DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Just got my 914 and the gear shifting is worse than bad. Ive read some posts and ordered a short shift kit + some poly bushings from the states.

Does anyone know why I when I shift from 1st to 2nd it is so easy to hit reverse and get a nasty grinding action - its like the lockout is missing or worn? Got to sort it soon while I still have a gearbox!

ALready had some advice to check the middle of the link rods and check wear/grub screws for tightness which should take out some slack.

Any more info would be appreciated.

Don't know if you've got a Haynes manual yet, but this is what it says for gearlinkage adjustment:

Pre-1973 Models:

1 Remove the inspection cover panel, then loosen the clamp between the front shift rod and the connector rod .

2 Move the shift lever to neutral and rest the shift lever against the left stop (think this must be the detent that isn't working on yours ).

3 Remove the dust cap on the transmission end of the the rear shift rod and move the selector to the neutral position. Centre the selector lever by sliding the rear shift rod as necessary.

4 Tighten the front shift rod clamp then select third gear with the shift lever. Check that the selector lever at the transmission is correctly engaged, re-adjusting if necessary.

5 Check the operation of the linkage during a test drive.


1973 Onwards models:

6 Remove the shift rod clamping bolt at the base of the shift lever

7 Move the gearlever to neutral so that its lower part is vertical and touching the right stop (i.e. toward the 4th/5th gear position).

8 Remove the inspection coverpanel, and rotate the shift rod clockwise (viewed in direction of travel) to the stop. Lightly tighten the retaining bolt in the gearshift support aperture (shift rod clamping bolt).

9 Check that the shift lever travel is the same thru gears 2-5, and that 1st/reverse can be selected easily. Reposition the shift lever if necassary, then tighten the bolt.


My typing fingers have worn out ... unfortunately, I'm still new to 914 ownership, and haven't needed to do this, although had to on the 911. To be honest, once you could follow the shift linkage all the way thrrough, you could see where you needed to adjust it, so hopefully this will be the same. I'm sure many of the 914 regulars willl have much better / more helpful info than this: still better than nowt .

I tried what Haynes said and couldn't do what they suggested, However, even adjusting the lateral movement didn't have any effect. To be honest I think you'll find that you'll have more success with the linkage bushes, etc.

Cheers for the advice guys - I got a Haynes manual with the car along with the original handbook and also another red workshop manual but for an earlier model.

I'll probably have a look this weekend but I guess it'll take a few weeks to get the parts from the US.

Hi Kevster

The short shift kits are not very good as it puts the linkage somewhat out of line. I tried one in mine and it lasted about half an hour before changing back, but try it and see. It is worth removing the gear lever and having a look at the slide plate under the mounting plate, it's the one that is held over by two compression springs. It may be that this plate is worn away where it sits against the bottom of the gear lever, it will allmost certainly have quite a burr on it, which dosn't help. It's worth building this face up with some weld and dressing back to the original profile. I have done this on mine and it does make a difference. Getting the two springs out is easy, getting them back is a nightmare, but with care and patience it can be done. Also check that the plastic bush on the end of the gear lever is ok and not split, and of course renewing all the bushes makes a big difference.

Hope that helps and have fun! Just keep your cool with those springs.

Hello there.

I would go along with what has been said..especially the need to replace everything in sight, and weld /braze all worn bits..but I'm a bit afraid you may well find the gearbox needs to be opened more or less in the end..

What type is it?

Kind regards
David

If you push the gear lever forward toward reverse from first with the palm of your hand it is supposed to spring across to the right into the 2nd/3rd gear plane (but not as far as the 4th/5th plane). Does yours do this?

I took the rubber gaiter off tonight and there was a load of masking tape wrapped around the base of the shifter. Havent taken it apart yet though. When I push it from 1st forward does not really spring across much and when driving it often grates as it hits reverse.

Obviously Im careful but every now and then it cant be avoided. Also tricky going from 5th to 4th (quite tight) but seems fine going 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th and 4th to 3rd.

Once its warmed up it its harder to get in 1st when stationery which to me seems like a worn clutch or cable needs adjusting.

The whole thing is a bit sloppy though. Think I'll order the springs and slide plate if I can get them as well.

Mine is a 2.0 74 so its the later linkage setup, hopefully the box is still alright - the car has only done 7,000 miles in the last 11 years.

Welcome to one of the joys of 914 ownership

Replacing the bushings and careful adjustmant is the key!
And learning the gearbox !!
It can be a few weeks before you are proficient even with well adjusted linkeages

I'd suggest it's unlikely you have internal problems unless the box has been seriously abused
( i.e. used harshly in its current linkeages-out-of-adjustment state )

ok so I've got the stick off - a bit of nice welding around the top of the gearshift bracket and a bit of a raggedy hole through the side



should there be anything through this hole - presumably not?




underside looks ok

Anyone got a replacement I can buy or should I go for a new one?

Hello Kev.

That assembly is, or should be, history I reckon...

I've got a perfect spare one here...

PM me if you want and I'll sort it out of my barn..

Kind regards
David

Thanks David - I pm'd you but not sure if youre going to get it as I have two msgs sitting in my outbox still?

Kevin

kevster wrote:I pm'd you but not sure if youre going to get it as I have two msgs sitting in my outbox still?

PM's stay in the out box until the recipient opens them. PM is ver different to email Hope that helps
Tim

Aaaahh - thanks Tim

Hello Kev.

Yes, got it now..

I reckon what happened is the housing wore and broke..so the lever ball will also be worn,..I'm not at all keen to strip it ..been there done that...

I can post it no probs...

Kind regards
David