Problem #1 - shifting
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Macomb, IL
Problem #1 - shifting
OK posting gurus and everyone else who has more experience than me. (99.9% of you!)
Problem #1 on my '65 f100, 240, manual 3 speed (all original, except it was moved to floor shift) has gotten to the point of needing attention. It involves the inability to shift into second. Especially when cold. This problem started last spring, went away over the summer, came back this fall and is in full force now. Sometimes letting out the clutch and pushing in again works, sometimes giving just a little more gas helps, and sometimes I darn near have to stop. During this same time, the clutch pedal will now only work the clutch in about the last 3 inches before reaching the floor.
Is this a clutch, tranny, (or both) problem, and where should I start?
Hey, I bought this thing to learn how to fix them! Guess I'm gonna have to learn now.
(Problem 2 to follow on new thread.)
Problem #1 on my '65 f100, 240, manual 3 speed (all original, except it was moved to floor shift) has gotten to the point of needing attention. It involves the inability to shift into second. Especially when cold. This problem started last spring, went away over the summer, came back this fall and is in full force now. Sometimes letting out the clutch and pushing in again works, sometimes giving just a little more gas helps, and sometimes I darn near have to stop. During this same time, the clutch pedal will now only work the clutch in about the last 3 inches before reaching the floor.
Is this a clutch, tranny, (or both) problem, and where should I start?
Hey, I bought this thing to learn how to fix them! Guess I'm gonna have to learn now.
(Problem 2 to follow on new thread.)
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
Problem #1 - shifting
Answer #1 It sounds like you are in need of a clutch adjustment. Heres how, crawl under your truck and look for a rod on the drivers side between the frame and transmission bellhousing. it will have one end with some threads and a locknut on it. Loosen the locknut then twist the end of the rod so it get longer. You want the arm coming out of the bellhousing to move toward the back of the truck. Adjust it about 1/4"-1/2" and feel your clutch pedal. You want 1"-2" of freeplay in your clutch pedal.
Answer#2 While your under your truck look at the front suspension parts. Your looking for obviously bent stuff like the tie rods( the skinny bars that are connected to the spindles and steering box). Make sure the ends of the tie rods are the same distance from the tires, especially on the side that hit the curb. Sit on the ground and look at the wheels from about 10' in front of the truck. Does one wheel lean in or out more than the other, or do they both point the same direction.
Go take a look and post back let me know and I'll go over the next step with you. Good luck, Rich.
Answer#2 While your under your truck look at the front suspension parts. Your looking for obviously bent stuff like the tie rods( the skinny bars that are connected to the spindles and steering box). Make sure the ends of the tie rods are the same distance from the tires, especially on the side that hit the curb. Sit on the ground and look at the wheels from about 10' in front of the truck. Does one wheel lean in or out more than the other, or do they both point the same direction.
Go take a look and post back let me know and I'll go over the next step with you. Good luck, Rich.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Macomb, IL
Problem #1 - shifting
Thanks Rich
I did the clutch adjustment and it did help the clutch. However, second gear is still hard to find. Better, but not smooth.
Looking at the front wheels, The right front appears to be riding a little on the inside. I don't notice any problem with the tie rods.
Thanks for your help.
jeff
I did the clutch adjustment and it did help the clutch. However, second gear is still hard to find. Better, but not smooth.
Looking at the front wheels, The right front appears to be riding a little on the inside. I don't notice any problem with the tie rods.
Thanks for your help.
jeff
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Problem #1 - shifting
I'm not an expert on the manual trans but I believe your syncronizer might need attention. The fact that you can shift it smoothly sometimes and almost have to stop the other times seems to lead to that. Try gently increasing or decreasing the engine speed next time it doesn't want to go into gear. If you find the sweet spot and it drops into gear this way, you need to look at the syncronizer. I will look in the shop manual later for the particulars.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 957
Likes: 3
From: Winchendon MA
Problem #1 - shifting
Your trany is old and slightly worn. Change the oil now. Sounds like when the temp out side is low it get worse. Slide under the truck with a 1 gal drain pan at the bottom you'll find a square plug that takes a 9/16? opened end wrench remove the plug and drain all the sludge oil out of there. Leave it to drip while you run to the parts store to get some 50wt motor oil. Yes 50wt MOTOR oil this is the spec for cold weather areas. Don't use 80/90wt it's just to thick.
On the side of the trany you'll fid a second plug at the centerline of the drive shaft height or slightly lower. useing a hose atached to the oil jug pump in 1/2 quart let it drain out the bottom and replace the drain plug and fill the trany untill oil just drips out the fill hole. Replace the plug.
Check your rear axle at the same time the fill plug take a 1/2 drive ratchet and is on the drive shaft side. Axles take 80/90.
Best of luck.
44
On the side of the trany you'll fid a second plug at the centerline of the drive shaft height or slightly lower. useing a hose atached to the oil jug pump in 1/2 quart let it drain out the bottom and replace the drain plug and fill the trany untill oil just drips out the fill hole. Replace the plug.
Check your rear axle at the same time the fill plug take a 1/2 drive ratchet and is on the drive shaft side. Axles take 80/90.
Best of luck.
44
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Macomb, IL
Problem #1 - shifting
THANKS, THANKS, AND THANKS!!!
I have driven the truck for two days now after the clutch adjustment. The second day was much better, no trouble finding second gear. However, the outside temp IS in the 40's.
I will be changing the tranny oil the next semi-warm day we get. Not real fond of laying on snow covered, cold, wet concrete. I new there was something I was forgetting 16 years ago when we purchased a house without a heated garage!
By the way, how often should I change the transmission oil?
Thanks again
I have driven the truck for two days now after the clutch adjustment. The second day was much better, no trouble finding second gear. However, the outside temp IS in the 40's.
I will be changing the tranny oil the next semi-warm day we get. Not real fond of laying on snow covered, cold, wet concrete. I new there was something I was forgetting 16 years ago when we purchased a house without a heated garage!
By the way, how often should I change the transmission oil?
Thanks again
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 957
Likes: 3
From: Winchendon MA
Problem #1 - shifting
I do mine every fall. I do a lot of towing (600mile every weekend) in the summer so i'm sure the heat starts to beak it down.
Your most likely okay with once every ten years. $10 says most never get changed just topped off.
44
Your most likely okay with once every ten years. $10 says most never get changed just topped off.
44
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Chris65
2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 4.0 & SOHC 4.0 V6
1
Jan 30, 2005 04:55 PM
barryr
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Jan 17, 2005 04:12 PM
Cpttripp
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
5
Aug 25, 2002 03:03 PM
