Mike,
I think I'm with Peter on this one. It sounds like a clutch problem to me.
Lord knows I have had my fair share of them. Just about every component
on my clutch system has failed at one point or another. For me each
component caused the same symptom, grinding gears especially in reverse,
first, and second when downshifting. I had three different items that
failed within a year of each other.
Master cylinder - rebuilt. Slight improvement. Replaced with new.
Problem fixed.
6 months later:
Slave cylinder - rebuilt. No help. Replaced with used cylinder and
rebuild kit. Problem fixed.
4 months later:
Clutch itself - replaced with 3 piece kit. Problem Fixed.
Unfortunately all these created pretty much the same symptom as you
describe. I would start with the master cylinder first because it is
easiest to get to. The rebuild kit is only about $12. When its apart
check for any rough spots in the cylinder. It should be very smooth. If
its not smooth and scrach free inside, then you may be looking at a new
cylinder. BPNW has the best prices I have found. I personally had no luck
honning it out, but it may be worth a try.
Next I would try the slave cylinder. Same basic procedure.
Last I would try the clutch itself. Some would say this is a longshot, but
I had two different clutches cause this problem. I had an engine and
tranny in the car with the grinding problem. When the engine blew I pulled
both out and installed a totally different engine and tranny from my parts
car into the car and the grinding was still there. Naturally I did not
suspect the clutch because it was totally different drive train. I
suspected the hydrolics. But after much frustration it turned out to be
the clutch after all.
Sorry for the long story.
David Gates
At 09:26 AM 5/31/99 +1200, you wrote:
>>
>>Hi Ryan, Mike,
>>
>>The reverse problem sounds like a clutch adjustment. When you push the
>>clutch pedal while stationary , the transmission should stop spinning
>>allowing the selection of reverse without gear grinding ( since there's
>>no syncro on reverse ). If the travel on the clutch slave cylinder
>>pushrod is not long enough, the clutch will not release completely
>>allowing the transmission to rotate causing the grinding. The travel on
>>the slave can be adjusted by removing the trans cover inside the car and
>>releasing the pinch bolt on the slave cylinder and moving the position
>>of the slave. There is about 1/2" of play from memory. This could also
>>be contributing to the 3rd to 2nd problem. If the grinding from 3rd to
>>2nd is still there, then it's worn sycro rings.
>>
>>Hope this helps.
>>
>>Peter Cebalo
>>
>>73 Spitfire
>>
>>Auckland, New Zealand
>>
>>>>Sounds like a classic sign of clutch adjustment.
>>>>PS
>>>
>>>Could someone be a little more specific with this statement?
>>>
>>>Ryan
>>>>
>>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>>
>>>> >
>>>> > Hi, I have a struggle everytime I try to put my 1980 Spit in reverse,
>>>>also
>>>> > when I try to downshift into second gear the gear grinds unless I am
>>>>going
>>>> > under 20. Is thsi a sign of transmission trouble.
>>>> > Thanks
>>>> > Mike
>>>> > 1980 Spit
>>>> >
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
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