Cant shift into 1 or 2

[Dlsnow]

Getting off the expressway the other day I couldnt downshift into 2nd gear.  brought the bus to a stop and tried puttting it into first..the travel of the shifter is shorter than normal.  It just stops instead of sliding into gear.  Thank god the streets were empty all the way to walmart.  It is now parked.

I shut it down, slept the night and tried again in the morning still not budging.

I reviewed the boards and am in the process of disconnecting the 1/2 linkage from the arm on the top of the 4 speed spicer.

Will update - praying I dont have to tow this thing hout of here.

Dave

[bevans6]

The 1/2 shift lever on top of the box is moved by the reverse solenoid to allow it to also act as the reverse shift lever.  Make sure that it isn't hung up half-way between the two.  Make sure that 3/4 shift lever is truly in the neutral position, or the interlocks won't allow you to move the 1/2 lever.  Disconnect the shift mechanism from both shift levers on top of the box and you should be able to shift them by hand to make sure it's not the linkage forward, and move the 1/2 rail into the reverse position with a screwdriver for leverage.  That's all I have off the top of my head...     Do you have the manual pages on the shifter section of the gearbox?

Brian

[Dlsnow]

I worked the reverse solenoid switch and verified it was moving the lever (it was).  Ill look to see if it is pushed all the way in when disengadged.  I will also look to see if the 3/4 shifter arm is truley in the neutral position (straight up).

[bevans6]

If you need the manual pages let me know, I can photograph them and post them tomorrow.

Brian

[Dlsnow]

Well no luck on an easy fix
Reverse solenoid definitely fully disengaged
3/4 definitely clucked into neutral
Disconnected the linkage and the linkage is free and moving smooth
So...do I call around to transmission shops?  I habe a call in to a guy about 60 miles that has worked on the bus.

[Geoff]

Did you check the oil level in the transmission?  If it is low the tranny doesn't work right.

--Geoff

[Dick Knutsen]

I had this problem a while back with my MC-5. Check the bolts on the transmission shift levers at the transmission top. I'll bet you find the 1-2 shift lever has a loose clamp bolt and is slipping on the shaft.

[gus]

I had that problem with my 4104 a few times.

First I had my wife hold down the clutch, then I pulled the shift lever that connects to the rod running across from the firewall back even with the other lever. This solves the problem. It cannot be done with the clutch engaged.

I think these lockups are caused by not pushing the clutch all the way in when down shifting, I always knew when I had done it but then it was too late!

[Dlsnow]

That would make sense Gus.  My clutch died a few thousand miles back in the desert over the winter.  I learned to start it in 1st and always park flat and carefully time the shifting.

The good news is I found a shop in town that seemed to recognize the Spicer 4 speed.  The bus is going up on the tow truck any minute.

At least I can get the clutch fixed while it is in there.

[ol713]

   Hi;
     I also have a MC-7. Last time I had trouble with the spicer, I had to
     change out the transmision. Think I broke the input shaft.
     Please keep us posted and we can learn from your expierence.

                                     Good luck,   Merle.

[ol713]

   Hi;
      Forgot to ask which Wal Mart are you in?
                          Merle.

[Cheryl]

Bought a 57' GMC bus conversion.  When moving it the first time we broke the bell crank for 1st, 2nd, and reverse 1/2.  We are still looking for a bell crank.  The bus is a 4104 and the access is under the bed.  If anybody knows where to get it please let me know.  We live in the middle of nowhere and don't always have good internet access.  I would appreciate any help.
Thank you,
Cheryl

[Ednj]

Cheryl,
Give Luke a call at 1-888-262-2434 or at 856-794-3104.
He is in New Jersey.U.S. Coach

[gus]

Cheryl,

Very hard to find those Al arms which I assume is what you broke. There are about four of them in a stack on the firewall.

I was able to find only one new one, I had to epoxy bushings into the old worn ones but they work fine now.

If one is actually broken take it to a good welder for repair. this is easier than trying to find one.

Make sure all the bushings are good before you install them or one will probably break again.

Be sure to lube each one of them well before installing because the long greasing tube from the bottom does not work well, the grease hardens in the tube.

[eddieboy]

Dave, I had a similar problem on my way home for the first time with my PD4106.  My fix was pretty easy in that I found that one of the linkage pins had fallen out.  It was located right above the Spicer transmission on the curb side. A bolt fixed her right up. Ed