I can only shift good at high RPM, why?

[domenico_169]

So i got my CFDF clutch installed a few months ago after the stocker starting slipping REAL bad on the dyno, but anyways i broke it in VERY VERY lighly for the first 1000 miles. I adjusted it to what seemed to be proper, but it seems its always been a problem but now it is getting worse. i feel that at high rpm i can shift PERFECT, but at normal city driving it sucks, sometimes i can barely get into gears, and sometimes it grinds, but at high rpms its flawless. also, before the clutch job my tranny NEVER EVER grinded in reverse, now, unless i go into first before reverse it ALWAYS grinds. is there anything that could have gone wrong? or anything that needs to be adjusted or bled maybe? any help is appreciated. thanks.

 

[andymoraitis]

In many cases, hard engagement, independent of transmission issues, can be caused by a pedal engagement point that's too low. Try bringing the release point higher and see if it helps. I've had similar issues with my clutch and raising engagement slightly (maybe 2 turns on the master cylinder rod) always seemed to help.

While this may not be directly related to your issue, I would also remove the rubber bushings from the transmission mount for the shifter cables. These can often create a feel of sloppy shifting. Replace the bushings with a couple of flat washers and you should see a tremendous difference in shifter feel with respect to positive engagement.

Hope that helps,

Andy

 

[Dream On]

Andy is right about everything but must have made a typo about the adjusting the pedal. You need to get under the dash and adjust the master cylinder to control where the clutch engages and disengages. Another option for the shifter bushings are skateboard bearings.

 

[andymoraitis]

Thanks for catching that Adam. I've corrected the post so as not to confuse future searchers.

Suppose I should have had more coffee eh?

 

[GVR4592]

What fluid are you using in the transmission?

 

[domenico_169]

i am using royal purple, also i allready have metal bushings. if i pump the clutch twice it seems to be ok.

 

[GVR4592]

Try bleeding the hydraulic system. I used Royal Purple for a few months then switched to Syncromesh, it was a pretty significant difference in shifting with the Syncromesh fluid. Where in the stroke of the clutch pedal, does the clutch disengage?

 

[mccurdy]

dude i have the EXACT same problem. I had my tranny replaced with a rebuilt one, and mine grinds alot in reverse too, sometimes if i don't hold the shifter knob (which isnt a huge problem) it'll pop out of reverse.

Is this due to a bad tranny job? I TOO have a CFDF Clutch with a lightweight aluminum flywheel. My clutch is the 2300 lb model i believe. (sorry dont mean to hijack)
perhaps our problems are linked.

 

[Dream On]

Adjust the clutch pedal. It may not be disengaging completely.

 

[GRNDSM]

If the pumping helps, you must have air in the system!