[Project560]

The snow is finally starting to melt, so I have been able to start playing in the garage again. I got the engine running ~ok, but shifting has still been a problem because it has been sitting so long. I got it up on jack stands so that I could change the transaxle oil and prepare to remove the transaxle (if needed). I sprayed the shift linkage and the drain plugs with lots of PB Blaster. I bought a good quality set of hex sockets to give me the best chance of success for removing the 17 mm drain plugs.

I tried removing the plugs with my 1/2" drive breaker bar, but it didn't budge. I decided to move on to my 3' bar with a 3/4" drive and it worked perfectly. I bought the 3 footer to remove hubs from an old Acura about 10 years ago and this is the 2nd time I have really needed it. Once I pick-up my new plugs I will flush and change the oil.

The PB Blaster worked wonders on the shift linkage too, so I was actually able to run it through the gears finally and get the wheels to spin (the right one anyway). So I am happy that it doesn't look like I need to change out my transmission (yet).

While it is on stands I will replace the fuel filter and a few of the rear fuel hoses. Next I will switch back to working on the engine and replace the air oil separator o-rings, heater control valve, throttle position switch, vacuum lines, rad hoses and belts.

Before it will be ready for a safety check and licensing I will need to replace the broken windshield, check the suspension, re-do the brakes, figure out my battery drain issue and of course get the interior cleaned-up. The rear tires seem to be worn on the inside edge, so hopefully there isn't anything too wrong with the rear suspension. All of the great advice on this forum is definitely helping me along my journey to get my old 944 back on the road.