Can’t Find 4th/5th + Shift Linkage Issue (Helicoil Failure) Options

[jacktarnold]

Hi all,

Looking for some guidance before I go too far down the rabbit hole.

I’ve got a 1973 914 2.0 that I’m bringing back after about 10 years off the road. I’ve gone through the fuel system and brakes, got it running, and took it out for a short test drive.

Issue: I could never find 4th or 5th gear.

I started working through the shift linkage by checking bushings and alignment and found that the rear shift rod retaining screw appears to have been previously repaired with a Helicoil. Unfortunately, that insert is now backing out, so the connection isn’t solid.

Before I start tearing deeper into it, I’m trying to figure out the best path forward:

* Is it worth redoing the Helicoil, or should I go another route?
* Any preferred repair methods for this specific location that hold up long-term?

Appreciate any advice or lessons learned

[Jack Standz]

New couplers are pretty expensive, so you could put a "wanted to buy" add here for a used one?

Not sure if it's worth trying to weld it up and cut new threads, unless you have the equipment and skill. Good luck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Shivers]

Hi all,

Looking for some guidance before I go too far down the rabbit hole.

I’ve got a 1973 914 2.0 that I’m bringing back after about 10 years off the road. I’ve gone through the fuel system and brakes, got it running, and took it out for a short test drive.

Issue: I could never find 4th or 5th gear.

I started working through the shift linkage by checking bushings and alignment and found that the rear shift rod retaining screw appears to have been previously repaired with a Helicoil. Unfortunately, that insert is now backing out, so the connection isn’t solid.

Before I start tearing deeper into it, I’m trying to figure out the best path forward:

* Is it worth redoing the Helicoil, or should I go another route?
* Any preferred repair methods for this specific location that hold up long-term?

Appreciate any advice or lessons learned

a time sert would be the fix in my opinion. It really is better than the spring. https://www.timesert.com/

[FlacaProductions]

Put a WTB up - I'm sure someone has one - or someone here on this thread will speak up.

[930cabman]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

I would consider this: https://tangerineracing.com/shop/ols/produc...-alignment-tool

anything from Tangerine is top shelf

Great bring another from a slumber

[JamesM]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

I would consider this: https://tangerineracing.com/shop/ols/produc...-alignment-tool

anything from Tangerine is top shelf

Great bring another from a slumber

Agree, but given the looks of that shift coupler, I would put my money here instead.


https://tangerineracing.com/shop/ols/produc...ift-linkage-kit


Its also worth noting we are starting to see more and more of the hole for the cone screw in the forward shift rod getting wallered out as well. ANY play in the joint of the two rods is going to result in not enough travel at the shift head to hit all the gears.

[jacktarnold]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

I would consider this: https://tangerineracing.com/shop/ols/produc...-alignment-tool

anything from Tangerine is top shelf

Great bring another from a slumber

Agree, but given the looks of that shift coupler, I would put my money here instead.


https://tangerineracing.com/shop/ols/produc...ift-linkage-kit

Its also worth noting we are starting to see more and more of the hole for the cone screw in the forward shift rod getting wallered out as well. ANY play in the joint of the two rods is going to result in not enough travel at the shift head to hit all the gears.

This definitely looks like the most complete option; however, I'm hesitant to do this as I don't really want to cut and drill into the transmission to complete it.

[bkrantz]

Hi all,

Looking for some guidance before I go too far down the rabbit hole.

I’ve got a 1973 914 2.0 that I’m bringing back after about 10 years off the road. I’ve gone through the fuel system and brakes, got it running, and took it out for a short test drive.

Issue: I could never find 4th or 5th gear.

I started working through the shift linkage by checking bushings and alignment and found that the rear shift rod retaining screw appears to have been previously repaired with a Helicoil. Unfortunately, that insert is now backing out, so the connection isn’t solid.

Before I start tearing deeper into it, I’m trying to figure out the best path forward:

* Is it worth redoing the Helicoil, or should I go another route?
* Any preferred repair methods for this specific location that hold up long-term?

Appreciate any advice or lessons learned

a time sert would be the fix in my opinion. It really is better than the spring. https://www.timesert.com/

Agreed time-sert are still a patch, but at least are actually machined and threaded. Helicoils are like duct tape.

I bet a proper time-sert with high strength thread lockers would be a permanent fix.