1975 914 1.8L-Going Forward In Reverse, Forward in Reverse Options

[ballsyfacts914]

Check the cone setscrew at the shift coupler right after the firewall. When those come lose, it becomes hard to find the right gears.

Seen this many times ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

I will try that...thank you

[Superhawk996]

Adjustment of all shift linkage and having all the plastic bushings in good shape is critical. Even then, 914's are the poster child for vague shifting. These shift levers have about as much tactile feedback and positive gear detent certainty as a hot knife moving though butter.

Here is my car with poorly adjusted linkage as I was just trying to drive it around the neighborhood to make sure it would move under it's own power and shift all gears while rolling.

I missed reverse twice. I drove one of these cars daily for over a decade so it wasn't like I didn't know where reverse is or wasn't pushing aside the reverse lockout/detent spring. Reverse is fickle if the linkage is not adjusted properly and/or if the coupler joint at the front of the rod is worn out (as this one was) or the cup within the rear ball coupler is worn out (as this one was).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ5_EblRToE

[ballsyfacts914]

OK, checked the set screw behind the firewall and the tapered screw at the back. Both tight, couldn't budge either. All other linkage connections look good as far as I can tell. However, there is a smaller dust boot at the back and that is ripped and I am thinking it may be binding when I try to shift. Should I remove for now? I clearly will need to replace and can do so when I get my bushings. Would appreciate all your thoughts?

Obviously, I need to replace the bushings which are coming and I need to work out the alignment of the linkages which I will attempt after I replace the bushings.

Any other thoughts?

Appreciate y'all and have a great labor day! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[DickSteinkamp]

OK, checked the set screw behind the firewall and the tapered screw at the back. Both tight, couldn't budge either. All other linkage connections look good as far as I can tell. However, there is a smaller dust boot at the back and that is ripped and I am thinking it may be binding when I try to shift. Should I remove for now? I clearly will need to replace and can do so when I get my bushings. Would appreciate all your thoughts?

Obviously, I need to replace the bushings which are coming and I need to work out the alignment of the linkages which I will attempt after I replace the bushings.

Any other thoughts?

Appreciate y'all and have a great labor day! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

If you mean the small dust boot indicated by the pink arrow....

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-20876-1567365053.1.jpg)

...sure.

You can even remove the plastic cover over the attachment of the shift linkage at the trans if you want. Temporarily. If either is torn or damaged, you should probably replace them when you do the new bushings.

[Superhawk996]

Also under that big plastic cover there is another coupler.

Inside the coupler is a plastic bushing / cup that snaps onto the linkage that comes of the the transmission case. Make sure that busing is replaced too.

[PanelBilly]

I’ve had good luck adjusting the connection where the rod under the tunnel meets the shifter. Mark the post and connector one of those white felt pens so you have a reference point to tell you where you started. Moving it over one spline can make the difference between finding reverse or second. It a pain to work in the tight space but it can be done.

[ballsyfacts914]

I’ve had good luck adjusting the connection where the rod under the tunnel meets the shifter. Mark the post and connector one of those white felt pens so you have a reference point to tell you where you started. Moving it over one spline can make the difference between finding reverse or second. It a pain to work in the tight space but it can be done.

Are you referring to the linkage while sitting in the car? Could you please send a pic? Also, when I attempted this previously, assuming I am correct about your suggestion, I ultimately inserted the linkage, where it connects to the shifter under the shifter, all the way in. I am assuming you mean that connection and that it needs to be adjusted?

Thanks again

[ballsyfacts914]

OK, checked the set screw behind the firewall and the tapered screw at the back. Both tight, couldn't budge either. All other linkage connections look good as far as I can tell. However, there is a smaller dust boot at the back and that is ripped and I am thinking it may be binding when I try to shift. Should I remove for now? I clearly will need to replace and can do so when I get my bushings. Would appreciate all your thoughts?

Obviously, I need to replace the bushings which are coming and I need to work out the alignment of the linkages which I will attempt after I replace the bushings.

Any other thoughts?

Appreciate y'all and have a great labor day! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

If you mean the small dust boot indicated by the pink arrow....

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-20876-1567365053.1.jpg)

...sure.

You can even remove the plastic cover over the attachment of the shift linkage at the trans if you want. Temporarily. If either is torn or damaged, you should probably replace them when you do the new bushings.

Awesome, thank you

[rhodyguy]

To be clear. When running and you push the lever HARD to the left, you can't engage reverse? If so, you might want to take a look at the detention plate. Haynes P.89, Fig 5.27, item #14. Remove the shifter assem retaining bolts and turn the assem 90*. Remove nut and bolt (#s 5 & 7) and the shifter will lift away. This method preserves your current linkage settings. Seperating #19 from the front rod at this point just makes for more frustrationing work. Often the plate is severely worn and the plate also cuts in to the lever, compounding the slop. Clean the bottom of the lever assem with some brake cleaner. Gunked up springs also restrict the side to side motion. The ball cup bushing inside the rear cover is #25. Haynes is your friend.

[ballsyfacts914]

To be clear. When running and you push the lever HARD to the left, you can't engage reverse? If so, you might want to take a look at the detention plate. Haynes P.89, Fig 5.27, item #14. Remove the shifter assem retaining bolts and turn the assem 90*. Remove nut and bolt (#s 5 & 7) and the shifter will lift away. This method preserves your current linkage settings. Seperating #19 from the front rod just makes for more frustrationing work. Often the plate is severely worn and the plate also cuts in to the lever, compounding the slop. Clean the bottom of the lever assem with some brake cleaner. Gunked up springs also restrict the side to side motion. The ball cup bushing inside the rear cover is #25. Haynes is your friend.

Now the issues is reverse, as in I can only go in reverse. I am pretty sure it is an alignment issue. Thank you, if I can't realignment to work then this is on the list.

[rhodyguy]

What have you taken off and put back on? Other than #19 and the front rod, the connection points and positioning are fixed. Did you disengage #19 from the front rod? Remaining linkage suspects are the 2 set screws, rear ball cup bushing and bushings in the front coupler of the rear rod. Hopefully it's some piece of plastic and not deeper in the trans. Chris Folley's method of achieving the correct positioning of the #19/front rod connection point is pretty slick.

[ballsyfacts914]

What have you taken off and put back on? Other than #19 and the front rod, the connection points and positioning are fixed. Did you disengage #19 from the front rod? Remaining linkage suspects are the 2 set screws, rear ball cup bushing and bushings in the front coupler of the rear rod. Hopefully it's some piece of plastic and not deeper in the trans. Chris Folley's method of achieving the correct positioning of the #19/front rod connection point is pretty slick.

Yes, I have disconnected #19 from the front rod. I have messed with it quite a bit to see if I can't get it to shift correctly and I know I have twisted it a little. I have new bushings coming and have checked both tapered screws (both in tight). Based on when it did drive, I think it is an alignment issue.

Thanks, appreciate the feedback

[ballsyfacts914]

Also, for the front linkage, the one I can access under the center console, does rotating throw the alignment off?

Thanks

UPDATE: OK, I definitely think I am dealing with a two pronged problem, alignment and bushings. As I have already said, bushings coming. I just followed the Haynes alignment suggestions and now have 2nd and 3rd. I assume I have 4th and 5th but 1st and R are a no go. Starting there, what do you all think is the issue? Bushings? shifter? Or do I need to mess with the alignment some more?

Ah, progress.....I love my 914!!!

[rhodyguy]

"assume" or you've tried? I wouldn't sweat it too much til you put the the new bushings in.

[ballsyfacts914]

"assume" or you've tried? I wouldn't sweat it too much til you put the the new bushings in.

2nd and 3rd engaged and moved the car forward. Assuming 4th/5th are there. Based on your response I am also assuming you believe the bushings are my main issue?

Thanks again

[rhodyguy]

No.

[ballsyfacts914]

No.

Fair enough, thanks

[ballsyfacts914]

I wanted to thank everyone for providing tips and tricks. Finally found the issue, the busing at the firewall, indeed, quite suddenly failed. Fished it out of the dust boot and have new bushings coming.

Thanks to all again!

[fiacra]

I wanted to thank everyone for providing tips and tricks. Finally found the issue, the busing at the firewall, indeed, quite suddenly failed. Fished it out of the dust boot and have new bushings coming.

Thanks to all again!

Way to track down the problem! Post pictures so everyone can benefit from your experience. Lots of satisfaction in diagnosing a problem and solving it. Hope it builds your enthusiasm for your car. Post pictures so we can all see your car! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)