The Ford Barn

RJB1 · 12-10-2023, 01:59 PM

I recently purchased a 1947 Mercury 114 with 3 on the tree, V8 flathead. When cruising and not much torque on the engine it will drop out of 2nd and into neutral. This especially happens when depressing the clutch to slow down. My mechanic said it was probably just wear but it is annoying and would like to fix it. Any help appreciated.

Jack E/NJ · 12-10-2023, 03:35 PM

>>>it is annoying and would like to fix it.>>>

AFAIK, there are only 2 ways to fix it. The easy way. And the hard way.

3twinridges · 12-10-2023, 04:32 PM

Maybe Mac VP will weigh in here. That issue could be caused by a shifting linkage that needs adjusted, worn synchronizer rings, worn shift housing parts like the balls, other issues. The rings are brass and prone to wear. I think there is a spec on them to check.

JB

alanwoodieman · 12-10-2023, 04:49 PM

from under the car remove the second/high gear shift linkage on the trans. shift arms closest to front of the car, shift the linkage to second and see if it feels tight or sloppy next, have some one put the trans in second gear on column and hold it there while you see if the linkage will now slip over the arm on trans, if it will not go chances are the linkage is out of adjustment, Ford trans of this era do not have very good thrust washers on the cluster gear and if this clearance is too much it will pop out of second gear

RJB1 · 12-10-2023, 05:41 PM

Thank You. We will give a try

Seth Swoboda · 12-10-2023, 06:08 PM

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Pretty common problem. Transmission needs rebuilt. Worn blocker rings and spacer washer next to second gear is causing the problem.

Newc · 12-10-2023, 07:32 PM

My 114 does the same thing. All 40's up, column shifters. Newc

RJB1 · 12-10-2023, 09:38 PM

Does anyone know how much this would roughly cost? Sounds like the rebuild will be mostly labor and I am not a mechanic.

3twinridges · 12-10-2023, 09:48 PM

Before I took out the transmission, I would check your linkage. On the column shift there are numerous places for slop to occur. The shifter on the bottom of the steering column has numerous wear parts, the shifter grommets for the rods, and the shift lever studs on the trans. All that adds up, and could be keeping you from seating the shift balls completely in the indentations on the inside shifter plate. I would put it in 2nd, then remove the linkage and make sure the lever is really engaging 100% in 2nd. If not, those are simpler repairs. If your linkage is good, then I would talk to Mac and get his book. I am no mechanic either, but have rebuilt several 3 speeds and they work awesome. It’s not hard with good parts and a good direction.

JB

Seth Swoboda · 12-10-2023, 10:25 PM

Check your linkages first. If it just needs thrust washers, blocker rings and bearings....a few hundred bucks. But I rebuild my own. It's really pretty simple.

RJB1 · 12-11-2023, 12:39 PM

Thank you for your input!

flathead47 · 12-12-2023, 12:00 PM

I would also recommend getting Mac Van Pelts book , shows you how to disassemble , reassemble , determine what parts are worn and need to be replaced.
You may want to talk to members of the Vancouver Fraser Valley RG#120 Early V8 Ford Club as they are in your area.
Look for a spare transmission to familiarize your self with and rebuild it.
They should be available in your area as lots of these vehicles do get modified
Regards,
Flathead47

12-10-2023, 03:35 PM	#2
Jack E/NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,173	Re: 2nd gear disengaging >>>it is annoying and would like to fix it.>>> AFAIK, there are only 2 ways to fix it. The easy way. And the hard way.

12-10-2023, 04:32 PM	#3
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 547	Re: 2nd gear disengaging Maybe Mac VP will weigh in here. That issue could be caused by a shifting linkage that needs adjusted, worn synchronizer rings, worn shift housing parts like the balls, other issues. The rings are brass and prone to wear. I think there is a spec on them to check. JB

12-10-2023, 04:49 PM	#4
alanwoodieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: upstate SC Posts: 2,964	Re: 2nd gear disengaging from under the car remove the second/high gear shift linkage on the trans. shift arms closest to front of the car, shift the linkage to second and see if it feels tight or sloppy next, have some one put the trans in second gear on column and hold it there while you see if the linkage will now slip over the arm on trans, if it will not go chances are the linkage is out of adjustment, Ford trans of this era do not have very good thrust washers on the cluster gear and if this clearance is too much it will pop out of second gear

12-10-2023, 05:41 PM	#5
RJB1 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Langley BC, Canada Posts: 4	Re: 2nd gear disengaging Thank You. We will give a try

12-10-2023, 06:08 PM	#6
Seth Swoboda Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 3,795	Re: 2nd gear disengaging Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Pretty common problem. Transmission needs rebuilt. Worn blocker rings and spacer washer next to second gear is causing the problem.

12-10-2023, 01:59 PM	#1
RJB1 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Langley BC, Canada Posts: 4	2nd gear disengaging I recently purchased a 1947 Mercury 114 with 3 on the tree, V8 flathead. When cruising and not much torque on the engine it will drop out of 2nd and into neutral. This especially happens when depressing the clutch to slow down. My mechanic said it was probably just wear but it is annoying and would like to fix it. Any help appreciated.

12-10-2023, 07:32 PM	#7
Newc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,488	Re: 2nd gear disengaging My 114 does the same thing. All 40's up, column shifters. Newc

12-10-2023, 09:38 PM	#8
RJB1 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Langley BC, Canada Posts: 4	Re: 2nd gear disengaging Does anyone know how much this would roughly cost? Sounds like the rebuild will be mostly labor and I am not a mechanic.

12-10-2023, 09:48 PM	#9
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 547	Re: 2nd gear disengaging Before I took out the transmission, I would check your linkage. On the column shift there are numerous places for slop to occur. The shifter on the bottom of the steering column has numerous wear parts, the shifter grommets for the rods, and the shift lever studs on the trans. All that adds up, and could be keeping you from seating the shift balls completely in the indentations on the inside shifter plate. I would put it in 2nd, then remove the linkage and make sure the lever is really engaging 100% in 2nd. If not, those are simpler repairs. If your linkage is good, then I would talk to Mac and get his book. I am no mechanic either, but have rebuilt several 3 speeds and they work awesome. It’s not hard with good parts and a good direction. JB

12-10-2023, 10:25 PM	#10
Seth Swoboda Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 3,795	Re: 2nd gear disengaging Check your linkages first. If it just needs thrust washers, blocker rings and bearings....a few hundred bucks. But I rebuild my own. It's really pretty simple.

12-11-2023, 12:39 PM	#11
RJB1 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Langley BC, Canada Posts: 4	Re: 2nd gear disengaging Thank you for your input!

12-12-2023, 12:00 PM	#12
flathead47 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto , Ontario Posts: 86	Re: 2nd gear disengaging I would also recommend getting Mac Van Pelts book , shows you how to disassemble , reassemble , determine what parts are worn and need to be replaced. You may want to talk to members of the Vancouver Fraser Valley RG#120 Early V8 Ford Club as they are in your area. Look for a spare transmission to familiarize your self with and rebuild it. They should be available in your area as lots of these vehicles do get modified Regards, Flathead47