tko 500 problems

rocket7171 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 04:02 AM

Help,
I have the TKO 500 and when the trans is hot it doesn't want to go in reverse without grinding. I can shift it smooth all day when it's cool but never fails when I show up to car show and need to reverse into spot (with everyone looking) I have to grind it in reverse to park the car.
Is there a fix or a adjustment?
Thanks,
tom

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 05:04 AM

Bellhousing aligned?

What happens if you go to 5th gear right before you try reverse? Does that help?

cbreez · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 06:56 AM

it's likely a hydraulic clutch/slave problem, not the trans....weak hydraulics will do exactly what you describe....

Jimi G · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 08:56 AM

How does it go into rev. with the engine turned off, if easily then you have a clutch or hyd. related problem. jimig@standardtransmission.com

rocket7171 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 09:16 AM

I will try these out tonight and let you know.

thanks
tom

rocket7171 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 09:37 AM

Ok,
If the clutch slave cylinder is weak or leaking after I repair or replace cylinder how do you bleed system and what fluid do I need. I don't know anything about this stuff so any help would be great. I've never even looked at this part of my car.
tom

cbreez · #7 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 09:53 AM

after changing parts, most likely the slave, for this application use a dot 5 silicone fluid....completely drain all of the old fluid out and refill with new...with a b/draft it's easy to fill the master cylinder by putting your fluid in a shot glass or a very small jar and filling from the opposite side of the car (use a car cover), as there is not much room in that location....properly support the car with jackstands...either use a vacuum pump (if by yourself), and suck from the bleeder until nothing but fluid comes out, or have a lightweight friend get in the car and bleed the system by pumping several times, then holding down the pedal, then opening the bleeder until no air comes out...just purple fluid. Repeat as necessary!

rocket7171 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 10:33 AM

Any idea how much dot 5 fluid I need for the complete system?
thanks for your help.
tom

cbreez · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 11:02 AM

one 8 oz container, about $8, you will have some left for your shelf! and you can keep dot 5 fluid for a long time...

rocket7171 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 03:36 PM

I tried out different ways to get it in reverse and this is what I came up with.
I put it in 5th before reverse and once it worked and the rest of the times it wouldn't go in reverse. I moved the car forward three different times then tried again and still nothing. each time after it failed to go to reverse I also tried neutral then reverse and it wanted to grind but would of gone in.
Next I tried with engine off. No problems getting into reverse but wasn't 100%smooth.
Jay from Vintage is sending me a slave cylinder. I'm planning to change it soon. Is there anything I should look at before or during the change? Car has about 3000 miles on it and not beat up. It only happens when the car is hot!!!!!
thanks for your help
tom

Cashburn · #11 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 04:25 PM

Clutch is DOT 3/4 not 5...

CoupedUp · #12 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 04:38 PM

I had the same problem with mine initially and it was a "clutch disengagement issue." Basically, the clutch was not fully disengaging. Evidently, this problem presents itself most prominently when shifting to reverse. If the problem is bad enough, it will also make 2nd to 1st downshifts rough to impossible. Good luck!

Doug

tcrist · #13 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 04:42 PM

Have you tried double clutching it before trying to put it in reverse? After you stop to back up before you put it in reverse pump the clutch a couple of times then try to put it in reverse. Might get you through it until you install the new slave cylinder.

Terry

Chaplin · #14 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 04:47 PM

Avoid parking next to people at car shows at all costs!

rocket7171 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 03:57 AM

Jay,
Bought dot 3 yesterday like you told me.
Won't have time to install slave for at least a week.
Anything else I should look at while under there?
thanks
tom

cbreez · #16 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 07:16 AM

dot 5 is correct(best) choice....3 or 4 can be used...not preferred...jay is wrong

cbreez · #17 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 07:55 AM

actually i was a bit harsh to jaybird....guys use 3/4 fluid all the time....but a clutch master/slave repair is a relatively easy clean and flush procedure when compared to brakes. i know many top local guys that have really cut down on slave cylinder problems with dot 5....those not comfortable with it, don't try it.

Cashburn · #18 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbreez

dot 5 is correct(best) choice....3 or 4 can be used...not preferred...jay is wrong

Crack your Owner's Manual sometime.

cbreez · #19 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 10:41 AM

your recommendation of dot 3 fluid certainly will not help solve any inherent clutch hydraulic problems with these vehicles...dot 5 HAS been a solution for myself and others...sorry i made you boil like a dot 3 fluid.
sometimes you need new thinking on a subject....it works!
any lack of sucess with dot 5 fluid is normally subject to the competence and thoroughness of the installer, but it is a positive solution.
btw, if everything was correct in that "booklet", we wouldn't have these threads.

Cashburn · #20 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 12:28 PM

not worth the cost of admission...