plan9

Hey all,

I have a 78' 911sc and on Saturday night is started popping out of 1st gear. It has been going into 1st fine, although it does require a "deliberate" shift, and on occasion in the past it would pop out of gear if not placed all the way in. Now, it won't stay in first for even a moment and I have to take off from 2nd.

It does not make any grinding noises or anything else noteworthy... My fingers are crossed that it is linkage or bushings or something relatively "small" and not in need of a transmission rebuild. Anyone see/experienced anything like this before? It is a 5 speed. Rebuilt engine, 250k on chassis and no idea about the tranny.

Does this sound like a linkage issue or something else?

Thanks!!

.plan9

r911

thing to do is to check the linkage & replace all 3 bushings

maybe rebuild shift lever

then re-adjust the joint in back

plan9

Thanks!

Pro198

I have the same car and it feels like to go into first the linkage is off, like I'm putting torque on it to put into first then it pops out shifting to 2nd. I've been planning to readjust the linkage then injured myself. Let me know w hat you find.
Tony

Gavia57

Yes, replace all bushings and adjust and you should be good

plan9

Took it to the shop and they said 1st was bad. Having them crack it open to assess the issues.

myflat6

Replace motor mounts and trans mounts as well as bushings and adjust (as already discussed).

Coloradocurt

Two thoughts:
1. You might want to also post your problem over on the Pelican site. While I've found a wealth of experience/information on the Rennlist 996 Forum, this one for the air cooled isn't as information-rich; and
2. Why bother soliciting advice and then promptly ignoring it? Your money, but personally I would first attempt to solve such a problem with a relatively inexpensive and easy "solution" and then conclude whether the problem is fixed.

E Johnson

This could be all of the things already listed here, and my guess is it will be the shift shaft bushings, but if it is the gearbox, then you are looking at a new dog ring, shift operating sleeve, and synchronizer, at the dead minimum.

If you are going to be in the gearbox anyways, then I would have all of the synchronizers replaced, as if one is bad there are certainly going to be others that will be showing their age as well.

A full rebuild of a 915 can get kind of pricey so be prepared for that. (If it is done completely that is.)

I would have started with the linkage though and not have had the gearbox taken down. Far less labor and expense. That said if your mechanic took a look at everything and thinks it is a gearbox issue, well I would prepare for a $3000 - $3500 rebuild on it, and do it the right way.

Erik Johnson
(720) 899-6005 phone

tgil

Had issues with an '84 which also has the 915 trans, and as others stated bushings were shot and I also decided to replace with short shifter (RLers have various opinions of) which resulted in easier and more precise shifting. Also, as another RLer stated, I replaced engine and trans mounts (OEM parts) at the same time. Even paying mechanic for the job was relatively inexpensive as time is minimal (like 2 hours total) and the bushings and mounts are inexpensive. I think the short shift kit was about $100 maybe a bit less.
Good luck.

911Truther

I have read in other forums that the short shifter is not good for a "delicate" 915 I ask this as my 1981 sc is seeing problems with the smooth shifts hard time getting into second downshift from 5 to 4 is sometimes metal to metal must .... move ...slow.. and....deliberate ...does the short shifter help with these kind off issues with the 915?

r911

a short shifter just moves the fulcrum point on a lever...

if you do put one in, then use the factory one & no others

Sherwood Lee has a web site explaining exactly how to rebuild and blueprint the shifter, so do that

theiceman

In a word ... No

With SS kits the best possible you can hope for is that it does not make mechanical issues worse.

kjchristopher

metal to metal on the 5 to 4 sounds like an adjustment issue.

plan9

1) Thanks for the tip on the Pelican site, I appreciate it.


2) Note in my original post that I did not ask for advice on repair, rather diagnosis. Not so much that it is my money (as you point out), but that it is my time, which is more valuable than money and better spent elsewhere in this particular case.


3) Why would you post a snarky response to a newbie? That does nothing to further the goal of this fantastic site to build an inclusive environment for enthusiasts to gather and share information. It does exactly the opposite.


To all that took the time to read and respond- thank you! It turns out that it was a shaft bearing. Given the advice/comments received, we are also replacing the synchro's and some other wear parts, as well as motor mounts and bushings. Yes, the current estimate is $2800 - $3000. I am Ok with that... i'll have a new transmission mated to a rebuilt engine, and expect to be good to go for another 200k miles.


I love this car!


Best,


plan9