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06-01-2021, 08:00 AM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: NJ
Posts: 61
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Downshifting problem
Other than operator error (which is a real possibility) what are the mechanical issues that would cause gear grinding while downshifting? Just got my 31 CCPU running. Whenever I come to a hill or turn that requires me to downshift I have to come to a complete stop and start off in first gear to prevent grinding of the gears. I’ve tried double clutching and accelerating while in neutral before trying to downshift to a lower gear but it just does not seem to work.
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06-01-2021, 08:09 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
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Re: Downshifting problem
There are no synchronizers. Get someone to teach you how to double clutch. Search YouTube. Good luck.
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06-01-2021, 08:33 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: La Mesa Ca
Posts: 1,166
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Re: Downshifting problem
It does take a bit of practice. You have to rev the engine a LOT more than you think you should to downshift.
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06-01-2021, 10:01 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,431
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Re: Downshifting problem
It's all about matching rpm between drive input (engine rpm) and output (rear axle & mainshaft rpm) on non-synchronized gears. It's best done by ear but it takes a lot of practice to get it to minimize and especially for low gear. When hills are involved, the coasting speeds of the output can vary so this makes it even more complicated. Downshifting to low gear on flat ground can even be difficult at times .
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06-01-2021, 10:11 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 491
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Re: Downshifting problem
Once upon a time, way back in the day, I could kick my A's shifter from 1st to second and 2nd to 3rd. I was 14 or 15. My dad vowed at the supper table that back in his day ... therefore I just had to try it.
My A is new to me. I'm now 70+. I won't be kicking, jerking, or yanking anything on this car. I've recovered most of my shifting skill but certainly not all, and definitely have trouble downshifting to 2nd attempting to climb a hill. It will come back, (hope, hope, hope). All this said, idle speed has significant effect on shifting speeds i.e. rpm and wheel speeds. If your speedometer doesn't work or is sticking it would not be usable to shift at the recommended ranges. I sometimes count in my head 1, 2, pause, 1, 2 as I double clutch.
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"It ain't what you know for certain that gets ya in trouble. It's what ya know for certain that just ain't so!" |
06-01-2021, 11:37 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
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Re: Downshifting problem
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06-01-2021, 12:28 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 3,897
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Re: Downshifting problem
Mitchell sells a synchronized transmission. Second and third are synchronized but not first. There is one intersection where I have to double clutch into first and I have to remember to rev more that I think I should. Their transmission has the same case as a stock Model A and looks the same on the outside. While you are at it, get their overdrive too, which is also synchronized.
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
06-01-2021, 12:43 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Dahlonega, Ga
Posts: 251
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Re: Downshifting problem
I have the Mitchell synchronized transmission, absolutely love it.
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06-01-2021, 01:32 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: new britain,ct 06052
Posts: 9,390
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Re: Downshifting problem
What weight lube in the tranny?? Learning to double clutch is an "art".
Paul in CT I never had too much luck downshifting. Paul in CT |
06-01-2021, 01:41 PM | #10 |
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Orange County Calif
Posts: 11
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Re: Downshifting problem
Gear Lub - 85W-140
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06-01-2021, 01:43 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posts: 612
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Re: Downshifting problem
Good Afternoon...The Model A Transmission is suppose to have 600 wt oil in it. It is available from all of the Model A Vendors...It might help you to drain, flush and re-fill your transmission with fresh oil...many people put one can of STP in their transmissions...Ernie in Arizona
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06-01-2021, 01:47 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posts: 612
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Re: Downshifting problem
Good afternoon again...One more thought (I have a few now and again) you might practice running your A up to say 25 miles an hour in second gear and trying to memorize the vibration and sound of the engine...when double clutching from 3rd to 2nd, you need to duplicate the sound and vibration in order to down shift successfully...Ernie in Arizona
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06-01-2021, 02:01 PM | #13 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,849
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Re: Downshifting problem
Quote:
I run SAE 250 in my trans but may try to 85w140 because that is what the Mitchell calls for. It would be nice to have just one oil. |
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06-01-2021, 02:22 PM | #14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,849
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Re: Downshifting problem
From a past discussion;
Quote:
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06-01-2021, 02:41 PM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 3,897
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Re: Downshifting problem
85W-140 GL-5. The GL-5 is not recommended for transmissions and rear ends that have brass components. Use GL-1 for your Model T.
"The sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure additive technology used in Gear Oil GL-5 provides good thermal and oxidation stability. In addition, this lubricant is fortified with rust and corrosion inhibitors, a foam inhibitor, and a pour point depressant." The 85W-140 will hold up under pressure better than 600W and has better lubricity.
__________________
A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
06-01-2021, 02:49 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
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Re: Downshifting problem
Here is a video.
https://youtu.be/rAZ7NZLpewI |
06-01-2021, 03:02 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL
Posts: 1,106
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Re: Downshifting problem
I never downshift. Why risk chipping a gear unless you just love to get under your car and spending a half day removing the engine to rebuild the transmission! Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and at the first sign of an upcoming stop, take your foot off the gas. After driving my Model T you have to know how impressed the new owners of the Model A were when the car was first introduced. I always feel that modern car owners are missing a wonderful driving experience shifting the Model A, especially listening to the sound of new gears. Ed
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06-01-2021, 07:14 PM | #18 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wa.
Posts: 5,408
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Re: Downshifting problem
Quote:
A quick easy way to check is, sitting still with the handbrake set and the engine idling, transmission in neutral, clutch out, push the clutch in and after 2 seconds try to pull the shifft lever into 1st gear. There should be no grinding. After that assuming you can't get the the 2 associated gears to match speed for a downshift, try buying a 10 minute instruction session at a road racing school. It is not very expensive if they are not busy. They will have you downshifting like a pro when you leave. A very important thing †o remember, the model A transmission is not very strong so downshifting should only be done at speeds WELL BELOW where you would upshift that gear change. |
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06-01-2021, 08:22 PM | #19 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Lincoln CA
Posts: 12
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Re: Downshifting problem
Just find a truck driver older than you to teach you. you can be very slow down shifting from 3rd to 2nd moving and clutch engaged and moving, slowly move into 2nd gear feeling gears just touching and rev motor and slip it into 2nd gently taught a lot of kids john
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06-02-2021, 07:04 AM | #20 |
Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: northeast pa.
Posts: 30
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Re: Downshifting problem
If you can't downshift your model a you should try my mack triplex 13 speed no synchronizers. You have to use the throttle and practice gentile use of the shifter no jamming.
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