gears gone bad.... Options

[scottb]

until just a couple of days ago, the tranny shifted very well without any trouble. however, now i have the following issues:

UP

1st to 2nd = hard shift. almost like the gear is locked out (gear grind smiley)

2nd to 3rd = same as 1st to 2nd (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

3rd to 4th = fine

4th to 5th = fine

DOWN

5th to 4th = fine

4th to 3rd = fine

3rd to 2nd = hard shift as above. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

2nd to 1st = fine


any suggestions on where i should start looking? i recently changed out my bushings so that has been done.

thanks in advance.....

[brp914]

Things dont wear out that fast - sounds like somethings broke or loose. If you have a side shifter, check those 2 allen set screws, front and rear.

You say you changed the bushings - all of 'em? I've had the 2 bushings on the coupler give out resulting in the symptoms you now have. (The coupler is the part of the long shift rod the connects to the short shft rod as is comes out of the fire wall)

From here its getting worse. Loosen and nudge out ofthe way the plastic cover on the shift lever on the gearbox. Have a partner try to shift into first as you watch. I believe first/reverse should have the lever flush against the box. You may need to take the shift rod off the car to see if you can shift gears directly on the box to see what the depth should be. 914 boxes are always a little balky, but by choosing random gears you should bed able to decide if your problem is caused by the box itself or the linkage.

BTW, check your oil level. I find synthetic oil allows better shifts in cold weather.