The Ford Barn

GregLast · 07-29-2015, 12:57 PM

When I start the car, and am ready to shift into either first or reverse, depending on need, I can't seem to get it shifted without grinding a bit. It's not all the time, and I know that sometimes I've let it get turning too quickly to get it shifted into gear.

Most of the time while driving, I can get it to play nice and not grind.

I think it's operator error more than anything. What am I doing wrong?

40 Deluxe · 07-29-2015, 01:09 PM

First, verify proper clutch pedal free play adjustment to make sure the disc is not dragging when the pedal is down. Verify by leaving in gear when you come to a stop, keep the pedal down after you shift into neutral. Wait 5-10 seconds and try shifting back into gear. If it grinds, the clutch is not fully releasing.
Second, don't shift into gear as soon as you push the pedal down. Wait a few seconds for the gears to coast to a stop.
Third, put it in gear with the clutch down before you start it (on level ground or the hand brake on). This was a common procedure back in the day.

Fullraceflathead · 07-29-2015, 01:11 PM

All of the above plus make sure the Idle is slow not fast.

Mitch//pa · 07-29-2015, 01:17 PM

i say idle also

1crosscut · 07-29-2015, 07:21 PM

What wt. oil do you have in the transmission?

PepeLoco · 07-29-2015, 07:33 PM

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Barring clutch adjustment, I've seen this happen when oil in the trans is too thin.

SeaSlugs · 07-29-2015, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

What wt. oil do you have in the transmission?

yea the 600W oil is rather thick and must be used. This helps slow down the gears. if unsure and everything else checks out drain it and refill with the proper stuff.

GregLast · 07-30-2015, 12:41 AM

I honestly have no clue what he put in there. He was no slouch when it came to this stuff. One of the best really, but I just can't be sure.

I played with it a little. I think it's a mixture of worn parts and my learning curve.

Mike V. Florida · 07-30-2015, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregLast

I honestly have no clue what he put in there. He was no slouch when it came to this stuff. One of the best really, but I just can't be sure.

I played with it a little. I think it's a mixture of worn parts and my learning curve.

When in doubt change it out!

bobpo1 · 07-30-2015, 07:01 PM

Mine was a combination of Idle too fast and not enough clutch play. Works great now however.

RandyinUtah · 07-31-2015, 12:54 AM

Yes first check the idle and then the clutch free play.

JD Miller · 07-31-2015, 05:23 PM

Idle set too high. As mentioned could also be clutch adjustment. And then there are some folks that can't shift a Model A's gears without some grinding. You just have to get the "feel" of your car and its transmission.

07-29-2015, 12:57 PM	#1
GregLast Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 83	Shifting into gear after start. When I start the car, and am ready to shift into either first or reverse, depending on need, I can't seem to get it shifted without grinding a bit. It's not all the time, and I know that sometimes I've let it get turning too quickly to get it shifted into gear. Most of the time while driving, I can get it to play nice and not grind. I think it's operator error more than anything. What am I doing wrong?

07-29-2015, 01:09 PM	#2
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,778	Re: Shifting into gear after start. First, verify proper clutch pedal free play adjustment to make sure the disc is not dragging when the pedal is down. Verify by leaving in gear when you come to a stop, keep the pedal down after you shift into neutral. Wait 5-10 seconds and try shifting back into gear. If it grinds, the clutch is not fully releasing. Second, don't shift into gear as soon as you push the pedal down. Wait a few seconds for the gears to coast to a stop. Third, put it in gear with the clutch down before you start it (on level ground or the hand brake on). This was a common procedure back in the day.

07-29-2015, 01:11 PM	#3
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,174	Re: Shifting into gear after start. All of the above plus make sure the Idle is slow not fast. __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask

07-29-2015, 01:17 PM	#4
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Shifting into gear after start. i say idle also

07-29-2015, 07:21 PM	#5
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,907	Re: Shifting into gear after start. What wt. oil do you have in the transmission? __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

07-29-2015, 07:33 PM	#6
PepeLoco Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Austin Posts: 118	Re: Shifting into gear after start. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Barring clutch adjustment, I've seen this happen when oil in the trans is too thin.

07-30-2015, 12:41 AM	#8
GregLast Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 83	Re: Shifting into gear after start. I honestly have no clue what he put in there. He was no slouch when it came to this stuff. One of the best really, but I just can't be sure. I played with it a little. I think it's a mixture of worn parts and my learning curve.

07-30-2015, 07:01 PM	#10
bobpo1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 301	Re: Shifting into gear after start. Mine was a combination of Idle too fast and not enough clutch play. Works great now however.

07-31-2015, 12:54 AM	#11
RandyinUtah Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 242	Re: Shifting into gear after start. Yes first check the idle and then the clutch free play.

07-31-2015, 05:23 PM	#12
JD Miller Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorktown, VA Posts: 139	Re: Shifting into gear after start. Idle set too high. As mentioned could also be clutch adjustment. And then there are some folks that can't shift a Model A's gears without some grinding. You just have to get the "feel" of your car and its transmission.

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