Transmission sometimes grinds into 1st? Options

[Slick914]

I have a 74 1.8 and I'm having some trouble with 1st gear. About half of the time it will grind shifting into 1st. I know this is bad for the gears and it's also very embarassing. It seems to help the longer you are stopped, but not always. Does this mean the Synchro band is shot? Are there any easy adjustments I can check first? Just bought the car and know nothing about 914's.

Thanks,

Phil

[orthobiz]

In 1975 I sold a beautiful 1973 V6 Capri and bought a 1971 914. The only thing wrong with the Capri was it needed brakes and tires and back in college, it didn't take much to trigger the sale of any vehicle!

Much to my dismay the 914 ground BIG TIME each and every time I shifted into first. I was totally, incredibly bummed and use a variation of the "shift into another gear" theory.

BTW, if your clutch is grabbing when the pedal is fully depressed, you will need to adjust the cable. I just found out today that the 914 has a spring loaded clutch pedal of sorts and you should be able to pull UP on the resting pedal about 1/2" when it's properly adjusted???? Anyway,

You can shift into second gear before first but I much prefer "touching" third gear to prevent grinding into first. Just bring the shift left in neutral to the spring loaded point where the shifter will go down into third. Then, go down into third a bit, maybe two inches, go back up to neutral, move left over the stiff first gear spring and down into first. Depending upon your car, you may have to go more or less into third gear to stop the grind. Typically I have not had to go all the way down into third to stop grinding.

My new car doesn't seem to grind but I've become so habituated into this routine that I got right back into it as soon as I got it (after not driving a 914 since 1986!).

Also, check the shift bushings; if they are worn sloppy shifting won't help first gear engagement. Obviously, YMMV but best of luck!

Paul