Shifter sticks

[robber327]

My 1971 3 speed on the column got stuck in first gear the other day. It took quite an effort to get it back into neutral. Now it sometimes is difficult to get into second

[Steeveedee]

Do you have the service manual? If not, you should get it. Hatzie has graciously copied many and uploaded them:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=558016

Look through it and make any necessary adjustments. I see you are in Tampa, so corrosion would likely be part of the problem

Also, Welcome!

[LockDoc]

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I don't know about manuals but this works on automatics. It would be easy to try.

Be sure and block your wheels before you start this.

Put the shift lever in neutral. Spray some PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or something similar (not WD-40) into the steering column, where the shift lever goes in. Don't be afraid to stick the nozzle into the opening along side the shift lever and give it a good dousing. After you spray it pull the shift lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash. It should move up and down a couple of inches. Do this 4 or 5 times. This will help free up any sticking in the shift lever tube. The reason the shift lever moves up and down is because it should be pulled back towards you to shift it into 1st and reverse and down to shift into 2nd and 3rd. This may correct your problem. Also spray the linkage and shift tube under the hood.

Be sure and block your wheels before you start this.

LockDoc
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[Ironangel]

If the above methods dont help, you may have a loose rooster comb nut. Easy check is disconnect the manual shift linkage from the shifter lever on the transmission. If the shifter lever rotates with positive clicks through the pattern, then you know your problem is in the linkage in the column. If the shifter lever is stuck or moves freely, then the problem is a loose nut on the rooster comb allowing it to either jam or lay over enough to be off the spring detent. Easy fix; drian the fluid from the pan if you have drain plug, and/or drop the pan and the nut is right there on the inside of the shifter shaft. Might as well get a new filter and a pan gasket with 1 gallon Dexron III and change it while the pan is off. Either pull the spring back or loosen it to realign the rooster comb on the shifter shaft and snug up the nut. The roller on the spring should line up with the detents on the rooster comb. Tighten the 11/16" nut to 35 Ft Lbs and button everything up. Sometimes the rooster comb gets bent and wont line up with the roller on the spring. Carefully bend the rooster comb to realign it on the roller, a small adjustable wrench works well. Retighten the spring bolt and button it up. EZPZ...CHOCK YOUR WHEELS! before you begin!

[bill3rail]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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Put the shift lever in neutral. Spray some PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or something similar (not WD-40) into the steering column, where the shift lever goes in.

LockDoc
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I guess this could be used as preventative maintenance also?

Bill

[SC1969c10]

Originally Posted by bill3rail

I guess this could be used as preventative maintenance also?

Bill

Check out my thread thats been on going, also theres a few videos on youtube of how to adjust everything
Posted via Mobile Device

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by bill3rail

I guess this could be used as preventative maintenance also?

Bill

That is very true Bill. It is very seldom, if ever done, during regular maintenance.

LockDoc

[Ironangel]

It just occurred to me that the OP was talking about a manual transmission and not an automatic...Silly me