Shifter question

B

Borninthefifties

Member
They say that there is no such thing as a dumb question, so here goes. I've had the engine/transmission out of my 31 coupe to replace a badly cracked flywheel housing. I separated the bell housing from the flywheel housing and to remove the old flywheel housing I had to take out the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate. I put this all back together and I was attempting to adjust the clutch when I discovered I can shift between all the gears without touching the clutch pedal. It's adjusted nearly all the way out so I'm pretty sure it's not engaged. What did I do wrong?
 
I put my shift tower on wrong the first time I had one apart. If I recall, All my forward gears were temporarily...reverse. I won't make that mistake again.
 
With the engine off then you could possibly shift to each gear. As long as you can feel each shift then start the engine and see what happens.
 
Another option, and perhaps safer, would be to jack up one rear wheel, put the transmission in a gear, and turn the engine over with the hand crank. Mark the tire with a piece of chalk or tape to see if it moves. Another option would be to put the transmission in neutral and try turning the rear wheel. It should turn. Then put the transmission in gear and try turning the wheel. It should not turn. If you made a mistake putting the shift tower back in this would catch it before causing any damage to the transmission. Try all the gears.


You should have about 1 inch free play in the clutch before it starts to disengage.
 
Aloha. Since I'm not yet ready to fire her up this might be the best way to approach this. If indeed I am shifting between the gears, then what? How do I adjust the clutch with this going on?
 
Hi Borninthefifties. I am not sure I understand your issues. If the engine is NOT running, you should be able to shift to all the gears (as long a the teeth are lined up0.

The clutch adjustment should not have anything to do with it when the engine is not running. Adjust clutch to 1" free play.

If it is not shifting properly (engine still not running) pull the top off and see what is wrong.

Good luck... :p
 
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If all the gears are lined up you should be able to shift to all gears without depressing the clutch. If one or two are not lined up they will not mesh. If you are concerned about whether the shift tower was placed back correctly, then test as described earlier.
 
As said, you should be able to shift and feel the shifts.

The clutch free-play should be adjusted for 1.0-1.5"

If there is a problem just remove the transmission top and make sure the shift forks are aligned properly.

You remove the clutch inspection plate and watch the clutch operation. The release bearing should not contact the fingers with the pedal up/released.
 
Borninthefifties said:
Aloha Y-Blockhead,
So you're saying that without depressing the clutch pedal at all I can shift between gears with the engine off?
Click to expand...

To confirm, yes. If the engine is NOT running, you should be able to shift to all the gears (as long a the teeth are lined up).

I'm in the habit of shifting mine before I start the engine to ensure it is in neutral before I hit the starter. I do the same with my Mitchell O/D. I don't even touch the clutch until after the engine is running and I am ready to put the trans in gear.

My starting ritual; Everything in neutral, turn on main electrical, turn on gas, spin the engine to move some oil around, let it sit a minute, spin engine, turn on ignition. [/QUOTE]
 
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