Shift linkage adjustment

[triplewhite]

Today I finally got my new transmission in (not new, but you know what I mean) and it drives! During the process, I replaced all the shift linkage bushes etc, and added a short shift kit, which was essentially a short extension to the shift lever on the transmission itself.

Problem is, I can't seem to get 1st gear. I was having problems "finding" 1st with the old tranny, but when I took it out, there were no bushes left in the linkage, so I assumed changing them would solve the problem. It doesn't seem to have though. What should I adjust to allow me to find 1st? I get Reverse, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th ok.

Thanks!! So excited to be cruising with the (new!) top down again real soon!

[Briano1234]

You have to adjust the main rod off the shifter handle, there is a writeup on it in the Bentley. Or you got the wrong kit...

[triplewhite]

Sorry, do you mean the rod connected to the gearstick, ie. getting underneath unbolting and moving the splines etc. or do you mean one of the ball and socket rods on the tranny?

Thanks for the swift reply. Don't suppose the Bentley stuff is available online...?

[Briano1234]

Sorry, do you mean the rod connected to the gearstick, ie. getting underneath unbolting and moving the splines etc. or do you mean one of the ball and socket rods on the tranny?


Yes............

Also a bad tranny mount/all the motor mounts can cause it, butif you gota set oof links for a 4 speed versus a 5 speed you will have similar issues.




Thanks for the swift reply. Don't suppose the Bentley stuff is available online...?

[triplewhite]

Ok, thanks Briano. New mounts all round, so that should be good. Also, started the engine with the mounts a little loose so they could settle, and then tightened them up. I got the linkage kit from germanautoparts, so I'm pretty sure it's the right one for a 5-speed. I'll get in there again today and take another look at it. I'll take the short shift off and see if that makes a difference first, although after researching off site after your first suggestion I think it may well be the assembly under the gear stick itself. An old saying when I worked in a garage was "it feels a little bit like stirring soup!" That's kind of what mine feels like.

Thanks again for the swift reply, I may be back later today...

[triplewhite]

Hi, sorry to double post so quickly, I've found a new "shift lever pivot assembly" locally which I'm just about to go and pick up... is this what I'm looking for? I wanted the shift rod bearing assembly too, but they didn't have one. I guess I'll just give this a go and see what happens.

[edit] Ok, rather than re-post, I'll just edit....

Installed the pivot assembly, and that hasn't fixed the first gear problem. So I've ordered the shift rod bearing assembly as my one was knackered. I think that should do it.

Whilst under the car doing that, I noticed my transmission appears to be dripping oil from one of the drive shaft flanges. Any ideas why??

Will I ever get this car back on the road?!

[bLac K aBriOleT89]

I've ordered the shift rod bearing assembly as my one was knackered. I think that should do it.

Yes. That will fix it.
Too bad I didn''t see this thread before or I would've told you. I have an online source that sell the bushing only for $20, so u don't have to order a $65 part. but that should do it. You'll need to adjust the rod gap at the bottom of the shifter when finished, oh and put some grease to the bushing.

[triplewhite]

Too bad I didn''t see this thread before or I would've told you. I have an online source that sell the bushing only for $20, so u don't have to order a $65 part. but that should do it. You'll need to adjust the rod gap at the bottom of the shifter when finished, oh and put some grease to the bushing.

Ah well, them's the breaks... hopefully it'll get here soon, and I'll be back on the road. Thank you though!

So by adjusting the rod gap, do I have to remove the rubber boot at the bottom underneath? I'll figure out I guess.

Thanks again!

[bLac K aBriOleT89]

Too bad I didn''t see this thread before or I would've told you. I have an online source that sell the bushing only for $20, so u don't have to order a $65 part. but that should do it. You'll need to adjust the rod gap at the bottom of the shifter when finished, oh and put some grease to the bushing.

Ah well, them's the breaks... hopefully it'll get here soon, and I'll be back on the road. Thank you though!

So by adjusting the rod gap, do I have to remove the rubber boot at the bottom underneath? I'll figure out I guess.

Thanks again!

Yes, you need to remove that boot. It's a very grease job, but what I did was remove all the old grease and grease everything up afterwards. Adjust the gap to spec, I don't remember the number now, but some people use a cassette tape since appear to be the same width.

[Briano1234]

The case off a cassette... not a cassette tape, the case it comes in.

[triplewhite]

Great, thanks guys... just waiting for my shift rod bush, and then I'll be right at that!

How does that gap get out of adjustment then?

[Briano1234]

Age, wear and tear, broken motor mounts, because you want to drive it and today is Tuesday................

[triplewhite]

Gotchya! Thanks again.

[triplewhite]

Fixed!

Shifts beautifully, as if just from the show room.

Going to start a new topic about the other things that are wrong now though

[reycycle]

so what was it just the bearing or the adjustment with the cassett case? because im having the same prob.