Linkage or Transmission?

[Patrick H.]

As long as we're on the subject tonight...

My 71 with M20 (in short shift settings now) had the shifter rebuilt by me using the Zip Products kit about 10,000 miles/3 years ago. This summer, on 3 or 4 occasions when I had put it in reverse to park it and turn it off, it seemed to "jam" in both reverse and 2nd at the same time when I came back to the car to take off. The car actually wouldn't move, almost as if the trans was fighting itself. The engine bogged down, and would have quit had I not put the clutch back in. It then takes a LOT of "manhandling" the shifter between the R position and 2nd to get it to go back into another gear/neutral. I "know" it was 2nd gear based on the shifter position, and the "bogging" as it attempted to move. Of course, it always happened in my good clothes, so I never got underneath to see the linkage at the time.

Any thoughts? I can't intentionally reproduce it, but I'd like to prevent it.

[G B.]

Probably linkage.

It is possible to put a Muncie in reverse and a forward gear at the same time. The interlock mechanism on the side cover will prevent you from being in two forward gears at once, but reverse is independent of this interlock.

It sounds like you were not completely disengaged from a forward gear before you shifted into reverse. Slop in the linkage could allow this to happen. I doubt that the side cover interlock is at fault.

[William C.]

Re: Linkage or Transmission?

As a first step, check the alignment of the neutral gate. the service manusl shows hot to use as special tool to lock the shifter in neutral, allowing you to adjust the rod fittings until each rod fits perfectly into the shift arms, Since most of us don't have the tool, one can be made by cutting a piece of metal to the width (1.8 by 41/64per the manual) of the slot at the bottom of the shifter. Use the tool to lock the trans until you have made the adjustment, and you'll probably be ok. If that won't do it, then some rebuild of the shifter to eliminate slop is in order.

[Lee Evans]

Re: Linkage or Transmission?

You might want to try the collar that rotates on the steering coloum at your ignition switch. The collar doesn't turn far enough to release the trans. The linkage might need to be adjusted since you rebuilt your shifter. I once had a 76 Camaro that did the same thing. I turned mine by hand to get it out from between gears. Hope this helps.