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Grinding when shifting into first

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mikeamondo

Jedi Hopeful
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1960 Bugeye, 1275, 4 speed.... "Otto". I had a rear axle sheer off as a result of a diff. failure. It's all back together and runs fine..... however, something new started happening. Sitting still and shifting in first gear at a light, there is a grinding, as I shift. After that it all shifts fine. Shifting into reverse is fine... no grind. I've read a few posts that this is fairly normal and proper procedure is to shift first into second to stop the gears and then quickly shift into first. I have not tried this yet...

Does it make sense that I've never had to do this before and just now find it necessary? Is there likely another problem lurking, or can I just not worry about this if the 2nd to 1st shift works?
Thanks!
Mike
 
Just do it. Shift into second and then you will find when sitting still it will just slide easily into First Gear. What oil are you using in the tranny. Recommended is 30W Non Detergent oil and others use 20W/50W same as the engine.
 
Well... here's a fun thing. I've never even looked at the oil in the tranny, let alone changed it. Could be low for all I know.... better check on that. If I don't know what's in it, or how long it's been there, I'm guessing I should do an oil change? Good to know the grind is normal.... after checking the oil level, I'll try the second-into-first method and see if that works.

Thanks!
 
Not normal at all. At Idle and not moving you should go into first easily. Never have done the second gear thing.
Yes, check trans oil but it is difficult to do. Best just drain and replace. Straight 30 weight or Redline trans oil (much more expensive )
 
You know, I had the same feeling about it being 'normal'. Although, even 'Bugeye Guy' has a video explaining how to shift into second prior to first. But... my car hadn't required that at all before the diff and axle failure.

I'll check / change the oil, but we're traveling this week... likely will be a couple weeks before I can get the job done.... If I get a chance to take him out this week, I'll test the second into first method.

Thanks!
Mike
 
For the 2 1/2 quarts that the tranny takes, you might as well just change the oil. Refilling is a bit of a pain. A funnel with a flexible hose makes life a bit easier. I put a little bit of Seafoam into the tranny when I changed out the oil. It may be completely psychosomatic, but it sure feels like the transmission is shifting smoother.
 
saw this on another forum

AMSOIL-SEVERE-GEAR-Easy-Packs-1-405x450.jpg
 
2 1/2 Pints. Just a little over a quart. Been adding a straight US Quart to trans since forever with no issues.
 
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