M20 will not go into 1st gear

[Dennis Voiro]

This has happened to me twice on my 70 Coupe. I pulled into a gas station, put the car in reverse and turn off engine. Gas up, put clutch in and car rolled about a foot forward. Start car put in 1st gear raise clutch pedal and nothing happens, tried it twice. Put car in reverse move back slightly, put in 1st gear and all is fine. No strange noises or other problems. Car is a frameoff with about 2k on engine/trans. 350/350 horse, M20.

Any thoughts?

[Michael W.]

Re: M20 will not go into 1st gear

Sounds like your shifter mechanism is worn or out of adjustment. Quick look underneath will confirm.

[Robert C.]

Re: M20 will not go into 1st gear

Dennis, My 71' used to do the same thing all the time. I couldn't get mine out of 2nd gear after driving. I had to get under the car and move the linkage rods. They would jam together when the engine was hot. Anyway, all you need is new washers,spring-clips etc. to tighten up the linkage.

[GL Anderson]

Re: M20 will not go into 1st gear

You might also check that the shifter arm bolts on the transmission haven't backed out slightly and the arm doesn't engage when you put it into gear. Just a thought GL

[Harmon C.]

Re: M20 will not go into 1st gear

Dennis

What is happening is you transmission is in reverse and first both and will not move if you release the clutch all the way you will stall the engine. When you go back to reverse the second time it is coming out. As others have said out of adjustment,loose bolts,or linkage loose.

Lyle

[Dennis Voiro]

Re: M20 will not go into 1st gear

Just want to thank everyone for their thoughts. I will check it out.