Can't get it into 2nd gear

[911truther]

I knew it was only a matter of time and I think it got me can't get into the 2nd gear on my 81sc is this an engine drop and tranny rebuild or maybe some linkage issue it will not drop into 2nd and has been difficult for a few weeks now I guess I am out for a few I am sure the rest may go if not corrected any suggestions

[Discseven]

Truth... there's a coupler that links shifter rod (in tunnel) with shaft that runs into gearbox. Linkage is located under access panel between seats just behind front seats. Pull carpet back and you'll see access panel. That coupler rots out... eventually to point of preventing a gear's engagement. That's first place to check. That's simple fix. (If that's not it, potentially your syncro and/or dog teeth for 2nd gear are worn. That's more dramatic surgery. Don't think of that yet. Check coupler---not sure that's right name for it! But you'll see what I mean when you get in there.)

EDIT: "Coupler" = "Bushing"

[Joe Bob]

Coupler and/or trans and engine mounts are the first suspects.

[Trackrash]

The shift rod bushing under the shifter can self destruct and cause your problem.

[911truther]

I hope the bushing is the trick it won't go in engine off with or without the clutch just blocked out 2nd only thanks for the tips we will see

[wayne robson]

911 Truther, when you first get the cover off between seats rear,
grab the shifter rod and coupler with your hand and pull and push
on it back and fouth, if it all moves and rattles, thats your problem
requires new bushes, plus then go to front lower gear shift lever
you will probably find that bush is worn and sloppy as well, all available
from our host,regards.

[Otter74]

If the inability to go into 2nd is due to the coupler, it is very likely because the bushings are completely disintegrated, and if so this will be immediately obvious when you take the cover off of the tunnel and pull the rubber boot back, which takes about a minute. I can confirm from experience that this will cause a car to not go into a gear at all, though if all of the other gears engage normally and easily I think it is less likely to be shift linkage or coupler bushings. Still, it is easy to check and cheap and easy to fix, so the first thing you should check.

Was the failure to go into 2nd sudden, or did it happen gradually?

[911truther]

just motoring down the 4 lane at the off ramp it wouldn't go into any gear with ease so tried to run it through the pattern and it freed up got it into first and went through the gears with 2nd feeling tight when trying to slip it in made it home and no more slot for that gear would not slip down hope it is the shifter bushing as I just replaced the rear coupler after a recent rebuild

[Reiver]

I had the same exact scenario. Everything working fine then would not go into second but would every other gear.
During PPI I did find teeth in the fluid upon change out/inspection...a few, still shifted fine for another 15k then....
Rebuild needed some synchro's etc. it was 2600 bucks all in but does nicely now after break in.
Turns out that 2nd synchro was missing 9 teeth....the PO must of been a bit ham fisted.
I don't think anything had been done over it's 230k life span.

[911truther]

I knew this would be the ultimate fix drop the motor and rebuild that last downshift was not the cleanest ouch let this be a lesson to all !!! push the clutch all the way in prior to forcing that gear change my motor builder says 2600 covers it all new carpet will have to wait

[Discseven]

While I do not know it for certain, I believe couple needs to be in correct position to work smoothly through all gears. Hate to see you commit to $2,600... and mechanic aligns coupler and takes rest of week off.