I have a 70 maverick that was originally an auto but now has the manual 3 speed tranny from a 71 grabber. This just started happening about 3 weeks and ive only drivinen it a few times since ive noticed that theres something wrong with the shifting, but when I start her up and start driving everything is fine with the shifts, the shifts are smooth and easy, but after about 15mins of driving it doesnt wanna go into gear. From neurtal to first is the worst, ill have to try and hammer the shifter down into place a few times before it'll get into first to take off, then shifting from second to third is even a lil tough and doesnt wanna get into gear without some force. And its almost impossible to get into reverse without hammering it up there and hearing the sound if it grinding. Anybody have any idea of what the problem could be? It kinda boggles me that after its been sitting for a handful of hours it shifts like normal but then seems to fight me after a while. Last summer i had a problem with the clutch linkage, one of the linkage bars was actually tearing apart causing the metal rod that pessess in out to bend, so i had to weld the bar back together and fabricate another rod out of a long bolt. I checked that over again too see if that was the problem but it seems to be holding up well.
It could be bad syncros in the transmission. When the oil in the transmission is cold, it is thicker and helps to slow down the gears, so you can shift.
It could be the synchros going out, but would the synchros go out in every gear like that at the same time?
Here is what I would do. First I would make sure the clutch is disengaging completely. When your having the problem, stop the car on level ground, turn off the engine, disconnect the coil, get back in, put it in 1st or reverse gear, push the clutch in, turn the starter over and feel for any movement in the car. If it moves at all, the clutch is dragging and needs to be adjusted. Next I would check and adjust the shifter linkage alignment. Check the bushings in the linkage for wear. Replace any that are. Then do an alignment on the linkage. There is a hole in both shifter forks and a corresponding hole in the shifter housing. With both linkages removed from the transmission, place the shifter in neutral and move the arms until all the holes line up. Then stick the biggest allen wrench in there to lock it all in the neutral position. Then make sure the transmission is in neutral and adjust the rods so they fall into place on the transmission shift rods. Both floor shifters and column shifters have this set up. The alignment holes on a column shift is at the base of the steering column, just outside the firewall. Lastly make sure the transmission is filled with the correct gear oil.
alright. thanks everyone. good info. the clutch isnt dragging at all and the linkage seems to be working just fine. so im hoping the gear oil is just too dirty and gummy and that pouring in some fresh 80w-90 will take care of her.
