C3 Transmission Issues

[Steve B.]

Having trouble figuring out what's going on with my car. It's a '72 LT-1 with M21. A couple of weeks ago I backed it out of the garage into the driveway, let it warm up a bit, and then pulled it back inside. After stopping to check where i was in relation to the garage wall, i started to let the clutch out and the motor almost died. Now the car won't move. Luckily the car was far enough inside so i could get the door closed. Now the shifter won't come all the way out of reverse. From reverse it will move down, but wont go over into the 1-2 or 3-4 gates. only moves about 1/4 inch to side to side. Almost feels like it's trying to go into reverse and 1st at the same time and that's why the car won't move. I've checked underneath and everything appears to be in working order (linkages attached, not jammed, etc.). I took the shift console apart to peak at it from the top and everything appears normal (what I can see) from the top too. Any else ever have this issue? Any ideas what it could be? Hoping i don't have to pull the tranny....

Car has 42k (documented) miles on it and i don't believe that the trans has ever been out of it if that info helps at all...

Steve

[george romano]

Re: C3 Transmission Issues

Sounds like it IS stuck in 1st and reverse at the same time. Don't be afraid to use a little muscle on it and force it by hand into the neutral gate.
I bet the linkage is slightly out of adjustment.

My own 72 does this once in a while, but I still haven't figured out a way to get the linkage setting tool into the slot; there simply isn't enough room in the tunnel.

George

[Joel A.]

Re: C3 Transmission Issues

Sounds like it is stuck in two gears(1st & rev). It can happen. The quickest way to "fix" it is to get under there, and move the rev(rearmost) linkage into neutral, and then move the 1-2(middle) linkage into neutral. You can do this in either order. Chances are the shifter itself is what created the problem to begin with.
If you cannot get either linkage to dis-engage(with the rear up in the air), then you most likely have an internal problem.

[Steve B.]

Re: C3 Transmission Issues

Thanks for the info guys. I'll try both of these ideas this weekend (after the regional) Full report on monday!

Steve