Grinds in 3rd

[rs899]

My '91 with a new-to-me ACN (or is it an  ACH?) grinds going into 3rd unless I have the pedal all the way on the floor as I move the shifter.

I know the gate adjustment is a bit off because I really have to shove it to the left to get to first.  I hate screwing with the adjustment (the bushings are all good- been there done that).

Is my problem with 3rd gate adjustment related, or is it just in the tranny?

Your thoughts?

Rick

[maxfax]

Does it grind when sitting still with the engine running??? Say if you rev the engine, jam in the clutch and hit third quickly?

[Quantum TD]

Third gear syncros are not common failures. 2nd gear usually takes the real beating. I'd adjust the linkage. Try slower shifts. If neither of those work, live with it or replace the trans (again).

Can't be worse than the AWY you replaced.

[maxfax]

What I'm thinking is kinda interesting is that I have an ACH that acts the same darned way..  It will grind during the procedure I mentioned above which is leading me to think my syncro ring is shot...

[rs899]

Can't be worse than the AWY you replaced.

It wasn't an AWY that was replaced...the PO already figured that dog wouldn't hunt...

I can't shift much slower through 2-3 as it is...but if I don't have my foot on the floor for half a second it grinds.  Never grinds in the 4 or 5 downshift into 3rd....

OK- I will try playing with the linkage.  I have so much colored paint on there (witness marks) I will have to buy a gallon of stripper first....  

This beast has an auto adjust clutch cable on it, yet.  Might it help to ditch that and go with a manual adjust cable ( I was going to get around to that anyway)?

[maxfax]

This beast has an auto adjust clutch cable on it, yet.  Might it help to ditch that and go with a manual adjust cable ( I was going to get around to that anyway)?

I thought later about asking if you still had the auto adjust cable or not.. Might be the next step after cussing at the linkage....

[Quantum TD]

Yeah. Ditch the auto-adjust. They're great when they're working, but I've seen them fail quite often. I'd start there. At least you'd be able to rule out incomplete clutch disengagement.

[the caveman]

It's not the clutch if it goes into reverse and first. Get someone to help and do this- while looking under the hood at the linkage have someone go through the gears and then determine where 3 rd is. The lever that attaches directly to the trans , the one with a bushing at the top and a ball at the bottom will be straight up and down, when it's in the 3rd/4th gate. Have them press the clutch while you move the lever towards the trans[ into ] and outwards [away from] the trans and see[ well, listen actually] if it goes into gear easily. This will determine if it's the linkage or internal. I'd say it's a 90% chance there is something with the linkage or it's adjustment. Even better, disconnect the linkage as far to the trans as possible and do it again. That way you'll take the linkage out of the equation.

[R.O.R-2.0]

It's not the clutch if it goes into reverse and first. Get someone to help and do this- while looking under the hood at the linkage have someone go through the gears and then determine where 3 rd is. The lever that attaches directly to the trans , the one with a bushing at the top and a ball at the bottom will be straight up and down, when it's in the 3rd/4th gate. Have them press the clutch while you move the lever towards the trans[ into ] and outwards [away from] the trans and see[ well, listen actually] if it goes into gear easily. This will determine if it's the linkage or internal. I'd say it's a 90% chance there is something with the linkage or it's adjustment. Even better, disconnect the linkage as far to the trans as possible and do it again. That way you'll take the linkage out of the equation.

yup, good point..

[8v-of-fury]

Have you tried double clutching?

[BigVWman]

If after it's all adjusted it still grinds, try changing fluid for synchromesh. It's not the recommended fluid but has helped a couple troublesome ones i have had.

[rs899]

It already has Redline MTL in it.  It's in sickbay for the moment, awaiting better tires.  Driving the old '82 caddy to work...