4 Speed shifting problems

[tikiwagon]

Hi I recently replaced my rebuilt 110hp engine and 4 speed back into the car, but am now having shift problems(1st gear is worst but all are tough going) I replaced all the shift bushings not that long ago and also the clutch cable so im sure these are okay, It worked okay before the motor came out, I adjusted clutch free play etc as the instructions in the Clarks catalogue, Any ideas might have to start adjustment again from scratch
Thanks

[Jerry Whitt]

Adjust the pedal so that pressure is felt sooner as you press the pedal down. This will cause the throw out bearing to release the clutch pressure plate a little bit more.

The adjustment is done from underneath the car. Usually only take a few minutes if the car is on jack stands.

[corvair500]

By shifting problems , are you saying the car will not go into the gear or are you saying the gears grind ?

[tikiwagon]

It will go into gear but i really have to force it in and out(Especially first)

[Allan Lacki]

Hi Tikiwagon, There are a whole bunch of factors that can cause shifter problems.

As noted above, clutch adjustment is a good possibility, especially given that your shifter worked well prior to pulling the powertrain.

Also, folks who pull the powertrain for the first time sometimes snag the shift rod inadvertently and bend it when they're lowering the powertrain out of the car. That would definitely bind up the shifter.

And then there are the usual problems with the shift coupler and bushings, which I'm sure you've heard about.

In addition to all this, the rocker pins inside the shifter housing - the housing to which the shift lever is attached - may be worn to the point where, with all the tolerance stack, are now causing problems for you.

[tikiwagon]

Hi thanks for the tips, Powertrain came out of car on big jack then split apart so i hope it is not bent, as mentioned all the bushings are new( i will uncouple the shifter and check it all slides nicely and the put back onto trans)

[tikiwagon]

I took the shift tube off yesterday and the front nylon bush is a bit stiff even though it was replaced only a couple of years ago)its not worn but i did use a spray white grease as a lube which has since gone rather dry and crusty I cleaned it all up just wondered what is the best type of lube for this nylon bush,I have got some lithium grease and a silicone type but dont want to have to keep redoing them every so often as the white grease does not seem to work too well
Thanks

[tikiwagon]

I took apart all the gear linkage and lubed it all up just wondering the correct location of the front bush support bracket as mine seems to be mounted in the front 2 holes under the shifter and in the manual the pictures make it look like to should be in the rear 2 holes But there is still paint on the tube as if it has never been in that position, On the picture the left side is towards the front of the car, any answers or pictures would be great
Thanks

[corvair500]

I checked the parts manual and the assembly manual and indeed they both show the support on the rearward two bolts . It seems clear that your support has not been mounted that way . I just changed the nylon bushing on mine with a repro from Clarks ( which is much longer than the original ) Mine , too is mounted forward . It worked fine until the bushing wore out and now it goes into Reverse , First and Third fine but will not go into second or fourth. I will investigate further and get back with you on this

[corvair500]

Here is what Clarks had to say " The 61 shop manual does show the support on the rear holes but the 62-3 and the 64 manuals show it on the front holes. "

[tikiwagon]

I have gone through both manuals and mine seems to be in the right position(At front) Still having problems with this though

[corvair500]

Can you get under car while someone changes gears ( or tries to) and see if anything is binding up ? Maybe your problem will show up ... If not I suggest disconnecting the shift rod at transmission and with vise grips holding the tranny shaft try to change them directly at the tranny .....

[tikiwagon]

I have adjusted to the manual but 2nd and 4th dont seem to go in gear

[corvair500]

It would seem that it is not adjusted properly . It appears that the coupler needs to be adjusted so that the entire linkage is slightly shorter . It will not take much , maybe about 1/8 inch

[corvair500]

While you are at the coupler , check the pin that goes through the coupler to transmission and the holes where the pin goes through . If there is any wear ( any play ) the coupler and the pin should be replaced .

[joelsplace]

The shift lever is pressed into the large pivot ball. It is possible it has moved.