4 Spd Manual Downshift Problem

[Gregory Miller]

I just got my car running again after 14 years, and I took it for a quick test drive. It seems that I can't downshift to 2nd or first unless I come to a stop.
Does this mean that I need to adjust the clutch or linkage, or did I put my 3 syncro keys (the ones with arrows) in backwards?

[bgdowski]

Well on my trans (I havent touched internals) I cant get back into first unless im rolling at a VERY slow speed, so maybe thats normal. But 2nd gear isnt hard to get into at all. Look into your syncro's and such. Do you have a shop manual?

[kwilford]

I just got my car running again after 14 years, and I took it for a quick test drive. It seems that I can't downshift to 2nd or first unless I come to a stop.
Does this mean that I need to adjust the clutch or linkage, or did I put my 3 syncro keys (the ones with arrows) in backwards?

If you had problems getting it into gear (EITHER upshift or downshift) with the car running OR stopped, then I would suggest that your transmission input shaft was still spinning, which can mean either a dragging clutch or a piled-up pilot bearing (in the end of the crankshaft that the input shaft from the transmission rotates in).

But if the problem is only downshifting into certain gears WHEN the car is moving, then it sounds like a syncro problem. Did you have the transmission apart in times past?

[Gregory Miller]

Hi guys,


First of all, the trans worked when I bought the car 14 years ago before I disassembled the car for restoration.

Yes, I have a shop manual and I had disassembled my trans to replace all the seals. The internals visually looked decent with the exception of the 3rd/4th shift rod having some abuse. I don't think this is the issue, because I cleaned up some of the burrs on the shaft and currently 3rd/4th shifts fine up and down.

My guess is that I put the syncro 3 keys (with the arrows) in backwards, although I spent a great deal of time checking and rechecking with my manual.

I did have issues getting the trans to mate to the bell housing during installation, but it eventually mated up successfully.

I adjusted the clutch to the manual specs today, but did not have much success. My last hope is that the linkage is not currently adjusted.

[opellane]

Listen Guys I have a couple of Extra 4-speeds, all good ones, probably too many. I have gone the five speed route, and have no need for them anymore.
There All checked out and working. Always inside dry storage for years.

Maybe you want to change swap it out. Just pay the shipping and there yours. I can only est. $ 35 to 40 bucks depends where you live
I not looking to make anything, just don't want to send them to the salvage yard, and this way I feel like I'am keeping another Opel GT Alive.

Private message me, if your interested for more details.