Question for the gear shift experts: big scrap in R-1st shift plane on side shifter Options

[raynekat]

I've got a 71 914-4 that I converted to a 914-6.
The problem is a very loud annoying squeak when I'm in the R-1st plane.
Something is really scraping badly.
Pulled the shifter which looks to have been changed out from an early shifter to a later shifter.
Greased it very well and that didn't seem to help.

So I looked a bit deeper and put a flashlight in the tunnel where the shifter sits pointing backwards.
Using a small mirror about 6-9" rearward, I see that the shift rod goes through a circular opening in a small bulkhead that is welded into the tunnel.

Looks like the scraping/squeaking is when the rod is hitting the edge of the circular opening in the bulkhead in the R-1st plane.
If you don't pull the lever all the way to the left, then you don't hear the scrape.

Is this typical of a side shifter conversion for an early 914?
Am I shifting incorrectly by pulling the lever hard to the left for the R-1st plane?
Does that bulkhead need to be removed by opening up the shift tunnel from above?

Any thoughts or ideas are welcome.
Thanks in advance.

[raynekat]

Carpeting pealed back revealing the sound deadening I used.



Removed the sound deadening with some of the thick tar stuff left behind.



Had to clean that up so it didn't get all over me, the cutting tools, etc that were coming later.
My favorite chemical, 3M Adhesive Remover, made quick work of that mess.



Plotted out where the bulkhead wall/hoop was located and where I was going to cut my access hatch.
Don't surgeons draw on you before they make their cuts??? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
You can easily see all the spot welds that are used by the factory to keep this bulkhead in place.