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Wedge I just lost 1st gear in the TR8

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And no guys - I wasn't doing burnouts or anything like that for my father in law....LOL.

I was just pulling away from a stop sign - nothing dramatic - and BANG. She popped out of gear. Put her back in a drive some more and then about 30 minutes later she did it again. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/pukeface.gif

Now it happens almost constantly and I'm not using 1st at all (pulling away from a stop in 2nd).

Any ideas short of it being time for a rebuild?
 
Very likely the shift fork moved. That would still require to box coming out though.
 
Hi,

I'm not familiar with the TR8 gearbox, but let me ask one question....

By any chance, have you just put any sort of synthetic lubricant in the gearbox?

I cannot say for certain if it would be true of the TR8 gearbox or not, but in some older gearboxes synthetic oils cause them to pop out of gear. Switching back to non-synth. oils solves the problem.
 
The Triumph/Rover 5-speed originally called for gear oil, much like the non-OD four speed but was subject to a factory recall to switch to ATF. These gearboxes are wonderful with ATF but seem to respond even better to a GM Synchromesh formula. Make sure your gearbox is full of the correct fluid (at least ATF). A better idea would be to change the oil as these gearboxes last longer with frequent fluid changes. Damage may already be done though.

At least the off idle V8 torque is there to be able to creep away in second gear.
 
Hi guys - thanks for the help & ideas.

I changed her transmission oil about 100 mile ago (right after I got her) and the ATF that came out looked OK. I put Pennzoil ATF synthetic.

I couldn't find GM Synchromesh.

Should I drain her again and try gear oil or a non-synthetic ATF?
 
GM Synchromesh is available at most GM dealerships. It's worth a try.
 
Pennzoil Synchromesh is the same stuff - widely available.

But what about the shifter bushings? Are they toast? (Or rather, mush?) I'm not sure if they may be the source of your problem, but they're notorious for disintegrating.

Mickey
 
Thanks guys.

I think the shifter bushings are mush Mickey - it can be hard to get a positive engagement at times.

I'll go get the correct ATF fluid and give that a go.

Any preferred source for replacement bushings and do you think is that a DYI job?
 
The GM fluid is actually made by Pennzoil and I have been able to find the Pennzoil stuff at my local NAPA for 1/2 the price or better than the GM stuff at the local GM dealer.

If the shifter bushings are toast then it feels like your searching and guessing half the time where the right gear location is. I replaced mine with the stock rubber ones and the difference, how it is supposed to be, was remarkable. Poly bushings for the shifter housing are available on ebay occasionally but they supposedly transmit a lot of vibration and sometimes an audible buzz through the shifter.
 
The last time I bought shifter bushings, the whole set ran about $35.00. Woody at the Wedge Shop will have them in stock. https://www.thewedgeshop.com or call him at 508-880-5448 The bushings are a little tricky to put in. They are two piece units which get pushed in from either side, along with a metal sleeve. A bolt then passes thru the sleeve and bushing and screws into the tranny. There are four sets all together. The difficult part is getting to them. Access from under the car is your best bet. If you get Woody on the phone, he can give you a few minutes of advise to help you with the install. You know they are toast when the shifter moves up and down. In extreme cases, the tail end of the shifter quadrant will drop down and rub on the driveshaft. I agree with the GM syncromesh fluid. Redline also makes some good stuff, but I'd still go with the GM. Go into any GM parts supplier. I saw somewhere that it was made by another company and it is identicle to the stuff that company sells in the stores. Like most other things, the name of that company and that stuff has left my mind. If it comes down to it, a rebuilt tranny will run you about a grand. A used one about $300. The TR7 and TR8 trannys are identicle. The bell housing, clutch pivot pin, throw out bearing sleeve, clutch, and shifter quadrant are different. If you opt for a used one, bear in mind that the early five speeds(77-78) are weaker(smaller bearings), and the 81's have a taller fifth gear. The 81's are a coveted piece.
 
Well it is official. Two transmission oil changes with the Pennzoil Synchromesh (thanks guys!) later, my transmission still won't hold first gear.

So is my next step to ring Woodie (Wedgeshop) or Ted (TSI) and get a rebuilt unit?
 
Had the same problem in my VW van. Syncros it was there.
 
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