Grinding when shifting gears?

NORRISD001

MEMBER
1966 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO
V8
2WD
MANUAL
54,000 MILES

I have a 4-speed manual Muncie transmission. 454 big block. When driving, the transmission shifts fine, but as soon as I stop and put it into neutral, I can’t get it back into gear unless I turn the car off. It will grind really badly, and it is almost impossible to get it back in gear. Not sure what’s wrong.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,878 POSTS

It sounds like the clutch isn't fully releasing. Do you know how old the clutch, pressure plate, and other clutch related parts are?

Also, because of the model year, you are going to have to do some checking for me because my manuals are nearly useless on vehicles that old.

Locate the clutch release fork and see if there is anything as far as adjustments available on it. You may need to make adjustments to the linkage to it if there is a lot of end play in the clutch pedal.

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, September 8th, 2024 AT 5:00 PM

NORRISD001

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I bought the car six months ago. I was told the clutch is very new. I will take a look to see if there are adjustments. The car originally came with an automatic but was converted to manual.

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Sunday, September 8th, 2024 AT 5:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,878 POSTS

Hi,

Let me know what you find. Also, let me know if there is a lot of free play (end play) in the clutch pedal before you notice it getting harder to push.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, September 8th, 2024 AT 5:22 PM