Gearbox won't stay in 4th?

[AustinTXMk1]

I had a note from one of by boys when I got home today. It reads - "Dad, the MR2 will not "stay" in 4th gear. Everytime you shift into it, it gets "spit" right back out."

As a good Dad, I test drove it and it's true, as long as you hold on to the shift handle, all is well in 4th... The rest of the gear box works without an issue, only 4th seems to be having a challenge staying engaged...

Any ideas or suggestions. Is there an adjustment that can be made that won't mess up the other gear positions?

[donnyavery]

sound like someone knocked out a syncro out of it or went out (high miles)

[AustinTXMk1]

Originally Posted by donnyavery

sound like someone knocked out a syncro out of it or went out (high miles)

Thanks. It does have over 321K miles on it...

However, what does the syncro have to do with it. Once the gear is meshed the syncro should have no bearing, on it staying engaged. Now, it could be possible that it's not fully engaging and then the syncro may have an influnce.

[328FTW]

Shift cables maybe, worn dog teeth, I had one box where a circlip had come off and done some damage so maybe something went through the gears and did some damage.

[AustinTXMk1]

Guys and Gals,

Looks like I'm going to need to go into my transmission. I have located an 87' that I can get for $300 - but have no idea of its condition. Or, I could drop the one in the car and overhaul it.

What I don't know is, how easy is it to get parts? I'm trying to conserve cash, and at the same time, keep down time to a minimum. If parts aren't an issue, and the tranny in the yard is in good shape, I would expect that an overhaul wouldn't be too costly (been quoted $185 plus parts)... this would be the simplest way and least down time. However, if parts are an issue, then it could be weeks and then I'm better off, puting the $300 (plus $50 core) directly into the overhaul of my broken transmission.

What experience does the fourm have when it comes to overhauling early Mk1 transmissions? I'm very much open to suggestions...

[muffinman]

Originally Posted by AustinTXMk1

Guys and Gals,

Looks like I'm going to need to go into my transmission. I have located an 87' that I can get for $300 - but have no idea of its condition.

Is that a junkyard tranny and if so why so much? Will they give you any kind of warranty?

[85SuperGZE]

I have pulled a tranny before only to find out that the shifter clips for the 2nd and 4 th gears fell off, I got a tranny from a junkyard for 75 bucks,(it's been 5 years now) and have had no issues with the junkyard tranny. I say find a used one that is known good, and use it. I see your in Austin, but here in Dallas we have a place called Best Japan, and it has them for 150.00 walk out+core, and since theyre slow right now, I bet you can get it cheaper, and possibly have them ship it for you. here is their number and address, though the guy is hard to understand, he knows his stuff. They DO NOT have a website.
4011 Irving Blvd # A
Dallas, TX 75247-5842
(214) 630-8466

[AustinTXMk1]

Originally Posted by muffinman

Is that a junkyard tranny and if so why so much? Will they give you any kind of warranty?

It comes with a 90 warranty. I guess I can haggle with them... a bit but want to have another source in my back pocket...

[AustinTXMk1]

Originally Posted by 85SuperGZE

I have pulled a tranny before only to find out that the shifter clips for the 2nd and 4 th gears fell off, I got a tranny from a junkyard for 75 bucks,(it's been 5 years now) and have had no issues with the junkyard tranny. I say find a used one that is known good, and use it. I see your in Austin, but here in Dallas we have a place called Best Japan, and it has them for 150.00 walk out+core, and since theyre slow right now, I bet you can get it cheaper, and possibly have them ship it for you. here is their number and address, though the guy is hard to understand, he knows his stuff. They DO NOT have a website.
4011 Irving Blvd # A
Dallas, TX 75247-5842
(214) 630-8466

Thanks! I was just up your way last weekend... driving to Dallas to pick up a part for half the price I can get it here in Austin, may be worth the effort and gas... I'll give these guys a call and see what's up...

I've had the car reviewed by two different tranny shops, and they all say basically the same thing, it's internal... it has 322k miles on itself - so it's not surprising that something with this much age has finally wore out!

[mr2tim]

Hey Ron,

I see yours is a 86 year car.

Previous knowledge on the Forum here is the 85-86 tranny was revised in the 87-89 years and the usual 5th gear failure was re-enginnered out? Perhaps using the 87 would be a good move all in all for you?.

If your going to keep this car for many years, you might want to keep the old tranny.

When I took my tranny in for a rebuild, I needed a new differential. I took my old tranny over as a donor and the labor bill was only $200.

Although you might look at $50 for the core, perhaps having the parts available for another rebuild will be well worth the $50 investment.

Remember you have no history on this new tranny, if you need parts you'll have them

Just a passing thought bro.

BTW check that old 86 disc carefully, if it has rubber balls in the center think about going to a newer disc with double springs if you can find one used.
If you think the 20 yr old rubber is still viable give it a go, odds are it on it's way to decomposition.

[AustinTXMk1]

Originally Posted by mr2tim

Hey Ron,

I see yours is a 86 year car.

Previous knowledge on the Forum here is the 85-86 tranny was revised in the 87-89 years and the usual 5th gear failure was re-enginnered out? Perhaps using the 87 would be a good move all in all for you?.

If your going to keep this car for many years, you might want to keep the old tranny.

When I took my tranny in for a rebuild, I needed a new differential. I took my old tranny over as a donor and the labor bill was only $200.

Although you might look at $50 for the core, perhaps having the parts available for another rebuild will be well worth the $50 investment.

Remember you have no history on this new tranny, if you need parts you'll have them

Just a passing thought bro.

BTW check that old 86 disc carefully, if it has rubber balls in the center think about going to a newer disc with double springs if you can find one used.
If you think the 20 yr old rubber is still viable give it a go, odds are it on it's way to decomposition.

Thanks Tim.

Actually, my MR2 is an 85. I'm going to forfit the $50 for the spare tranny and plan to fix the issue with 4th gear and anything else I find upon tear down.

As for the clutch - Disc and pressure plate are new (within the last year or so). No worry about a 25 year old rubber part (at least in the clutch itself)!!

I've had this car for about 5 years now and I've put about $1500 into it overall with a starting investment of $1.00 - It was given to me on the premise that I wouldn't turn it into a racer. The motor is still sound, good compression, doesn't smoke, and will pull all the way through about 7000 - really comes alive about 4500. It's my youngest son's car (19+) and once I get the right rear quarter panel straighten (came that way), we may throw some fresh paint on it and run it until he finishes college (my plans - anyway).

I really enjoy these little cars, and would welcome another one, but I'd have to do something with the two mid 70's fiat 124's I have in my garage as well. They're just a fun

[mr2tim]

Fiats huh? Isn't that the newest American car company?

Have right rear fender out yonder on the 86 parts car.?

Lots of cars around huh? U sound like my kinda guy.

BTW when i got my C-52 back from the rebuilder last time he insisted that I use 5w-30 synthetic motor oil-interesting huh?

Originally Posted by AustinTXMk1

Thanks Tim.

Actually, my MR2 is an 85. I'm going to forfit the $50 for the spare tranny and plan to fix the issue with 4th gear and anything else I find upon tear down.

As for the clutch - Disc and pressure plate are new (within the last year or so). No worry about a 25 year old rubber part (at least in the clutch itself)!!

I've had this car for about 5 years now and I've put about $1500 into it overall with a starting investment of $1.00 - It was given to me on the premise that I wouldn't turn it into a racer. The motor is still sound, good compression, doesn't smoke, and will pull all the way through about 7000 - really comes alive about 4500. It's my youngest son's car (19+) and once I get the right rear quarter panel straighten (came that way), we may throw some fresh paint on it and run it until he finishes college (my plans - anyway).

I really enjoy these little cars, and would welcome another one, but I'd have to do something with the two mid 70's fiat 124's I have in my garage as well. They're just a fun

[AustinTXMk1]

Originally Posted by mr2tim

Fiats huh? Isn't that the newest American car company?

Have right rear fender out yonder on the 86 parts car.?

Lots of cars around huh? U sound like my kinda guy.

BTW when i got my C-52 back from the rebuilder last time he insisted that I use 5w-30 synthetic motor oil-interesting huh?

Thanks Tim. I wouldn't want you to cut up a good shell like the one you've showed. I believe I can get ours straighten out with a bit of effort and sweat! It's fairly heavy gauge metal for sure...

Concerning the gearbox.

I ended up collecting the one I mentioned down at local yard for $200 flat. It was high up inside their dry storage area and looks quite clean - no leaks noticed and it has fluid in it.

Still driving the car with bad 4th gear, but had a new experience with it a couple of days ago. While driving in traffic (always happens this way) all of a sudden I could not find any gear! It wasn't until I coasted off on to a side street and got slow enough to almost walk, and all of a sudden I got the gears back! Sounds like a cable problem from what I've read on this board concerning trannies.

Is there a way to adjust these cables? I noticed that on the shift lever there is a union that could be adjusted but reviewing the BGB, I don't see where it mentions anything about adjusting these cables. So are they adjustable? Could my 4th gear problem be "adjusted" out via the cables?

Will probably spend the weekend swapping out gearboxes this weekend, but would like feedback on the above, in case I don't need to go into it that deep!

As for Fiats - I don't think the new ones are going to look anything like the old ones...

[mr2tim]

There is a tiny cable adjusting nut on the 1-4 gear cable directly at the bottom of the vertical shifter shaft.

Page MT-101 of the Service Manual does not denote any activities nor describe any usage of this adjusting nut.

Since your not having any other gear problems this may not bring relief in your case.

If you've checked the shifter "tree" where the cables terminate and the Selecting Bellcrank ("L" shaped arm on tranny) for tightness there's not much left to scrutinize.

The episode you had on the side of the road is indicative of a main layshaft problems which will occasionally manifest itself thruout the 1-4 gear range since they are all in alignment on the shafts.

I suspect your wise to take quick action and not wait for complete interior failure which would prempt any repairs.

Your a good dad. My dad made me do all repairs, although he supervised from a chair with beer intow.

BTW if the clutch disc is in good repair, all that's needed is a new throw-out bearing, always a good idea!
(and use that spline alignment tool right?)

Grampa2