1950 tranny issues

[Scottcleaver]

With little knowledge of a 1950 3 speed trans, I have the need for some help. Will not go into reverse, just grinds. Works fine in any other gear. Pulled trans and looked inside from the side cover, all seems fine. I need some direction or a lead on someone who can look at it, diagnose and advise. In SW Michigan.
Thanks Scott

 

[Bill Hanlon]

Welcome to our forum Scott.

Sounds like the clutch is not completely disengaging, but that should show similar grinding trying to get into 1st gear. Can you put the transmission into reverse with the engine stopped? If so, then start the engine with the clutch in and tranny still in reverse. Does reverse operate as expected?

 

[vwnate1]

WELCOME SCOTT ~

If it grinds going into reverse with the truck sitting still that tends to point to the clutch not fully disengaging .

To test is simple : engine warmed up and idling, set the park brake and shift into first gear, then shift directly from first into reverse without releasing the clutch : does it still grind ? .

Quite often he pilot bushing in the center of the flywheel is dry of lubrication or worn out, an easy fix but TEST IT PROPERLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE TAKING THINGS APART

 

[Scottcleaver]

Clutch works great. Will operate smoothly for all forward gears as designed so it’s probably not clutch. Trans shifts fine it seems while not running even for reverse but when running, reverse is a grinding noisy mess even though the gear looks fine and the shifting forks and linkage operate normally. Really is a mysterious POS.

 

[vwnate1]

O.K., now go back and do exactly what I asked you to do, the difference is minute but very important .

 

[coilover]

If all works fine when not running IT IS THE CLUTCH!!!!! The ONLY difference in the equation between running and not running is the clutch. If you have access to a lift have someone hold the clutch pedal down, remove dust cover, and use a wooden stake stop the clutch disc with engine running---it should stop easily if all is right. If it doesn't then you will never get into reverse without grinding. It WILL shift into reverse with the clutch disc held still. BE CAREFUL YOU ARE WORKING WITH MOVING PARTS that can pose a danger.

 

[coilover]

Even quicker way to check clutch release is to jack up one rear wheel, put in gear, have someone hold clutch pedal down, turn rear wheel. Wheel should turn as easily as it does when transmission is in neutral.