No 1st or Reverse

[fly]

Hey guys! Im almost embarrassed to post this but im at a loss. I just replaced the clutch on my 1975 1.8 I have a car lift which made it an easy job. Removed the engine, replaced the clutch and put it all back. I have had this car apart a bunch with no issues.

The new clutch works great but I no longer have reverse or first gear. It seems as if the shifting moved over and the lever hits a stop before reaching 1st gear. What am I missing. The linkage doesnt seem to be adjustable. It shifts fine in 2nd,3rd,4th and 5th. clutch feels strong. I have a short shifter installed years ago and shifting has always been very good in comparison. Spent a few days checking and rechecking from the shifter to the trans

Help!
Mike
925-705-2030
fly@pacbell.net

[TR]

There is a set up procedure when installing the linkage. Also make sure the tapered grub screws are aligned exactly when fitting the couplers to the shift rod at the fire wall and transmission.

From memory, put it in neutral loosen the clamp at the shifter. twist the shift rod in the tunnel to the right and then tighten the bolt. Check a few times.

[Rotary'14]

It sounds to me like one of your cone screws has come loose. These are pointy screws that use an allen wrench to tighten. You should check the one near the firewall and the one near the shift console.

-Robert

[URY914]

I think your shift rod was reinstalled and the alignment of the rods are off by a spline or two.

[fly]

Ok. Thanks for the tips. I will double check these. I'm sure its somthing simple. Thank you!!

[Steam Driver]

Shift linkage adjustment, no doubt. You can't just take it apart and put it back together; too many places (especially in the 914!) for things to move around, and all it takes is a little bit. No problems though, just follow the book.

Also if the bushing locating the shift rod get worn this is exacerbated. In the latter case you may find some shifting "weirdness" when trying to shift on rough road surfaces.

[The cap'n]

A few thoughts: It's not common practice to remove the engine when doing the clutch. Too many potential problems can pop up. It's virtually impossible to change the adjustment of the shift mechanism, even when removing the drive train. The ONLY variable here is the splined coupler under the shifter, and you wouldn't touch that when removing or installing the drive train. I can only guess, from what you've told us, that the cone screws at the center coupler and the cup at the shift console haven't been properly installed. BTW, they're essentially a one-time use part. The only other possibilities would be wear in the plastic bushings in the firewall, the coupler, or in the ball cup.

The Cap'n

[Steam Driver]

I must respectfully disagree Cap'n. Anytime you R&R the transmission for a clutch job, or disconnect the shift at the rear for any reason, it can and probably will go back in not quite the same location. When this happens the lateral (generally) shift will change the angularity of the shifter at the back. This in turn will require that you adjust the shift at the splines you mention to get it all back working correctly. I have done this a few times and have never had it be correctly adjusted when reassembled. This almost has to be the case here, particularly since the issue involves gears that are in the same plane.

The splined coupling can also "stretch," (usually from "speed-shifting," or as much as you can do in a 914) and lock you out of all the gears on the bottom of the "H," leaving you with R, 2nd, and 5th. Again adjustment, not catastrophe.

[The cap'n]

Obviously your experience varies from the thousand or so 914 clutch jobs I've done over the last 40 years. The cone screws are there for the specific purpose of replicating the position (clocking and axial) of the couplings once the rear shift rod is reinstalled. It they're properly and fully installed, all variables that could have popped up in the process will be eliminated. Correct before disassembly, correct when it goes back together. The same system is used in 356s, 911s, and 928s, all with the same results.

The Cap'n

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I agree with the Cap'n. The only times I haven't had the shift linkage work right when I re-installed the transmission was when:
- I did not get the cone screws in correctly
- The bushings were damaged when I was mucking with things
- I had not tightened the pinch bolt on the coupler under the shift rod correctly a previous time so it moved when I took everything apart

There was also once where the clutch tube in the center tunnel had come loose already, but it didn't interfere with the left-right movement of the shift lever until after I had pulled and replaced the drivetrain.

--DD