The Flight of the PHOENIX !

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by DOCTORBILL

Ever since I changed the oil in my Transmission, when I am stopped and put it into
first gear, the gears touch - not a full "grind" but I can feel them not meshing
as they did before I changed the oil.

I used Valvoline Durablend 80w-90.

Is this to be expected?

In order to stop the gear "bump", I have to push it in more slowly and gently.
If the synchromesh is wearing out, what would have been in there before that
kept the gear bumping from happening?

I am almost sorry I changed the oil!

Other than that, everything is OK with the transmish.

DoctorBill

First gear is a straigh cut gear and has no syncros.

You NEVER force it into gear ever, it will go into gear as soon as you have a reached a low enough speed for it to go in.

This is a common problem, people think they should push it in, when, if the conditions and speed are what they should be, it will go into gear with no problem.

[DOCTORBILL]

I guess I didn't explain it well enough...
"...when I am stopped and put it into first gear, the gears touch - not
a full "grind" but I can feel them not meshing as they did before I changed the oil."

This is when I have been stopped at a traffic light - usually for 30 seconds to
what seems like eternity.

My Karma is to have to stop at every G.D. traffic light between where
I was and where I am going to.....

Maybe even an infinitely long Burlington Northern Train going 3 mph crossing
the road between me and my Chemistry Class Lecture...

The transmission didn't used to do this "tick!" or "Clunk" when I pushed the
lever into first gear....before I changed that oil.

Would a smidgen of STP make that oil more slippery than it is now?

It is 'probably' not hurting the Transmission - it is just very annoying.

Many times it won't go into First Gear unless I pull the shift lever back into
Second Gear before I push it into First Gear....

DoctorBill

PS - this isn't a Clutch Adjustment problem is it?

[GM Line Rat]

Originally Posted by DOCTORBILL

this isn't a Clutch Adjustment problem is it?

Have you put a new clutch in the car or adjusted the clutch cable stop nut recently Doc?

[DOCTORBILL]

I have never messed with the Clutch Cable or Lever since I bought The Phoenix
used back two summers ago.

Every time I ever messed with a clutch adjustment, I F**ked it up....I don't
seem to be smart enough to understand clutches!

I have tested the clutch by accelerating when going up a steep hill - the engine
does not wind up (because of slipping), so the clutch is good (I think).

The clutch engages when the pedal is just off the floor maybe a 1/2 inch.

Other than that, I am a "Clutch Moron" - "Clutch Challenged".....

Each automobile I have suspected of clutch problems, took to a mechanic, and
thought I understood - my "understanding" was just the opposite!

So I eschew clutch work! Magic stuff! Not for the likes of me...

DoctorBill

[Crvett69]

its easy to adjust, just find the arm coming out of the transmission on the top that the cable goes to. should be able to move it 1/8"-1/4" freely. if its to tight you will wear out throwout bearing, if its to loose will be harder to shift. if it needs to be adjusted just turn the nut on the end of the cable

[BlazerLT]

Is the clutch hydraulic or a cable mechanism?

A clutch needing adjustment could make this occur. If it is hydraulic this should happen automatically unless the clutch fluid is low.

Don't add anything to the oil, there is nothing wrong with the fluid in there, the old fluid might have been disguising another problem.

[Crvett69]

its a cable

[DOCTORBILL]

Just wanted to say that The Phoenix is still going strong!

It is not burning any oil - the oil stays clean for up to 4,000 miles (I use
WalMart's "Super Tech" SAE 5W-30 in 5 quart bottles for $8).

I also use WalMart's Super Tech oil filters (if they have them) and/or Schucks
"Pentius" UltraFLOW PLB4386 - you may have to order them (inexpensive).
Thanks to Crvett69 for cluing me in to the Pentius Filters!

I had to replace the Heater Motor - was not hard to do...but I had to do it in the
dead of Winter!

Last thing I replaced was the left headlight...finally died...not really - had water in it!
Still worked - but I thought I'd better get it changed.

This '93 Geo Metro 3 cyl is a dream!

DoctorBill