1980zx

So I was driving home tonight on the highway and all was fine. then when i pulled up to the stop light my shifter was all whack! when i went to go into first it felt loose and when i let the clutch out i reved the engine and the car didnt go into gear. So now it wont go into first or second but i can still go to 3rd-R. Any ideas?? do i need a new trans?

NismoPick

Start with a check of the fluid level in the clutch master reservoir.

If full, it may be the throw out bearing.

1980zx

how do I check that? Thanks

NismoPick

Pop hood... look into engine bay... open clutch master reservoir cap... look into reservoir.

Maybe it's easier to start with this: XenonS130 - S130 Reference

1980zx

even when the car is off the stick just doesnt feel right. when i move it to first and second it just is real loose... it feels like its not even going into a gear like something disconnected. I dont think it has to do with the clutch..

silverzxbullet

seriously ^^ lmao switching gears doesnt feel right but nothing to do with the clutch hmmm....

borini63

maybe the shifter pin came out alignment and lost the C clip,in that case you still can go to third and fourth but not 1st,2nd,5th and revers!!!
Take off you middle consol and check under the inner boot.....just saying!!

FricFrac

If you know your car is a five speed you should have the mental capacity to check the fluid level. If you can't check the fluid level of the clutch how do you check your oil level? If you can't/don't check your oil level......

You're new here but just so you know NismoPick is possibly one of the most knowledgeable guys regarding the S130 and willing to help out and patient like no one I've ever seen on ANY forum ever. So if you ask a question be respectful enough to take the advice of someone who knows what they are talking about - otherwise don't ask if you don't want to heed the advice. I don't mean to be harsh but put a little thought into it.

icice9

i don't think he was being disrespectful.. and i think borini63 might be right about the shifter pin popping out.. even if the car is off it should still go into gear without stepping on the clutch pedal.. and if it doesn't go into gear at all with the car turned off.. than maybe the shifter in fell out or worse case.. the trans is toast!

1980zx

hey calm down. At what point was I disrespectfull? If you dont have any advice or any help you dont need to post. Not to be harsh either but no one needs a D-bag.

1980zx

Yea I think you guys are probably right about the shifter pin. When I get home from work ill take apart the center console and see whats goin on.. I hope my trans isnt Toast! haha

Philbert

I had a sloppy shifter in my 1980 ZX (the shifter actually twisted easily counter clockwise, and clockwise in my hand....). Turned out the bushing in the linkage totally desintegrated. Really easy fix. Part is $6 from the dealer. I think I did a writeup on HybridZ with photos but I can't find it now....good luck!

1980zx

cool.. how did you get to the linkage??

Philbert

You remove the trim around the shifter...just be cautious and slow - the plastic is old and brittle. Unscrew the shift ****, pull the rubber boot off.

I think there are 2 screws under the "280ZX" plastic badge in front of the shifter - you need to first pop off that badge to access the screws...use a small flathead screwdriver, maybe with some tape on it so you don't scratch/break the badge.

I can't find the photos from when I did it, sorry.

There is a C clip holding the metal shaft that goes through the shift bushing - be careful not to lose it when removing it!

NismoPick

Brass bushing install: http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techti...ing/index.html

Philbert

Nice! This is similar to the job I did, but with the OEM bushings. The linkage looks familiar to the ZX. Just take time and move slow - it was my first time getting in there last year when I did it...made a world of difference in the shifter feel.

1980zx

So im in the garage I got everything off including the control lever. The control lever bushing seems fine. Im thinking it has something to do with the striking guide or the rod connected to the striking guide. any suggestions?

1980zx

and how the heck do you remove those stupid Eclamps??? I got the one off of the shifter rod but the one deeper down is impossable!

Philbert

Can you post some photos? I am not sure what you mean? There is one c clip that holds the rod through the bushings - you get that off, slide the rod out, then pull the shifter lever straight up (the bushings mount to the bottom of this piece).

Is there no play in the shifter? I had a lot of play, that's why I suggested looking at bushings.

Photos would help.

1980zx

ok ill post some pictures as soon as I can.. i was talking about a different c-clamp but i got it off. I dont think its the bushing... When you shift it into 1st or second its goes in the spot with no resistance but doesnt engage in gear at all.

borini63

A picker and a magnet!!!

KC81ZX

Sounds to me like a broken shift fork.... but thats just me...

silverzxbullet

Could be the internal dog ears on the shift linkage theres three sets, 1 & 2, 3 & 4 then 5 & R

1980zx

yea thats what im thinkin too.. i might drop the trans soon

1980zx

quick question... is the linkage on the inside or outside of the trans.