Need some advice - '86 928s w/ Transmission Problems
12-12-2016, 04:01 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Need some advice - '86 928s w/ Transmission Problems
Hey guys!
So I could use a little advice. Not sure where to go with this project, but first a little background.
Through a LONG, complicated story I ended up with a 1986 928s with manual transmission, sports seats. Garnet Red car with Tan/Brown interior. The car was being disassembled for use as a track car when I got it. Had most of the original parts but had led a rough life.
The body was in good shape with no rust and no signs of accident damage. No rot, underneath was clean. Engine seemed to run well however.
Since I already have a really nice '86, I decided to use this car as a 'learning project' - start fixing things and learning how to take things apart. Since I didn't have much into the car itself, it was worth it try and learn how to work on them.
Well, after a few months the car is starting to get there. I love these cars and I've already gone a little overboard - gone over the electrical system, interior, most of the major components. Fixed the vacuum leaks, o-rings and hoses under the intake, did the cam seals, built a Blink'r and the motor runs great. Interior is back together thanks to some good cleaning and lots of little parts from the fine vendors on this forum. I'm sending off for some paintwork and while no means a show-car paint job, she'll get her shine back at least.
The last major problem with the car, only really uncovered once I was able to start driving it... is that the transmission isn't so hot. It shifts UP fine (a little clunky into second), but downshifting into 3rd and 2nd there is a pretty good grind. So I figure the syncros in 2nd and 3rd are shot. I'm guessing this is the reason the owner abandoned the project. A fresh bleed and linkage adjustment made it *better*, but clearly it's in need of some help.
I think it's a good, solid car for someone. Won't be a garage queen, but would be a good driver.
So here is my dilemma: I'm probably not going to keep the car. I already have an '86, I don't need this one, and like I said I sort of ended up with it. I have about $4500 into the car right now. Getting the transmission fixed would probably cost more than I have into the car (I can do a lot of work but not transmissions). I think that trying to sell the car with the transmission the way it is I probably couldn't get what I have into it.
So I'm questioning if I double-down and fix the tranny, or just cut bait. What would you guys do?
So I could use a little advice. Not sure where to go with this project, but first a little background.
Through a LONG, complicated story I ended up with a 1986 928s with manual transmission, sports seats. Garnet Red car with Tan/Brown interior. The car was being disassembled for use as a track car when I got it. Had most of the original parts but had led a rough life.
The body was in good shape with no rust and no signs of accident damage. No rot, underneath was clean. Engine seemed to run well however.
Since I already have a really nice '86, I decided to use this car as a 'learning project' - start fixing things and learning how to take things apart. Since I didn't have much into the car itself, it was worth it try and learn how to work on them.
Well, after a few months the car is starting to get there. I love these cars and I've already gone a little overboard - gone over the electrical system, interior, most of the major components. Fixed the vacuum leaks, o-rings and hoses under the intake, did the cam seals, built a Blink'r and the motor runs great. Interior is back together thanks to some good cleaning and lots of little parts from the fine vendors on this forum. I'm sending off for some paintwork and while no means a show-car paint job, she'll get her shine back at least.
The last major problem with the car, only really uncovered once I was able to start driving it... is that the transmission isn't so hot. It shifts UP fine (a little clunky into second), but downshifting into 3rd and 2nd there is a pretty good grind. So I figure the syncros in 2nd and 3rd are shot. I'm guessing this is the reason the owner abandoned the project. A fresh bleed and linkage adjustment made it *better*, but clearly it's in need of some help.
I think it's a good, solid car for someone. Won't be a garage queen, but would be a good driver.
So here is my dilemma: I'm probably not going to keep the car. I already have an '86, I don't need this one, and like I said I sort of ended up with it. I have about $4500 into the car right now. Getting the transmission fixed would probably cost more than I have into the car (I can do a lot of work but not transmissions). I think that trying to sell the car with the transmission the way it is I probably couldn't get what I have into it.
So I'm questioning if I double-down and fix the tranny, or just cut bait. What would you guys do?
12-12-2016, 04:12 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
Hey guys!
So I could use a little advice. Not sure where to go with this project, but first a little background.
Through a LONG, complicated story I ended up with a 1986 928s with manual transmission, sports seats. Garnet Red car with Tan/Brown interior. The car was being disassembled for use as a track car when I got it. Had most of the original parts but had led a rough life.
The body was in good shape with no rust and no signs of accident damage. No rot, underneath was clean. Engine seemed to run well however.
Since I already have a really nice '86, I decided to use this car as a 'learning project' - start fixing things and learning how to take things apart. Since I didn't have much into the car itself, it was worth it try and learn how to work on them.
Well, after a few months the car is starting to get there. I love these cars and I've already gone a little overboard - gone over the electrical system, interior, most of the major components. Fixed the vacuum leaks, o-rings and hoses under the intake, did the cam seals, built a Blink'r and the motor runs great. Interior is back together thanks to some good cleaning and lots of little parts from the fine vendors on this forum. I'm sending off for some paintwork and while no means a show-car paint job, she'll get her shine back at least.
The last major problem with the car, only really uncovered once I was able to start driving it... is that the transmission isn't so hot. It shifts UP fine (a little clunky into second), but downshifting into 3rd and 2nd there is a pretty good grind. So I figure the syncros in 2nd and 3rd are shot. I'm guessing this is the reason the owner abandoned the project. A fresh bleed and linkage adjustment made it *better*, but clearly it's in need of some help.
I think it's a good, solid car for someone. Won't be a garage queen, but would be a good driver.
So here is my dilemma: I'm probably not going to keep the car. I already have an '86, I don't need this one, and like I said I sort of ended up with it. I have about $4500 into the car right now. Getting the transmission fixed would probably cost more than I have into the car (I can do a lot of work but not transmissions). I think that trying to sell the car with the transmission the way it is I probably couldn't get what I have into it.
So I'm questioning if I double-down and fix the tranny, or just cut bait. What would you guys do?
So I could use a little advice. Not sure where to go with this project, but first a little background.
Through a LONG, complicated story I ended up with a 1986 928s with manual transmission, sports seats. Garnet Red car with Tan/Brown interior. The car was being disassembled for use as a track car when I got it. Had most of the original parts but had led a rough life.
The body was in good shape with no rust and no signs of accident damage. No rot, underneath was clean. Engine seemed to run well however.
Since I already have a really nice '86, I decided to use this car as a 'learning project' - start fixing things and learning how to take things apart. Since I didn't have much into the car itself, it was worth it try and learn how to work on them.
Well, after a few months the car is starting to get there. I love these cars and I've already gone a little overboard - gone over the electrical system, interior, most of the major components. Fixed the vacuum leaks, o-rings and hoses under the intake, did the cam seals, built a Blink'r and the motor runs great. Interior is back together thanks to some good cleaning and lots of little parts from the fine vendors on this forum. I'm sending off for some paintwork and while no means a show-car paint job, she'll get her shine back at least.
The last major problem with the car, only really uncovered once I was able to start driving it... is that the transmission isn't so hot. It shifts UP fine (a little clunky into second), but downshifting into 3rd and 2nd there is a pretty good grind. So I figure the syncros in 2nd and 3rd are shot. I'm guessing this is the reason the owner abandoned the project. A fresh bleed and linkage adjustment made it *better*, but clearly it's in need of some help.
I think it's a good, solid car for someone. Won't be a garage queen, but would be a good driver.
So here is my dilemma: I'm probably not going to keep the car. I already have an '86, I don't need this one, and like I said I sort of ended up with it. I have about $4500 into the car right now. Getting the transmission fixed would probably cost more than I have into the car (I can do a lot of work but not transmissions). I think that trying to sell the car with the transmission the way it is I probably couldn't get what I have into it.
So I'm questioning if I double-down and fix the tranny, or just cut bait. What would you guys do?
I would be in the same boat...I don't have a comfort level cracking open a transmission, but the manual G28/11
would be worth saving, so few around now. If LSD, then more so...
12-12-2016, 04:42 PM
#3
Chronic Tool Dropper
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Carrying Dave's theme a bit further, look ever so carefully at the clutch and the various components like the pilot bearing, stub shaft and the disk. Look at the release arm pivot and the throwout bearing too. Trans issues and symptoms are often caused by a clutch that drags or otherwise doesn't completely disengage. Over time, that will cause wear to the synchronizer rings and hubs as they work to try and stop a disk that drags on the cover or flywheel and really just doesn't want to stop.
Good News is that the manual gearbox comes out without a lot of effort, so you can pull a cover and look inside. A bit more disassembly is needed to look at all the synchro's but it isn't excessive. Unless somethings is actually broken in there, you may be able to replace a few critical bits and have a functioning gearbox without breaking the bank. Or you could spend a few $thousand with GB and go through every single wear item and have an as-new gearbox when you are done.
Good News is that the manual gearbox comes out without a lot of effort, so you can pull a cover and look inside. A bit more disassembly is needed to look at all the synchro's but it isn't excessive. Unless somethings is actually broken in there, you may be able to replace a few critical bits and have a functioning gearbox without breaking the bank. Or you could spend a few $thousand with GB and go through every single wear item and have an as-new gearbox when you are done.
12-12-2016, 05:41 PM
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks gents
I have tried *most* of the other diagnosis. Fresh fluid and a bleeding of the system helped. Bushings appear to be in good shape (checked the front pivot bushing when I replaced the shifter)
The rear coupler was severely out of adjustment - so bad that R, 2, 4 were hard to engage because the shifter would physically hit the dash. I installed a 928 motorsports short shifter, new bushings, and a coupler adjustment that also helped.
Did a fluid replacement and actually it wasn't as bad as I was expecting - not metal parts anyway. But I have quality Royal Purple gear oil in there which I was hoping would help.
The shifter action is smooth and I don't have a clutch drag, I really just have a grind as I try to downshift into 3rd and 2nd. It's easy workaround (just don't downshift) but it does make sporty driving a little less sporty.
I'm guessing the PO was driving this thing all out of adjustment and just beat it into gear.
I wasn't going to get into the clutch until I decided what to do with the transaxle. I'm sure it could use some help as well.
I have tried *most* of the other diagnosis. Fresh fluid and a bleeding of the system helped. Bushings appear to be in good shape (checked the front pivot bushing when I replaced the shifter)
The rear coupler was severely out of adjustment - so bad that R, 2, 4 were hard to engage because the shifter would physically hit the dash. I installed a 928 motorsports short shifter, new bushings, and a coupler adjustment that also helped.
Did a fluid replacement and actually it wasn't as bad as I was expecting - not metal parts anyway. But I have quality Royal Purple gear oil in there which I was hoping would help.
The shifter action is smooth and I don't have a clutch drag, I really just have a grind as I try to downshift into 3rd and 2nd. It's easy workaround (just don't downshift) but it does make sporty driving a little less sporty.
I'm guessing the PO was driving this thing all out of adjustment and just beat it into gear.
I wasn't going to get into the clutch until I decided what to do with the transaxle. I'm sure it could use some help as well.