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4 speed w/OD - Shifting Problem[ALL/1998] posted by Tom Fachetti on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 4:22 a.m.
I have a 1987 740 turbo S/W with a 4 speed with OD manual transmission. The car has about 75 K miles and is in great shape. I am the original owner and have taken pretty good care of the vehicle. In fact, this is the real first problem I've encountered in 10 years.
Anyway, during the last two weeks, I've noticed a problem in shifting into 1st and 2nd gear (3rd and 4th remain fine). While there is no grinding of gears when moving the shift lever into 1st and 2nd, it requires a lot of force to move the lever into those gears. Moreover, it is slightly easier to get it into first, but 2nd is a real bear.
In speaking with someone here, it was suggested that the problem could be synco's, but without grinding, I am not sure.
I am currently living in Tokyo, with a Volvo dealership about 100 yards from my home. However, given the cost of anything in Japan, I am hesitant to get the dealer involved in this problem until I know more about it.
I really appreciate any advice on this problem and the cost of a possible fix (based on U.S. prices). For example, should the gearbox be rebuilt or replaced? Could it be the linkage?
Thanks,
Tom Fachetti
U.S. Embassy
Tokyo, Japan
Re: 4 speed w/OD - Shifting Problem[ALL/1998] posted by Ed Lipe on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 8:24 a.m.
How's it shift without the engine running and w/o the clutch? Might try changing the lube in the trans and see what happens. Its a cheap test, and it's probably time for it anyway.
Re: 4 speed w/OD - Shifting Problem[ALL/1998] posted by Topi on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 9:03 a.m.
Sorry - but sounds like it's the synchros. Parts are cheap but labor runs up to $ 350 in California. If you do it, use Toyota assembly sealer. No more leaks, not even with synthetic lube. Any good Toyota independent shop can do the job. Buy a Bentley manual, Japanise LOVE to read manuals and are very good to do precision work. Good Luck!
Re: 4 speed w/OD - Supra solution![ALL/1998] posted by Topi on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 9:13 a.m.
Solution # 2. There's a company in Australia, Dellow Automotive (Tel. -61-2-774 4419) who makes bolt-on Toyota Supra gearbox convertion kits for Volvo. The cost is about $ 450 + shipping (plus a Supra box).
Re: 4 speed w/OD - Shifting Problem[ALL/1998] posted by Peter on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 11:54 a.m.
A couple of thoughts.
It might be something as simple as your clutch not fully disengaging. Given the higher difficulty of "matching revs" in the lower gears, a clutch that doesn't fully disengage might manifest itself in this manner. Adjusting the clutch linkage might take care of the problem.
The other thing you might check before tearing the trans apart is any external shift linkage that may exist on your car. If you're not getting crunching, but the lever is still resisting your efforts it's common to have either a shift linkage problem or have a bent shift fork(s). I am NOT familiar with Volvo transmissions, but in most transmissions I've ever seen, the first and second gear shifting is handled by forks on the same shaft and if there is a problem with the linkage leading to that shaft or any components working with or relying on the shaft you'll have difficulty shifting into first and/or second. If any of the shift linkage resides external to the gearbox, check the alignment and function of the external linkage first. This should be something you can do at home.
Sadly, if you have a bent shift fork, the force required to get the damn thing in gear often bends it more. Kind of a Catch 22 situation.
Peter
Re: 4 speed w/OD - Shifting Problem[ALL/1998] posted by Ed Lipe on
Wednesday, 19 November 1997, at 2:43 p.m.
Pete's right. Basic trouble shooting points to checking the clutch adj. first then checking linkage adjustment. You could always fall back to matching engine speed with trans speed when you shift to make shifting easier. With the age of the machine and the milage it doesn't sound as if you've driven the owl snot out of this car unless you're a red-light ripper.