No 4th or 5th gear

[jtencer]

I love these 914's! Today my '72 tailshifter suddenly stopped shifting into 4th or 5th gear. No warning whatsoever. Rev, one, two and three are fine but it just won't go into 4th or 5th. Any ideas out there?

John
'72 1.7

[David McLaughlin]

I am interested in this as well. My six has the same problem in rare occasions. I think It may have to do with shift linkage adjustments for my car only does this after a hard, from stop, accelleration and I know my motor mounts (quick six bar with 914/4 mounts) are shot.

[John Rogers]

On our stock 914 2 liter the rear mounts were okay but the front were shot and on a tight corner at an auto-x I could only shift from 2nd to 5th, I would not be able to find 3rd at all! I now have the solid trans mounts and stock front mounts and after installing new bushings it shift great! I'd get new mounts as soon as possible to prevent possible tranny damage. Good luck.

[HMeeder]

John:

Could be the shifter bar adjustment collar (back by the firewall in the interior there's a little trap door held down by a single screw) may be out of whack.

Also check those mounts. If you're not sure, I have a couple of extras. They are used but in solid shape. Pretty simple to replace. Give me a call. I also have your book still.

------------------
Herb
'72 1.7 Tangerine 'Teen
'74 2.0 Red Rustmobile

[jtencer]

Thanks for the responses guys. I checked the linkage under the access cover and it looks good and tight. I'll take a closer look at the tranny mounts today. I would much prefer taking I-8 to work than El Cajon Blvd!

John
'72 914

[iustasail]

This problem can be caused when the selector mechanism is actually engaging two shift forks at the same time. This happens when the shift forks were not set up perfectly to begin with and as the shafts and forks and selector wear interference can occur; the box has to come apart to correct!

The gear box should be checked with the linkage disconnected to be certain that the linkage is not at fault sometimes the strange knuckle joint mechanism at the end goes out of adjustment and binds up before the selector rod moves into position on the 4/5 shift fork thus making shifting into 4/5 impossible; hopefully this is the problem as repair is just a matter of adjustment with no removal required

[jtencer]

It looks like the tranny problem has gone away. I took care of it by going out and buying a '73 2.0. It was a great deal and I couldn't resist.

John
'72 1.7 (no 4th or 5th gear...still)
'73 2.0

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

> My six has the same problem in rare occasions.
> ... I know my motor mounts (quick six bar with 914/4 mounts) are shot.

Dave, it sounds to me like you've answered your own question there. Replace the motor mounts, and your shifting problem should go away.

--DD