Re: alfa-digest V7 #1257 - Reverse Gear

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

    You might have a problem where the shift lever is hitting on the console. 
 However, popping out of reverse is rather common with Alfa transmissions.  
If you cannot hold it in reverse with pressure on the shift lever then, you 
will have to crack the transmission.  You might be able to remove the rear 
section of the transmission with the unit still in the car.
    The bearing at the rear of the lay shaft (the idler shaft parallel to the 
main shaft) may be bad.  This cannot be checked without opening the 
transmission.  A marginal rear bearing may allow the rear of the lay shaft to 
move in relation to the reverse gear.
    More likely is a reverse gear that is not engaging fully.  The reverse 
gear sits outside the main body of the transmission.  It engages between the 
lay shaft and the main shaft to reverse the direction of rotation.  The gear 
may be worn or the teeth may be chewed up.  You may need a new reverse gear.  
On reassembly, the shift lever for reverse and fifth gears should be 
positioned so that it pushes reverse as far into engagement as possible.
    If you have the transmission open, you just as well have second gear 
synchronizer replaced.  Plus third gear might like a new syncro as well.  
This is all pretty easy, but you have to have a hydraulic press.
    Of course, while you have the transmission out, replace the throw out 
bearing and maybe the pilot bushing.  Inspect the flywheel and the pressure 
plate.  Have the clutch disk relined.  I have had good luck running used 
pressure plates and relined disks.  Just as well put a rebuild kit in the 
clutch slave too.
    Drive shaft u joints and carrier bearings OK?  I do get carried away, 
don't I.  But if the drive shaft is out anyway...
    Oh, and do not forget the two rubber boots that seal the top of the 
transmission around the shifter.
Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City


In a message dated 01/02/2000 10:25:04 PM Central Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< 
 Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2000 22:16:22 -0600
 From: Cathee Kornegay <ckorneg@domain.elided>
 Subject: Spider Tranny question
 
 I'm looking at an 81 spider and the transmission has to be held in
 reverse. I have never seen this problem before. Can it be adjusted or
 will it have to be opened?
 Bryan Kornegay
 2 164's
 Verde
 77 spider >>

------------------------------