Re: transmission problems

["Harold McElraft" <hmcelraft@xxxx>]

Likely the roll pin in the transmission on the 1st and 2nd gear 
shift fork is broken (103219). This is not that uncommon and is 
usually caused by speed shifting into 2nd (or attempting to) or 
forcing second because the plastic clutch hydraulic line is in need 
of upgrading. The clutch line or a clutch problem can best be 
identified by engaging into reverse because it is the one gear that 
is not synchronized. If the clutch is not releasing properly reverse 
will grind. On hot days the plastic clutch line will usually expand 
too much to allow complete release. A properly released clutch will 
allow an easy reverse engagement.

I would recommend verifying proper clutch action. If that is ok, 
then take out the trans and ship it to a DeLorean repair facility. 
There may be a specialty shop around that can handle the work if you 
give them the manuals; however, places like DMCH, Grady, Don Steger 
and Bauerle know the car inside and out. While you're in there I 
would strongly consider doing the clutch and throw out bearing, etc.

Now, if you are careful at feeling the trans shifter you may be able 
to "pop" the fork back into place. If you can, it may hold for a 
while (depending on how clean the shear was) while you figure out 
what to do. If the pin is sheared, the fork has now moved too far 
forward on the selector shaft not allowing full travel to engage 
second gear. You want to slip the fork back on the shaft into place. 

With the car off and brake set, line up like you are going to shift 
into first gear - no clutch action - move the shifter like you are 
going for first until it stops. Then, with light quick pushes try to 
push into first gear. You may feel the fork slip back into place. If 
it does go into first gear, try again until you feel the shifter 
come back to the normal feel. If you are fortunate enough for the 
fork to go back into place, try driving a while being gentle with 
second. I drove my D in this condition for over a year before I was 
able to get it fixed properly just had to be careful. It popped out 
once or twice again but I just slipped it back. The fork might get 
scored inside but it will not affect it at repair time.

Harold McElraft - 3354

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Michael Paine" <mpaine@xxxx> wrote:
> hello all,
> 
> It seems I have a problem with second gear. all the others are 
fine but 
> sometimes when I shift into 2nd it pops right back out into 
nuetral. I 
> have to pull back on the shifter and hold it in place until I have 
the 
> clutch pedal released before I let go of the shifter. Also 
sometimes 
> when I shift from 1st to 2nd when I let the pedal up I am not in 
gear 
> and I have to put it back to nuetral and pull it back hard to get 
into 
> gear (after pushing the clutch pedal of course). I seem to have a 
> problem getting into reverse as well but only occasionally - same 
pull 
> back issue, I have to pull back hard to get it into gear. Would 
this 
> just be an adjustment in the linkage between the tranny and the 
> shifter? Is this something I can do myself, being only a weekend 
> mechanic?
> 
> regards,
> 
> Michael
> vin# 6067