Bill,
Is this in the one you just got?
I have encountered the same condition on another '71 Midget. Not the
Flame one, but a BRG one the year before. I found sifting into 3rd
first would make make getting second with much better odds. I believe
the problem is the 1st/2nd gear assembly/synchronizer. There are a
set of detent balls in the inner portion of 1st gear. If this inner
portion becomes worn, I believe it can cause the trouble you
describe. It won't allow the outer ring to move in the opposite
direction to engage the baulk ring into second gear. Only inspection
will tell you for sure and that means tearing down the gearbox. I'd
be willing to bet you'll need a first gear assembly. While you are in
there, replace all the bearing and baulk rings and the rear seal at
the driveshaft... or do a 5 speed swap. Other option is to "borrow
the one from the other Midget.
Gerard
At 7:25 PM +0000 8/19/03, William West wrote:
>Specs:
>71 Midget
>
>Symptom:
>Hardshifting into second gear
>
>Details:
>Okay - Now I've had a lot of problems with cars in the past, but I
>don't know trannies...so here's one for you pros out there. My 71
>midget runs and drives great.. but...
>sometimes it shifts into second easily.. and sometimes I have to
>spend time searching for second - I mean to the point where I'm
>pulling pushing, gnashing at first in my over-comp, etc. And then..
>suddenly, it pops right in.
>
>There is never any grinding, never any pop-outs. It's just a pain to
>find second. I'd say it's about 50% of the time.
>
>I'm pretty sure it's time for a clutch (hasn't been done in almost
>ten years), but is this typical for a bad clutch (I've always
>encountered more general problems). Or is this something with the
>gearbox?
>
>Thanks in advance!
>
>Bill
--
One meets his destiny often in the road he takes to avoid it.
~French Proverb
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