Tranny question - James?

[bob174]

I would like some comments from the transmission gurus. Rebuilt my transmission last summer per James' instructions. I did a full rebuild, not just the first gear stuff. I have only 200-300 miles on it. It's a side shifter in a '73 2.0--all stock. Replaced, among other very expensive items, the first and second gear synchros. When I am at a stop light and in neutral with the clutch out (e.g., gears are turning inside) and the light turns green I push in the clutch and if I don't ease it gently into first, it grinds and then clunks into gear. This does not occur with any downshifting to first during regular driving. I also notice that when the transmission is still cold after just starting to drive, it will grind ever so slightly when up-shifting to second from first. This lasts just until the transmission warms up a little bit. The first gear synchro was new when installed. Second gear synchro was from 5th gear in a donor tranny. It looked like new. Any thoughts?

Knowing now what's going on in there, and also knowing that the grinding parts are $100 and $300 in each ginding pair, it bothers me that this is occurring.

Bob

[Amark]

I recently replaced my transmission w/ a low mileage used transmission. If I shift into 1st gear as soon as I stop it goes right in. If I wait for a green light and then shift into 1st it requires some effort to get first gear to engage. I think that might be a normal phenomenon for a 901 transmission. I have seen several posts regarding the issue.

The nicking reverse/second gear issue may be something that can be fixed w/ a shifter adjustment. I played around w/ the adjustment on my 2 or 3 times before I got it right. I finally looked in the factory manual and followed those instructions. The factory manual instructions are:

1. In neutral, loosen the bolt on the shifter so the shift rod is free.

2. Turn the shift rod through the inspection cover (under console) all the way to the right. I used a small pair of vise grips to hold the shift rod.

3. Push the shifter all the way to the right & tighten the bolt.

You will still have to experiment with the in-out adjustment on the shifter. I adjusted mine using the above procedure and my car shifts way better.

That’s my .02 worth. Hope it helps.

[tryan]

i have been instructed to ALWAYS slip the tranny into 1st before you come to a stop.

[mikester]

This has been something that has been bothering me recently.

I've spent a few hours under the car replacing bushings, the clutch cable, etc...

Shifting is better, but the question I have is - how good should I expect it to be in the end? Shifting was never very bad, it just isn't very good. I too have to ease it into first, going into second is fine as with all the other gears. It's just first, before I replaced the cable I pretty much couldn't downshift into first and sometimes had a problem getting into second. Now I'm all good, but getting it into first from a stop is still somewhat of a problem.

Your observations are appreciated.

Thanks again guys.

[LarryP]

Well, I have no idea what is wrong, bt I can tell you this; i just had my transmission rebuilt (four synchros and a bunch of shafts, etc) by Dan Jacobs and it (1) shifts great and (2) snicks into gear quite happily from a stop, even after sitting in neutral. And i do not have to ease it into gear, nor does it grind when shifting, cold or hot. Sorry. So while I don't know what is happening in there, it is not appropriate behavior.

[John Rogers]

I'd bet it is clutch drag?

[Bleyseng]

Adjust the clutch....it should slide into first without grinding.
Geoff

[Carrera916]

Maybe I can help you, Bob174 and others.....901 gearbox is a good box if it is set up probably and especially, the clutch cable set up.

Bob, it sounded like to me that you need to double check your clutch cable set up as I'm getting the impression your clutch isnt fully disengaged (it's dragging a bit when you pressed in fully). And if the tip of the input shaft end (clutch side) isn't greased before slipping into the engine crankshaft end, it can drag/rotate the input shaft a bit.

As you tried to shift into gears with the shaft rotating, it will crush a bit into other gears as the synchro isn't finishing it's job to stop the input shaft from rotating. When I drive a slightly worn out 901 gearboxed car, and stop dead at the stop sign, I've always shift into second gear before I slip into first, this helps in stopping the input shaft from rotating before I go into first. On totally rebuilded gearbox, it is possible to shift into first gear first instead of going to second gear to shift into first, that's if the clutch system is set up right.

Lubrication is another insight that you should look into. I swear that the synthetic gearoil (I use Amsoil) are the way to go as it really made a big difference in shifting (easier), especially with the used gearbox (good synchros), I have had customers coming back with a smile, saying it solved their hard shifting complains a lot with the knowledge that the gearbox will need to be rebuild at a later time instead of now.

Hope this helps

jerry

[red-beard]

Clutch. Tell me. How far down do you have to push the clutch? I thought so...

Go under and adjust the cable so the clutch comes in a little sooner.

James

[Kevin Powers]

the 2nd gear thing sure worked for me when i was a pup and had an old beetle. spoiled the mood when i was in the back seat trying to get busy with a girl and a friend was driving, "JON, HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU PUT IT IN 2nd FIRST?" ahh, youth.

kevin

[bob174]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll get under there tonight and tighten the cable a bit. I have long legs, and the clutch begins to engage pretty close to the floor as you let the pedal out... I am running synthetic gear oil--Mobil 1.

[tryan]

running synthetic is a no-no in a 901 or 915 . it is too slick and the dogs and cats can't keep up. do your adjustments for the cable, but replace the tranny fluid with swepco (201?). i have been flamed by some very knowledgeable people on this board, i am passing this knowledge on to you. drain it and change it.

[red-beard]

Tyran,

I totally disagree with you on this. No one has shown me any information, except anedotes, that Swepco is anything but 90W gear oil.

Only one person has _any_ data to date: Jake Raby. And he runs Synthetic in his trannies.

Bob,

Synthetics do work and work fine. That is not the problem here.

Yep, you need to adjust the clutch a bit so it engages higher up. You're not alone. I need to do this too!

James

[tryan]

red-beard, i agree the synthetic/dino rhetoric. just relaying what i have been flamed for.

bob174's 1st gear problem sounds like a cable adjustment/pull the carpet out from underneath the pedal related.

[bob174]

I was told by Otto to run synthetic in it. He rebuilds numerous of these transmissions and races them so I figure he ought to know. The fact that James agrees also is good enough for me.

[Brant]

To each his own.. I usually stay out of the synthetic vs non synthetic debate....

but I only run mobil 1 in my race trannies and have exclusively done this for 10 years...

just my opinion..

brant

[mike95125]

Actually I have found that both dino, and synth oils are inferior to extra virgin olive oil. Having been an environmental nut for some time, I have always saught a more eco friendly way of lubricating my mechanical doodads. Believe it or not olive oil, the extra virgin type, is superior do to the unrefined nature of the lipo-molecule. Its many forms of branch chain liposomes when summed together equal one fine, clean lubricant.
I have data to back this up!!!!
Just ask.

[red-beard]

OH GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew it! I knew it. You really are a California, raisin eating, granola crunching, tree hugging, environmental wacko. That bald head thing was there just to throw me off....



James

Extra virgin olive oil: Sheesh.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Note the date of the reply. I think we may be having our collective leg pulled....

--DD

[Bleyseng]

I like anything that is extravirgin! Now I will have to try it in a tail shifter...
Geoff