[Paul David Anthony]

Here is my problem...any thoughts anyone might have would be much appreciated.



Last weekend I was driving my 93 coupe when the clutch pedal went to the floor and stayed there. Luckily, I was close to home, so I got it into 2nd gear and DROVE home (about a mile on back roads).



Had the car towed to the shop where it was determined that one of the clutch cylinder hoses was bad. They replaced the hose and got the clutch pedal working again BUT, the shop called me and said that the car will not go into 1st or 2nd gear (3-6 are ok). Then they checked the linkage and that was fine so now they are saying they need to drop and open up the tranny.



The car had been running great...no probs with the clutch or gears or anything. I trust the shop...it is a reputable place and I have been doing business with them for a few years. I know a little about cars but transmissions are my weak spot. I am baffled that this is going from a master cylinder hose to a transmission removal so I just thought I would put up this post to see if anyone had any thoughts.



Thanks

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[Anchorman]

I certainly share in your feeling of "could this really be?". Hopefully someone with more knowledge will contribute a more helpful response.

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[968workaholic]

When the shop says it won't go into gear, did they describe it too you at all? Perhaps a grinding noise or something like that? I find it hard to believe that it won't go into gear at all, especially while standing still. Try to get some more info from the shop ar maybe get a second opinion from another shop. Sounds too strange to me especially since you say there have been no indicators.

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[rustech]

[quote name='968workaholic' post='42783' date='Oct 22 2007, 07:15 PM']When the shop says it won't go into gear, did they describe it too you at all? Perhaps a grinding noise or something like that? I find it hard to believe that it won't go into gear at all, especially while standing still. Try to get some more info from the shop ar maybe get a second opinion from another shop. Sounds too strange to me especially since you say there have been no indicators.[/quote]



+1

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[Paul David Anthony]

The whole thing is strange. Its making my head spin. Getting some more info from them is probably a good idea.

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[rhudeboye]

Drop by and try cycling through the gears yourself. Start with the car off. Might give you some clues.

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[flash]

i'm guessing they didn't bleed it thoroughly - many shops don't know just how tough it is - 1st and 2nd take more clutch engagement than the rest, and if there is any air in the lines, you won't get them



just because the shop says "we bled it like we always do" it doesn't mean anything - they have to use a power bleeder, and then have to watch the blue line and fluid level - it's a real bear, but it can be done, and the pedal should be all the way to the top - no big free play before engagement



i agree - go over there and play with it yourself

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[Paul David Anthony]

Flash...I was hoping you would see this post. I will see if I can get some more specifics on how the system was bled. If I can check it out myself, is there anything that I should be looking for? Like I said, transmissions are not my strong point when it comes to cars.

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[flash]

a few things to check - might be easier over the phone - sending you a pm with my number

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[Paul David Anthony]

Flash...I just got back from the shop. I sat in the car and as suspected, I could not get it into 1st or 2nd. BUT, I did get it into Reverse and 3-6. I checked the pedal and it was OK...not great. Not as hard as I remember it to be but it seemed ok...I got some resistance at about 1" down.

I cancelled the tranny drop and told them that I wanted to replace both slave and master clutch cylinders. They did not seem very optimistic about enacting my request but they agreed and now I am scheduled to have both cylinders replaced. So, maybe tomorrow or thurs I will know more.



If they replace the cylinders and there is still no 1&2 then I am not sure what to do. But, I guess I will have to wait and see what happens.



I share your thoughts about how the tranny went into the shop OK therefore it would not just STOP after a hydraulic hose replacement.

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[flash]

yeah, the two are unrelated - the odds of a gear breaking or something like that, while it was sitting there all by itself in the shop, are slim to none - it would take abuse, for which they would be responsible

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[PorscheDude]

I had 1-2 gear problem a couple months back. I could shift into all gears but 1-2.

As I remember, I had shifted a little too hard between 1st and 2nd.

What I think happened in my case was, I had jammed the linkage at the gear box.



Perhaps one of the mechanics has done the same. I would have them look at where the shift rod connects to the linkage at transmission.



I know this is along shot but worth a look.

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[Paul David Anthony]

I got to believe that the transmission is ok. I will report back after the cylinders are replaced. At which point the car will be fixed or I will back at square one (but at least with good cylinders).

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[Paul David Anthony]

OK so, I got the car back from my local shop and drove it home in 3rd gear because I still dont have 1st or 2nd. Clutch pedal seems squisy...not hard. Reverse is fine. Flash, I am HOPING that you are right and the system was not bled correctly. I am bringing the car to a Porsche only shop on Fri. so I will see what they have to say.

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[flash]

sounds right - wish you were here - we could knock it out in a hurry

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[Paul David Anthony]

Thanks for the offer Flash. I will know more on Fri/Mon. If you are right about the bleeding issue, I am going to owe you one for saving me the $$$$ to drop the transmission.

I will keep you posted.

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[Paul David Anthony]

Got the car to the NEW shop (specalizes in Porsches). They called to tell me that the system was not bled correctly. So, Flash, you were right about that one.

BUT, after bleeding it, there is still no 1st or 2nd gear and now they are recommending a gearbox rebuild. So it is not looking good for me.

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[Paul David Anthony]

Does anyone have an idea of what a complete removal and installation of a rebuilt gearbox might cost? I have an estimate on my car ('93 6-speed) for $4000. I dont have experience with transmission prices so I need some advice from someone who may have already done this. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

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[banditsc]

Sounds steep to me, it shouldn't be much more the two hours for removal and re installation (not including the rebuild). I have seen cheaper prices for rebuilding the transmission then that. You probably only need a couple parts in the transmission replaced, there wouldn't be any reason to replace everything in the transmission if it's just a 1/2 issue. Of course a shop would probably charge a whole lot more then two hours for the removal/instalation since it sounds like a bigger job then it is.

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[bob blackwell]

Paul, when I had the dreaded pinion gear whine in "ol blue" I decided to have the transmission rebuilt while it was out. Total cost for new bearings, seals, 2nd gear synchro and the pinion bearing including removal and installation and refilling with SWEPCO oil was $2,500. Work was done by Russ Kelso at his shop PMCI near Albuquerque, New Mexico (800) 437-PMCI. Working like new for over a year now. Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

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