Test drive continued
 

So what is with the shifter on these cars 74 2.0. I replaced the bushings and barley can find 2nd. 50% of the time I get 4th. Then going from 3rd to 4th it is like slow motion as if the shifter is binding. 4th to 5th is slow too. Are there any static adjustments to be done to the handle or linkage? P.S whats up with those flintstone brakes? looks like the 19MM master cylinder is going in early. Since this was going to be a dedicated autocrosser by the previous owner how can I tell if he has some kind of track only pads???

if you want better brakes do a 911 brake or bmw 320 swap then and only then do the 19 mm master read the tech article on brakes to see why

and track pads need to be HOT to work right so take it out and stop real hard a bunch of times and if the braking ggets better you know why

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scott thacher
75 1.8 on the road again
75 under rust
(fine german rust)

Joe:

Sounds like you may have one or both of these problems with your shift linkage. Problem 1: Easy to align but it will take a few shots at it to get it just right. Problem 2 may be weak reverse lock out springs though that doesn't sound quite like your issue right now. Try fixing problem 1 first.

Problem 1. Take off the inspection plate just aft of the shifter. Put your car in 4th. I this how far away you want 4th to be? Do you have to reach for it at all? The idea is that you should be able to reach it without your right shoulder leaving the seat's back rest. Loosen the 10mm adjuster nut on the clamping sleeve and slide it back and forth on the shift rod to get it where you want it, then tighten it. Ok, now that you have that set, mark the depth of the sleeve maybe with a spot of white paint.

Now put the car in 3rd, loosen the adjuster nut and allow the shifter to ride along the reverse lockout plate. Line it up with your paint mark and tighten the adjuster nut. What you want to be able to do is shift the car directly from 1st to 2nd without actually using your hand to move the shifter left to right through the gate. In other words, you should be able to just push the shifter forward and the reverse lockout plate should kick the shifter to the right, landing you in second. If the shifter is misaligned you will either end up in 4th sometimes, or if it is aligned too far in the opposite direction, you will nick reverse.

After you have it where you think it should go, take your 10mm socket with you on a test drive and fine tune the position of the locking sleeve until it is 'just right'.

Problem 2 involves getting a new set of reverse lockout springs and that can be a PITA.

Good Luck

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

Have you replaced all of the bushings?
Are the cone set-screws all the way in?
Does the "castellated" bushing move around in the flange hanging off the transmission? (If so, epoxy it in.)

Go under the car and grab the tranny end of the linkage, where the cup bushing goes. Have someone else wiggle the gear shift lever. You hold the tranny end of the linkage still, and look for where there is play. Chances are pretty good there is something you can do about it.

--DD

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Pelican Parts 914 Tech Support

A few pics of my car: http://www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/Dave_Darling

Hey you guys are great! Found one of my problems (I was working on it). Actually remember I put in new seat belts Well the bolt to the drivers side of the tunnel was a hair to long "Mercedes bolt" it was rubbing the shift rod in 4th and 5th. I will try that alignment procedure Sounds like my symptom.

I got a car that the PO had Shifting problems and thought it was A major repair but it was that the seatbelt bolt was hitting the Shiftrod. Steve

Well followed all your advice with shift rod and shifter alignment. makes sense now. Then looked at the bushing through the cast piece. P.O. had some kind of PVC barbed hose end stuck in there. Sloppy as heck, put in new castlated bushing nice an snug now did all he other bushings too! Way more positve shifting now. So now I went to the trans mounts yup both were cracked. Lots of opinion on solid, sport and stock. Pondering which to get as I am pondering the meaning of life as well.