Toploader won't stay in reverse

[Igofastr]

While looking into another problem (see the FE thread), I've decided to tackle adjusting my shift linkage. I have 2K mi on a new toploader with a hearst linkage. Recently, the tranny doesn't want to stay in reverse, I suspect that I just need to adjust the linkage, but as I'll be doing this alone, I don't have anyone to move the shift mechinism around while I'm under the car making the adjustment. In fact, without anyone moving the shifter around, I don't know which stop to adjust to get it completely into gear (I'll check the tightness of everything else while under there), but again, which stop do I need to adjust?

If anyone could describe this, please do so from the point of view of being under the car....'cause thats where I'll be .

[Anthony]

The reverse shifter rod is the one closest to the midline of the car. Follow that rod back, and that's the reverse arm on the tranny.

What I would do is to put the car in reverse, then disconnect the rod from the tranny, and see if the arm on the tranny will move any more backwards (with pliers or vise-grip), to further engage reverse. If it does, then you're not getting enough of a throw, and you either have to adjust the rod (make it longer), or get a shorter arm on the tranny, to get more of a throw.

I guess you have the throw rods and shifter arms correctly positioned on the shifter/tranny? From what I remember, the shifter arms come in two sizes, two that are the same, and a different length one ( I think shorter) that goes to the reverse shift fork mechanism.

[Igofastr]

Anthony,

Thanks for the info. I can only assume that it was assembled correctly, as I purchased it new and assembled from a very well known builder. Everything was fine for the first 1900 miles, then it started popping out. Now it won't stay in unless I REALLY hold it in with a lot of force.

[cdnus]

Usually once they are set up & working properly they work for life.
You might want to check for clearance around the shift lever in the tunnel or too stiff a shifter boot forcing it out of reverse.
Try unscrewing the ring on the boot & try reverse with it removed.

Craig

[trularin]

I had the boot problem on my first shifter. I also noticed that when I reversed the shift pattern ( new shifter ) so REVERSE was down to the left, I didn't have that problem any more.

I have a five speed TKO600 now.

[Igofastr]

Well, I'm nearly certain that it's not the boot.

[SkipB]

Igofastr,

Contact the Hearst shifter people. If that doesn't work, contact Hurst. Just kidding!

SkipB

[cdnus]

Soooo--waja find out????

[Rick Parker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hurst...05713135QQrdZ1

Maybe you need something like this?

[cdnus]

Why would you bother when you can go to any performance shop & buy the off the rack????
Probably for the same or less money.

[Igofastr]

Originally Posted by cdnus

Soooo--waja find out????

Drained the fluid, large chunks of metal poured out. Wonderful. I'm glad I don't own a firearm. Not sure what I'd do with it, but I'm glad I don't have one.

[Excaliber]

Ouch! Well that mystery is solved.

[Igofastr]

On further inspection, reverse gear is destroyed. And I didn't even do any burnouts going backwords!!

It's been a lovely week.

[blykins]

New trans?

[Igofastr]

Originally Posted by blykins

New trans?

Brand spankin' new...everythng including the aluminum case.

It's being torn out of the car and shipped to the builder. I'm probably a couple of months out on any warrentee, if there was one. I've had it for probably 15 months, though the car has only been running for about 6. I didn't press the builder, but I hope that he takes into consideration that it only had 2K miles on it, has never seen the track (yet), and I haven't done any reverse burnouts...not that that should damage the tranny. It's not like I'm driving around town with drag slicks on.

One thing that everybody should keep in mind when purchasing motors and trannys is shipping. Even if the work is paid for, the cost and time involved can be significant.

I just hope I'm able to get everything together before the BASH, it will be cutting things close as is, and I don't want to overnight a transmission.

[blykins]

If the trans builder is who I think it is....he'll make it right I'm sure.

I don't understand what could make a reverse gear shatter, unless it was stress fractured to begin with. The only thing that mates with it is the spur gear portion of the 1st gear....and even then everything is stationary when it is engaged.

How does the 1st gear look?

[Igofastr]

I haven't seen it myself. I was at work when the lid was pulled of by the shop. They called and told me what they saw. Since I'm in sort of a hurry to get the car back on the road before the WSCB, I asked him to just ship the thing out ASAP.

It's hard to figure out why reverse, of all gears, decided to let go. I didn't buzz it when trying to get another gear. In fact, I always go to second on my way to first, and then it's just a straight shot foreward. Not much chance of hitting the wrong gear on the way.

As for the builder, he made it clear that he'd jump right on it when it got there, and would turn it around ASAP. But we never talked money, so I don't know what he has in mind. Shipping alone will be a least a couple of bills though.

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

[Igofastr]

Latest update:

Just spoke with the builder of my tranny...said he wasn't totally sure why, but the reverse gear teeth were chewed up, and it looked like the "slider" or "shift rod"..I don't remember which, was hanging up, and may have been preventing me from fully engaging reverse....hence, the damage.

In anycase, he replaced the gear, bearings, and just about every other wear item in the tranny at no cost. And did it in about a day. I must say, I am very happy with the result.

I'm sure most of you know who the builder is, but since I'm not sure that he's an advertiser on this site, I won't mention his name. But his initials are DK.

See ya at the BASH!!

[Igofastr]

Aww heck,

It was David Kee.

He stood behind his warrantee, even well after it had expired. He replaced everything replaceable, and when I asked him “How much do I owe you?” His reply “I wouldn’t feel good about charging you anything.”

Kudos!!

[rdorman]

David just rebuilt my toploader. It has never worked so good Those Aluminum case models are really, really nice. We put one in last years raffle car. Seems to me the whole transmission weighed less then 70 pounds!