Synchros or clutch adjustment?

[dugjr24]

Im having an issue with 2nd gear and 2nd gear only. When I go to shift into second(driving hard) it takes a brief moment for it to drop in. It doesnt grind at all just doesnt like to go in right away. I use penzoil synchromesh and the tranny is about 18 months old after being rebuilt. My master cylinder is adjusted all the way out and my pedal pressure varies quite often. but regarless the pressure 2nd gear always goes in the same. Tranny problem or clutch adjustment? Anyone think a stainless steel clutch line will solve this problem?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Mitsubishi has long been plagued with shifter block such as you describe. I thought it was only indigenous to 1g's Probably a synchro not doing its job. I would use GM synchromesh and you might be able to weasel some shift enhancer from a Mitsubishi dealer. I know they used to have it. It's a little bitty tube that is semi precious as far as price is conderned. Try that. If that doesn't help then probably synchro time.

 

[scotthidley]

Mitsubishi has long been plagued with shifter block such as you describe. I thought it was only indigenous to 1g's Probably a synchro not doing its job. I would use GM synchromesh and you might be able to weasel some shift enhancer from a Mitsubishi dealer. I know they used to have it. It's a little bitty tube that is semi precious as far as price is conderned. Try that. If that doesn't help then probably synchro time.

He said the pedal effort varies. To me that's a strong sign that the hydraulics aren't properly bled / or leaking. I've had just as good luck with Pennzoil as GM, I don't think he'll get anything by switching (other than the weight save in his wallet).

Inspect the master / slave cylinders for leaking. If you need to replace them, this would be a good time for the stainless line as well. Be sure to use Dot 4 brake fluid too.

 

[TalonJohn94]

Thats interesting, I have the same problem - no grind, just hesitation/resistance to drop into gear. I am in the process of putting a SHEP trans in, but I am worried because right now (trans in, no driveshafts or fluid) 3rd is way too EASY to get into as if there is now 3rd gear. I don't know, I haven't driven it yet though.

"Shifter Block," I'll have to remember that ... hmm.

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

It was also referenced to be 2nd gear only. A master cylinder or slave cylinder should and I say should affect all the gears. Not being able to put it into first gear with the engine running would smack of air in the line as the clutch would not disengage due to air compressing and not allowing full travel. However in the interest of diagnosing and not arguing semantics I would still check everything. Yes, the term shifter block exists. It's an actual Mitsubishi term from years ago. I've replaced a lot of synchros due to this in the early 90's. You know? It really didn't help a whole lot till the synchromesh and shift enhancer repair came along. It was just a thought in my humble opinion. BTW if you have slave cylinder problems a leak would be evident. Master cylinder can leak back onto itself, cause soft pedal, stay full, drive you nuts and really be bad. I hope this helps

 

[scotthidley]

We're only going on partial information. He could be pumping the clutch up to get it into first / reverse etc. There's also the fun of making sure the cables are properly adjusted, not twisted, and that the bracket that holds them to the trans isn't loose. If the cables ends naturally sit in a different plane than the shift levers, this will happen too.

 

[TalonJohn94]

It was also referenced to be 2nd gear only. A master cylinder or slave cylinder should and I say should affect all the gears. Not being able to put it into first gear with the engine running would smack of air in the line as the clutch would not disengage due to air compressing and not allowing full travel. However in the interest of diagnosing and not arguing semantics I would still check everything. Yes, the term shifter block exists. It's an actual Mitsubishi term from years ago. I've replaced a lot of synchros due to this in the early 90's. You know? It really didn't help a whole lot till the synchromesh and shift enhancer repair came along. It was just a thought in my humble opinion. BTW if you have slave cylinder problems a leak would be evident. Master cylinder can leak back onto itself, cause soft pedal, stay full, drive you nuts and really be bad. I hope this helps

Man, I don't envy your experiences as a mitsu tech when it was nothing by starion and 1g eclipses rolling through the shop. And I can imagine that there was far less information out there. I mean, a TSB can't hold a candle to a VFAQ, right?

Thanks for the advice and experience.