Is my tranny synco---or do I have a problem?

[Mike B]

'42 Ford PU with a 3 speed, took a maiden voyage today and had to double clutch through the gears...normal?..or not?

Thanks.

[Andy]

Not normal. 2 and 3 were synchroed

[41ford1]

Not normal. It should be synchro for 2 & 3. I think you may need a trans recon or a new sync assembly. Check the Van Pelt site for info and parts. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/t...prices-pg1.htm

[Ross F-1]

Sure the clutch is disengaging completely?

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by Ross F-1

Sure the clutch is disengaging completely?

That's a good point...the clutch was stuck when I first fired it off, might be a bit sticky or in need of adjustment...thanks

On the other replies, when I drained and flushed the tranny, every thing went through my small screened funnel...other than a bit of "muck" that I pushed through the screen with my finger, I didn't see any traces of metal.shavings/etc...was why I asking...having never driven one before

[Charlie Stephens]

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Originally Posted by Andy

Not normal. 2 and 3 were synchroed

1 to 2 but not 2 to 1 were sync as well.

Charlie Stephens

[49r]

My unmolested F1 Heavy duty 3 speed is syncro in 2nd and 3rd. However, it pays to take a little more time shifting than you would in a Toyota. 2nd gear is a lower ratio than the standard boxes and I only down-shift at low speed and/or double-de-clutch to help it through. Then again, if you get the rpm dead right you don't need the clutch at all ...

[Mac VP]

To eliminate the clutch adjustment as your problem, do this test. In your parked car with engine idling, put your shifter into neutral and foot off the clutch pedal. Count to 20 slowly. Now depress the clutch pedal to the floor and attempt to shift the trans into first gear. If the gears scrape (crunch) the trans gears are still spinning.

If this is happening, either the clutch is not adjusted correctly (and not disengaging fully) or the pilot bearing is bad and hanging up on the trans input shaft. In either case the thans gears are essentially still spinning when you are trying to shift into 2nd or 3rd gear which is fighting the synchronizing process......thus the gear crunch.

The clutch pedal should have 1" to 1.5" of freeplay. Loosen the clutch pedal adjusting clevis and turn it in the direction to add freeplay if needed, then tighten up the clevis jam nut. If the clutch adjustment was needed, then do the test again to make sure the gears aren't spinning.

If these issues are not the problem, chances are the trans synchronizer rings are worn. There could be other worn parts involved too, so plan on a trans rebuild.

[D. Jones]

I'm guessing you have a non-synchromesh transmission.

My 1945 model 1/2 ton built with all 1942 parts came from the factory with a three speed with straight cut gears. Not everybody wanted to spend the extra money for a synchromesh transmission. Such transmissions were available up until the early 50's.

It is easy enough to check and see what you have, pull the floor mat, transmission cover and the transmission top and look inside, you will be able to see if there is a synchronizer or not.

[Mike B]

I'm almost sure I remember the syncronizer rings in there when I had it out, I don't recall the orientaion of the gear teeth though, I wasn't even thinking about that.

I'll give Mac's test a shot and see whats up.

Thanks Gent.

PS...the brakes work great Mac

[Mike B]

I may have been trying to shift a bit quick as mentioned before. I have the truck in the shop (kinda blocked in) so put the rear up on stands and easily shifted through 1st, 2nd and third...I'm not sure if it's valid without a real load on the tranny?

But man is she quiet, not even a slight buzz from the gearbox...I do have too much freeplay in the pedal though...appear to have about 2.75-3 inches, so will see what I have left in adjustment.

Thanks all!

[Mart]

That does sound like a lot of free play. You may not be releasing the clutch properly.

Mart.

[Mike B]

You might me right Mart, and unless the ratio on the clevis changes more than 1:1, I won't have enough adjustment to get another 1.5 inches out of the pedal...ah well, pressure plates are cheaper that a tranny rebuild

[Mike B]

Thought I would bring this back up...have been putzing around with the '42 over time...and decided to take it for a spin...shifted flawlessly...hmmmnnn...then wouldn't....then would, etc....then noticed when I rolled to a stop to start over again, the idle was high...got me thinking...yes, too high idle, engine running too fast...as long as engine revs dropped low, shifted like butter...but when I can't shift...revs are high

Okay...gotta look at the return spring...possibly carb ....but now, over a year later, I know the tranny is okay...did get it up to about 40...yee yaw...fun stuff!