Transmission having problems going into some gears

[Larsb]

This is a 68 1600 four speed that was sitting since 85 . Got the engine running and new hydraulics cylinders clutch master and slave. Rod moves when pedal is depressed.
It only goes into 1st gear but not the rest while engine is running . Reverse grinds. It does shift all gears when car is not started.
Any suggestions on this or should I start looking for another transmission ?

[sevenmilebridge]

There is an adjustment on the rod if the rod moves back and forth when pedal is not depressed may need adjustment. The condition you have can be caused by a clutch out of adjustment.

[Nissanman]

Sounds to me like it is well worn, probably the synchro's on all gears.
They don't have to do anything when at rest.
Probably repairable but you may discover all the other things that need replacing once you delve inside
Unless you know the history of any transmission it is somewhat of a gamble to purchase a replacement.

[Solex68]

There is an adjustment on the rod if the rod moves back and forth when pedal is not depressed may need adjustment. The condition you have can be caused by a clutch out of adjustment.

I'd start here as well as check you transmission oil level as well as drain and refill it.

[23yrRebuild]

I would drop the pan, and give it a good look, and check movement of the gears and shifter, and make sure the countershaft thrust washers, on each end, aren't sticking to the countershaft after sitting for so long. They can stick, and ultimately chew into the casing.....ask me how I know...

[redroadster]

If it goes I to all gears with eng off ?
I agree likely the clutch isn't fully disengaged
But the usual culprit of hard to get into gear , if the above is fixed,... is the taper on the speed gears being polished from long use ( like a brake rotor or drum that doesn't stop well )
Needs new speed gears ...ha ha finding that right?
, can try hydro oil or half or THIN Trans fluid

[Larsb]

Thanks for all the tips. , I was going to change the transmission oil with GL4 and recheck the the adjustment on the the rod pushing the clutch fork. I’ll update the prognosis on the tranny

[Larsb]

Follow up to the transmission problem was the slave wasn’t all the way in. Pushed it back all the way and adjusted the rod slack and viola the forward gears are shifting! Only reverse is hard to get and grinds. Thanks again for all the advice! Now I might take it for a spin around the block!

[spyder]

I always shift into a forward gear (5th) before reverse for that very reason.

[Bwk2000]

… Only reverse is hard to get and grinds …

Glad it was a simple fix.
As for reverse, try lowering your idle speed a bit and checking your shifter linkage (control arm, bushings, pins, etc.) for excessive wear/play. Also make sure none of the locking nuts have backed off.

Trans fluid is topped up, right?

[Larsb]

I wanted to add to my solution in the problem with the gears just in case some other forum members encounter this problem .
To fully engage the gears I had to change out the factory old stock rod for the new aftermarket adjustable one that came with the clutch master cylinder. It made a big difference on the release of the clutch disc! The pedal is higher than the brake pedal though but no more grinding! What a relief and I was finally able to drive her around the block today!

[Habitat.pat]

I see that you got the clutch working but I want to suggest one other thing to check. Make sure the spring on the slave cylinder is pushing the piston all the way into the cylinder.

Having to use a non-standard pushrod on the pedal seems to say that the problem is still there but you found a workaround.

Peace,
Pat

[Larsb]

I’ll double check it again. It wasn’t pushed in the first time I had adjusted the rod at the slave.
Thanks for the response Pat!