LD

Hi folks,

Recently I had the release fork go out on my '83 3.0.

Once apart the mechanic (Porsche guy recommended by two friends who have Porsches) said I needed, clutch, flywheel, at least the 1st gear synchro ring and gear.

Figuring that since it was out and in pieces, might as well replace what I could/should.

Short version: I bought the Pelican Parts Super clutch re-build kit, flywheel, all synchro rings and gears for @ $2,000. Another $2,000 for labor, and it shifts like a pig.

The mechanic says to "give it some time". Now, maybe I'm impatient, but with @ 200 miles now gone by, it's still hard to shift from 1 to 2, and 2 down to 1. At times, I can't get into 1 unless I let the clutch out in neutral, then re-clutch and put it into 1st.

Is he (the mechanic) right. that I need to give it more time, or should I:

1) take it back to him, have him tear it back down and do it right (on his nickle)

2) take it somewhere else. If they find he's screwed it up, have him pay the bill or,

3) chill out and it will work itself out?

As an added bonus, the car now idles @ 2,000 rpm rather than the 800 when I brought it in.

This is my 1st Porsche, and it's great fun. I don't mind putting $s into it, but what's going on.

Thanks, and sorry for venting.................and thanks for your thoughts

npausch

Ld First off get that Engine idle fixed! there is probally your problems with shifting into first.... secondly if you think there is a problem, go back to that mechanic and say that your not satisfied with. Dont be a jerk and yell at him because that will get you nowhere.

just calmly explain what your not satisfied with and then you can go over what you want done to fix this repair...

LD

npausch,

Thanks for the note. I'll get the idle fixed, then see if between that and some more break-in time, things smooth out.

LD

RS'd '73S

... you don't burn any bridges by waiting a little longer.

BTW, Do you think the the linkage/coupler is adjusted correctly?

LD

RS'd,

I like the mechanic, think he's a good guy. I'll give it more time. If it doesn't smooth out, next time I'm at the shop I'll ask about the linkage/coupler.

Thanks RS'd,

LD

jet911

Sounds a lot like the issues I have had since my tranny rebuild (except the idle). I replaced all syncros, dogteeth, sliders, almost every bearing and a new clutch kit nearly $4,500 spent. The first time I got it back, same issue was very difficult to shift from 1st to 2nd, and down shift from 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. Got the same story, drive it for a 1,000 miles to break it in. Well after 200 miles, I new something just was not right. Well after the wrench having my car for four months off an on during a five month stretch (I did get it back once in a while only to take it back), and pulling the engine/tranny a total of five (yes 5) times, I gave up and just accepted that I'll drive it until the clutch needs replacing again, and at that time do another partial rebuild. I now have nearly 5,000 miles on the rebuild and I'm still not happy with the way it shifts. It does not shift nearly as smooth going up as it did prior to the rebuild and at times, I still cannot get it to go into 2nd (it does not grind, it just does not want to go in), and downshifting is not even close to what is was prior to the rebuild, except I can now down shift into 1st. This wrench was highly recommended and is a supposid Porsche Factory Trained mechanic. The entire adventure started a year ago last July and I got my car back last December just before Christmas. I learned my lesson. Next time, I will drop the engine myself and ship the tranny to Gary Fairbanks for the rebuild. I know these trannys are not rocket science, but for some reason they appear to be touchy. BTW, I also replaced the shifter bushings and am running Swepco 201. As I told the wrench who claimed the tranny would be as good as new - If Porsche sold cars with trannys that performed like this (after his rebuild), they would be out of business as no one would have bought them. Also, I've driven several others with 915s and no others shift as difficult as mine does. Disappointed yes, however I will keep the car..

LD

Jim,

Thanks for the note. Sorry to hear about your troubles. If mine persist I'll drop the engine and ship the tranny.

Can you tell me more about Gary Fairbanks?

Thanks,

Lynn

jet911

Lynn,
Gary Fairbanks is located in Conn. He is a 915 & G50 Tranny rebuild specialist, i.e., the only thing he does. From everything I have read, he is one of the best in the country. He runs an ad in Panorama every other month. I don't have a copy with me, however I will look up his number and post it when I get home. He will receive and ship trannies from and to anywhere in the country and I understand his turnaround time is less than 48hrs.

We learn as we go. If I had only known, I would have used Gary the first time!

LD

Jim,

Just happen to have my Sept issue right here.

Gary is on page 86.

His number is 203-866-2466

I think I'll give him a quick call for his opinion.

Thanks fella.

Lynn