C3 4 speed shifter problem

[Ted K.]

I recently purchased 68 Vette with 4 speed transmission. Every 2nd or 3rd time I take the car out of reverse the shifter hangs up and won't shift into any forward gear. I have to get under the car and align the shift levers.
Is the linkage worn out? Can the levers be adjusted to correct the problem or at least cause it to be less frequent? How?
Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 4 speed shifter problem

I have removed my original owner 68 4-speed shifter about 3 times to clean it and grease it just as a maint function. It always shifts easier after the cleaning and application of new grease. Its about time to do it again. This maint may not help your problem, but it will give you the opportunity to examine the parts and see that they are okay.

[William C.]

Re: C3 4 speed shifter problem

Look for a few things, first, proper alignment of the shifter arms with the trans in neutral. Ther is a procedure in the manual to do this using a block, but if you have the boot off you can eyeball it from the top pretty well. Secondly, look for excessive "slop" of the linkage due to loose rods, missing anti-rattle clips or (more difficult) looseness of the arms withing the housing itself. This can be acused by a broken weld joint at the front of the housing, or just internal wear of the housing itself. Carefull application of either a welder or a press can be used to remecy this condition as appropriate, the shifter then can be reassembled after a cleaning, regreased, and it generally will function as new.

[Robert C.]

Re: C3 4 speed shifter problem

The slop is the problem. New washers, spring clips etc. and grease is needed. Mine would stick in 2nd gear.