Hello all,

On Saturday I lost reverse and slowly as I was making my way home 2nd really started to stiffen up.  With suggestions from David I tried all the options in adjusting the cables with no success, and even disconnected the cables and tried manually to get into reverse...no luck.

So I can drive forward and deal with a stiff 2nd gear, hope there is a hill to roll backwards if required...lol. 

I had the trans worked on by John (an old club member) when David did my clutch upgrade last year, I just called Mister Transmission and he is no longer there, the owner said to bring it in and their head mechanic can look.  Now I just called the Burnaby location as it would be allot easier to get to and from, and they said they will work on it also...anyone every had work done by these guys?

David thinks it maybe the fork, which taking this to a shop scares me...I am willing to pay, if there is anyone in the club that can help I would appriciate this as I am willing to pay, please PM and we can talk...if anyone has a shop that they could suggest I would also appriciate.

Since I have only had the car out since the clutch maybe 8 times, this tickes me off a little, but while I have insurance on it I would like to get it fixed because I have a few autox I want to attend.

Thank you all...Brian

Thanks Ken...there is a Bert's in New West, but the first question for me is "do you even want to consider working on my Fiero, and do you have anyone who has an idea".

For you autoz and wear through a clutch a season...what the heck were you doing?...lol

Thanks Ken...

Hey Dawg,

I called there and they would do the car, one guy there know's Fiero's.  I do have another trans, but currently still unsure of what the problem really is which sucks.

Thanks for the offer also, but I like the 4spd and gear ratio for autox:)

Bassman wrote: Now speaking with Blair was suggesting to swap to an Isuzu if I can find one...

There have been plenty of discussions about this over the years at PFF, and it just happens there's a current thread on this very topic...

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/085941.html - Should I swap in an Izusu 5sp?

As usual, opinions vary.

Aw, those gears are so tiny. lol

Have you considered just going nuts and doing a six speed, Mr Brian?

Ya...it's about the budget Tristan:)...and reality anyways is I could help and all but I don't have that knowledge.

I rolled the car out and only had a problem with reverse, just won't go into gear, no grinding at all and clutch feels fine.

I was thinking to flush my clutch line and see how that does...maybe the cable still...or reverse is just farked:).

I do have my original that worked great, so maybe just swap...but still need help:)

Romeo wrote: Wouldn't be the clutch... That'd make it hard to get in and out of all gears, not just reverse and a little bit of second.

So what then...stretched cable?

Thanks Dawg...we'll see what works as I am the same not wanting to spend money this season, so if I have the push myself in/out of grid parking at autox, then so be it:)...or drop my original one back in instead of a conversion.

Hope to see you all Saturday at the meeting...

Hi Dawg,

I was thinking to check the fluid, I am home early and will take a drop by and see your buddy at Mister Trans and have a chat also:)...Thanks Dawg...

Cheers, Bb

Hi All,

I just got a call from Andy at Mister Transmission and they cannot find a problem with the trans that was in...he says the cables are really worn and the shift linkage is sloppy.

I had the Dickman Muncie select arm rebuild kit (brass bushings), he said even with this it's sloppy.

I need to ordwer and get the cables and any other suggested parts to him fast and tie up bay space, not like he can push and leave my car to be raided in a parking lot...suggestions please...I need to place a order ASAP and pay the additional courier.

I am thinking both cables and new bushings, and thinking from Rodney, not FS.

Cheers...Brian

Hi all,

I ordered cables from Rodney today, and He doesn't think it's the cables, actually pretty odd what's happening being a 4 speed, suggested lube the whole shifter area in front...ordered the shifter rebuild kit & linkage bushing also.

The shop has my original trans, they will inspect and install this one and use any parts from the current one. Then install the new cables when they arrive Thursday...we hope as Rodney has to make them and his shop has major work being done on it...and I bought the GM Syncromesh and will drop this off tomorrow for Andy.

I hope to pick this up Friday...any ideas to suggest to the shop???

Cheers

Brian, to be honest I'm kind of surprised that it's been so difficult to determine if the shifting problem is internal or something to do with the cables/shifter.

With the cables disconnected at the tranny (and the engine not running), it shouldn't be all that difficult to move the two levers on the tranny to put it into any/all gears if the problem is not internal.

Hasn't this been tried?

Bassman wrote: Yup tried that and other suggestions from other's...thanks Patrick.

Okay, you tried it... but what was the result? Would the levers go into position, and would the tranny be "in gear"?

It would not go into reverse, I checked by firing up and see if it was in gear...no matter how hard I shifted left it would not click in to shift upward into gear...almost to the point of bending the shifter.

I checked the clutch, cables in all settings, had Kerstin sit in and tested every shift option, adjusting the cables and testing

end result...no reverse at start up, once warm the 2nd started to shiffen up to the point it would not go into gear, then 1st did the same and left with only 3rd & 4th

Bassman wrote: It would not go into reverse, I checked by firing up and see if it was in gear...no matter how hard I shifted left it would not click in to shift upward into gear...almost to the point of bending the shifter. I checked the clutch, cables in all settings, had Kerstin sit in and tested every shift option, adjusting the cables and testing

Brian, just to clarify... Did you disconnect the cables at the tranny and leave them disconnected for any of these tests?

Patrick wrote: With the cables disconnected at the tranny (and the engine not running), it shouldn't be all that difficult to move the two levers on the tranny to put it into any/all gears if the problem is not internal.

Romeo wrote: How odd... You shouldn't be losing individual gears like that... If it was the linkage, you'd lose a whole column or row at a time (1st and 3rd, or 1st and 2nd). Were it the clutch, you'd lose everything, period...

No, still had 3rd & 4th when I finally stopped driving...

Bassman wrote: Yes...David and Blair provided me info on what to check...

Heh heh... I'm not trying to interrogate you Brian (honest!), but if the levers on the tranny wouldn't move into position (with the cables disconnected), I don't understand how lubing or rebuilding the shifter would help to resolve the problem?

Bassman wrote: I ordered cables from Rodney today, and He doesn't think it's the cables, actually pretty odd what's happening being a 4 speed, suggested lube the whole shifter area in front...ordered the shifter rebuild kit & linkage bushing also.

Something's probably being lost in the translation, but the situation seems awfully confusing from what we've been able (or not been able) to discern here in this thread.

Your not Patrick, just tired and was heading to bed...I agree and un sure hence why I am reaching out asking for advice

Cheers...

Update...car still at shop, RD cables and bushing kits arrived and they will attempt on Monday to finish it off.  Andy said the cables are awesome especially the SS balls ends, glad I went this route as FS requires to use your old ones.

Now he installed back my original trans, I hope it was inspected before, but since the one in there had no issues, they are set on the problem with slack and cables...really concerned, guess we'll see on Monday...really wish I paid someone from the club that knows what the hell they are doing than a shop.

Happy Father's Day all, enjoy tomorrow

Well, cars done and at home...and she ran well coming home. 

It was the cables, and I HIGHLY suggest Dickman's, they are amazing and the shop agreed, my original ones had their day...and I have the fix kit for anyone who needs it, saved that...also have the shifter bushing kit if anyone needs this, did not seem to be required for my car.

If we were 100% sure the cables were the problem the bill would have been fine, but they RE & RE and put back in my original trans I brought them and took parts from the other...

So with this said, $1500, and they advised I am missing a manifold bolt and have a leak on the firewall by the battery...kinda knew this and had plans for new header/manifolds...anyone have any to sell?

Let's hope she holds, and I wish pics were taken of these cables, they are sweat and well worth the investment.

Yes, me also Tris, need some adjustments still though.  And my clutch is acting up again...when I drive in a gear like 4th on the highway for a bit, then when I need to engage, I loose most of my clutch, then I have to pump the pedal and it builds up again...WTF!!!...maybe time for a clutch fluid flush, need to break it that bleeder cap I had to buy, anyone else want to to clutch flush day?...lol

Dawg wrote: Yes they were very nice.  I went over for a peek to check on the progress and the cables had just come in. Manifolds? Heck I can just fix yours.  Assuming the leak is a crack of some sort. If you are looking for ported units, I have non done at the moment but have several cores waiting to be done.  I also do "Y" pipes.  I cut away a ton of useless material inside where the two pipes come together. PM me if you're interested. Cheers, Dawg Bassman wrote: and they advised I am missing a manifold bolt and have a leak on the firewall by the battery...kinda knew this and had plans for new header/manifolds...anyone have any to sell? Let's hope she holds, and I wish pics were taken of these cables, they are sweat and well worth the investment.

That's the impression I got, in any case.

Car is back in the shop, has a leak after I asked and advised to check and replace all seals...you have it out, do it right...then they give me back the trans that was in that had nothing wrong all in pieces...not happy right now, another week, and I had to pay for overnight shipping for the cables and all...

This is why I would pay anyone from our club good moneyand have it sdone right:(

Damn...

I then called after I was checking out my trans given back to me in pieces wondering...if this one had no problems, why is it given back to me as is and not whole especailly they didn't swap any parts...

I called the shop shop and for 1.5 hours of labour @ $125/hr, they can put it back together, so more money...and I called also saying parts were missing, oh ya we'll have it here for ya...on my forth R&C:)...

It's not that Tris...but if a customer comes and pick up their car, and you had the exhaust off, etc. and notice a $2.00 header bolt was missing, would not have done so for the customer?.

The trans left in pieces I am not sure...to inspect for problems would taking it appart be required?...and if it is alright, is it better just to keep it in parts in a tub in case anything is required down the road, or pay almost another $200 to have it whole again...?

I have SEVERAL R&C's last night, a little rough this morning...not sure I'll make the drive out Colby, hope everythig goes well

Bassman wrote: ...but if a customer comes and pick up their car, and you had the exhaust off, etc. and notice a $2.00 header bolt was missing, would not have done so for the customer?

I wonder if it's just "missing" or whether it's broken off in the head? Fixing that up when the cradle is lowered would certainly make the job a whole lot easier.

Hey Brian, if the sun makes an appearance, come out and visit us at Colby's. We'd all like to see you! I'll be picking up Tristan at 9 AM before heading off to the valley.

I really wanted to make the trip out, but taking Kerstin to her exam, her last day for the course she was taking, then picking her up at 12pm and have an appointment to help her sister with her open house sale today...today's time has been used up quicker than expected...maybe on your way back you guys can stop by for a beer?...cold ones in the fridge

Well as Dawg reminded for the manifold to be careful taking the bolts off, they jsut did so they broke them loose, but could have easily put a new one in especially with LORDCO main shop is 2 blocks away...I'll wait and put in new ones with new manifolds...

If something changes I'll call Colby's cell since you boyz don't have a phone to call...or call mine at 778-836-4806, don't have Tris's if he has one.

Bassman wrote: ...maybe on your way back you guys can stop by for a beer?...cold ones in the fridge

If we can't stop by we'll take a raincheck on that, thanks.

Alright, I'm leaving. I hope Tristan's out of bed!

Time gone by that fast?...lol...install new bolts with the manifold once I decide which ones.

Bassman wrote: The trans left in pieces I am not sure...to inspect for problems would taking it appart be required?...and if it is alright, is it better just to keep it in parts in a tub in case anything is required down the road, or pay almost another $200 to have it whole again...?

Hey all, I assume it would be fine to leave this in the parts in a tub, will be easier I guess if parts are required or should I get this thing put back together?

My opinion is that it's not worth it to pay $200 to have a "spare" tranny put back together. I suspect you could buy a perfectly good used one (the same type) for less than that amount.

I'd just save the parts in the tub for now (and never set foot in that shop again after you get your GT back).

Well car is ready and I may bring it out Saturday...Kerstin is coming and I really wanted to try those R-comps I have for the Mazda3, and be able to bring the Canopy, chairs, etc...tossed

Update once I pick it up...be nice to show the cables if anyone is interested, they are nice.

karnak wrote: no contest Brian.. the Fiero and some sunblock. oh..and a hat.

No contest to what, Mazda vs. Fiero?...lol, I'll drive the Mazda at VCMC on Friday, the Fiero for this event

Need to chat with you guys on Saturday for help to do the manifolds

Round three to go...get the car home and guess what...Another Leak!!!...I lost count how many times I said to replace all and do whatever to get this done right, not as if I gave them a budget, think if you replace one CV seal at $12.50, might as well do both and the inber bell houseing seal which I think is the issues, was on the last one that David installed last year.

So...Mazda3 may be the vehical for Saturday, I can't put anyone in harm with oil on the track...off to the Rush concert, been a sh*tty day.

Bassman wrote: Round three to go...get the car home and guess what...Another Leak!!!... So...Mazda3 may be the vehical for Saturday, I can't put anyone in harm with oil on the track...

Double damn! What the hell's wrong with those freakin' guys!

That really sucks, man oh man...

Hi all,

Does anyone have a lift so I can get under my car and trace a oil leak?...my car is so low...lol

I spoke with the manager at the shop after talking with David and they may have only moved the oil line to my guage, this would make sense as we fixed this in the past, might be the issue.  I have booked July 25th to bring this to the shop, I would like to get under and clean the car and drive it to the shop while hot and get it up on their lift and trace this with them...of maybe just find and fix with someones help.

Cheers and thanks in advance...Brian

karnak wrote: Brian, let me get mine out of the box and set up...

Gary, I suppose even those four blocks/ramps there of mine would work for Brian in a pinch if you haven't got your lift set up yet.

Gary & Pat...don't rush, I know we spoke, just checking if there was anyone close by to get a look as I am really curious to find this now for many reasons

I called the shop and they really don't seem interested, my intent if this is only the oil guage line and that little brass bushing or whatever it's called needs to be replaced then great...but with the oil on both sides as we noticed Gary, it makes sense with David's suggestion as there really are no locations to leak oil on the right side as much, and it seemed to be running from that area

Again Gary no rush...we can chat via phone, thanks Guys

Gary, that gizmo is incredible!  I've never seen one of those things before.

Awwwesooooommmme.

So what, do you just have solenoids between compressed air and the shock?

Bassman wrote: I noticed they topped up the clutch fluid, I have DOT5, so if they put DOT3 in, guess I need to flush and soon?...I also think I have air in the clutch line as when I drive for a period steady like the highway, the need to engage the clutch, the pedal barely grabs...suggestions?

Brian, I really really hope you do NOT now have a mixture of Dot3 and Dot5 in your clutch hydraulic system. I found the following http://www.gabma.us/docs/dot5.pdf - Here .

While it’s permissible to mix DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 brake fluids, DOT 5 Silicone fluid cannot be mixed with any other type. If the system is not completely purged before conversion, the mixture may gel and result in very poor braking. Therefore conversion usually requires disassembly and a thorough cleaning, or at least numerous bleeding sessions over several days. Obviously then, the best time to consider conversion to DOT 5 is before rebuilding the master cylinder or caliper. Because DOT 5 Silicone cannot be mixed with any other brake fluid it has been given a special purple color. Any owner or mechanic seeing the special purple color should instantly recognize that the fluid in the reservoir is not normal brake fluid.

Brian, I thought you had the http://store.motiveproducts.com/ate-super-blue-1-liter-p16.aspx - groovy blue brake fluid in both your braking and clutch hydraulic systems. If so, you're in the clear.

Hey all,

The Blue is in brake only, we planned to convert this year but the trans took over:).  I got home, took K's turkey baster and drained the max and topped up.  They would not have noticed the purple colour you think?...lol, it was white and way overt the full line, so I know it wasn't me.  I packed my bleeder system and all for tomorrow, pitt side work if we need to.

I have a new slave from the Dr., plans were to flush the system with alcohol, install the slave, even considering the master and running the Blue DOT4...might be the time after tomorrow:).

Until then, thanks again, see you tomorrow, heading to Soundgarden...tomorrow am will come fast...lol

Cheers

Bassman wrote: ...it was white and way over the full line, so I know it wasn't me.

White ??!!!  Oh gawd no...