side shifter, can't find first or reverse

[dlsspy]

I went out for a drive today and suddenly was unable to find reverse or first. Seems like a minor problem, but was a rather annoying one to strike while running errands (had to push the car out of a parking spot and take off in second several times).

I've owned a 914 about a week now, so I'm still learning my way around it. I'm also not a mechanic, but expect this to change shortly.

Can anyone offer any advice for how to recover my missing gears?

FWIW, this is a 1971 914 (1.7) with a side-shifter 901 installed. Everything looks OK on visual inspection, I just don't seem to be able to go left enough to reach these gears. I did so enjoy them a few hours ago.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

A bushing could have failed, so check the linkage for that. Also to see if either of the conical set-screws have backed out.

See if the linkage is hitting anything like the motor mount bar; some side-shift swaps leave the hollow rectangular motor mount bar from the early car, or use the early rubber mounts on the outboard ends of the bar. Either of those can result in the linkage interfering with the bar.

The adjustment between the front shift rod and the gear shift lever may have slipped. Doing a regular adjustment would correct that.

The clutch tube in the center tunnel could have come loose, and the bottom end of the shift lever could be hitting it. You can look through the holes in the top of the center tunnel (like through the base of the shift lever) and see if the clutch tube moves side to side when you step on the clutch pedal. If so, it needs to be repaired.

--DD

[etcmss]

not knowing the specific history---first is the bushings--rear and in the shifter (I had the shifter internals be bad on my rebuild), then as Dave said the linkage screws, the shift rod in the tunnel needed to be enlarged for the side shift but most likely is not this if it worked before.....go look at the rear linkage bushing for slop and play.
Gary

[dlsspy]

I think I see what the problem is here:



If you'll excuse my lack of proper terminology, the black rod is hitting the right side of the shiny metal thing when I try to shift to the left-most gears, blocking it hard. As this worked a few days ago, I have to assume it's possible to have it work again.

Is there something I can adjust to move it over to the left a bit? It doesn't seem like there's all that much room to play around there.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Not that I know of. You should probably replace that piece of tin with the one from a side-shift car. In that version, the "bump" goes up and over the rear shift rod instead of under.

You may be able to convince the current piece with a hammer.

--DD

[dlsspy]

Great, thanks. I'll look around for parts. What is that part's name?

I took the shifter apart and adjusted the linkage in a bit and managed to get reverse pretty easily, and first with a little struggle. That would probably explain why it worked before. I'm guessing I pulled it into first too hard and loosened it up a bit.

Also, you seem to be local to me, where would you recommend taking this for things that exceed my ability to fool around?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The official catalog calls it "Air duct, floor". I've seen it called "warm air guide".

Part number 022 119 355.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: OEM-022119355

--DD

[fetus]

If it grinds going into first or reverse, it might also be your clutch cable. You might need to tighten it up. There should only be about a half inch of free play at the pedal. Sad to say if your going to own one of these cars you half to be a hobby mechanic. Not too many shops will even work on them. I would pick up a 914 Haynes manual. Before the internet that's all I had and I taught myself how to work on these cars. Like others have said, check all the rubber/plastic bushings along the shift rod to see if any have deteriorated. They are simple to work on with basic tools. I have owned them since 1978, but now I bought a scissor lift so I don't have to fool around with Jack stands and floor jacks. Rolling around on concrete got old.