Transmission Issues
 

While driving the roadster a fair amount today back and forth, I noticed the transmission is acting differently in a bad way. It grinds gears if you're going from neutral to low or reverse no matter what. I just adjusted the clutch adjusting arm and there is acceptable play, so I am scratching my head. Bad news?

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Is your clutch arm original? They like to crack and it won’t show up unless you depress the clutch.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

I bet Ryan is right.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

That they do. Usually you will have an increase in free play tho.
Picture of mine.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6cdc6b8b_n.jpg

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Just checked, no crack when depressed or at all. Might be original, might be a reproduction.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Try closing up the free play and see if it gets better?

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Not reproduced as original. Repops are made of welded steel.

Check for relative motion between the shaft and arm, not necessarily a crack.

Joe K

Re: Transmission Issues
 

From neutral sitting still at a idle,can you go to 2nd easily then back down to 1rst without and problems?
Also is your idle speed correct ? Has transmission fluid been checked?
I would also inspect the shift rail,forks,shifter ball.*

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Grinding gears will happen when the transmission oil level is too low.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

engine running car stopped grinding going into low or reverse?you have a clutch problem.If this is the case,the clutch does adequately release the input shaft from engine power....

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Definetely an original. I can slide the arm and shaft in and out of the trans, don't know if that means the bushing is shot.

At neutral, I can't slide into any gear. If the car is stopped, it still is a problem.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

There may be an issue with the clutch cover or disc. It has to completely disengage for the cluster gear counter shaft to slow to a stop.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Did it grind BEFORE you made the adjustment?? :eek:Paul in CT

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Did it grind BEFORE you made the adjustment?? :eek:
Paul in CT

Re: Transmission Issues
 

Not on a Model A but on a truck I once had, the pilot bearing was bad and caused a drag on the pilot shaft of the transmission. This truck had a ball bearing pilot bearing. Just a thought.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

May be an issue with the "fork." This is held to the shaft by a pin. The pin may have sheared or worked loose.



Joe K

Re: Transmission Issues
 

I drained the oil which I only replaced a few months ago and was as already looking dirty and I am cleaning with kerosene. I pulled the floorboards and noticed that the gear shift lever has a pin on mine that goes through the shifter tower and it was halfway out. Can't find the part on Brattons and I don't think it is a shifter fork. I lined it back up and drove it in.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

It did seem to get worse after I adjusted it last week. I DID replace the clutch adjusting arm with a repro because mine was getting too worn.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

A couple things come to mind.

How much freeplay does it have ? Acceptable doesn't mean too much to me. It should be 1.0-1.5".

If the floorboards are removed along with the clutch inspection plate, the clutch operation can be watched.

The trans should be able to be shifted with engine off. The cover may need to come off and the shift lever ball along with the shift forks may need to be looked at. The lever ball should be close to being round [ 1/2"] as they tend to become square over the decades.

Re: Transmission Issues
 

I pulled the whole tower and everything looks OK. My shifter ball is still a ball and everything seems to be in good shape.