fluid in and then if its still not up to snuff, its time to overhaul.

Joe

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

stomachmonkey (what is that, btw?

)

adjusting the engagement point for your clutch is really simple...i've occasionally just jumped out of the car, reached under and turned the adjusting nut a little bit (a little goes a long way) to get it where i want it...you can easily do the same for yours. loosening a little will put the engagement point closer to the floor, tightening means you have to let the clutch out further to get engagement...it should be between 1-2" from the floor ideally.

ryan

stomachmonkey · 02-05-2003, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the tip Ryan.

One night Letterman was playing with those dice with words on them and stomach monkeys came up. He then launched into a bit about how bad Mexican food had given him the stomachmonkeys.

I personally thought it was hysterical and since everything my wife eats gives her the stomachmonkeys I registered the URL in her honor the next day.

Everybody remembers it.

Scott