[Neal0o]

Hi all, I'm new to the website and have already found tons of great information about my car. I just bought it, 54 Ford with
a 233 Straight 6 with a 3 speed manual transmission (3 on the tree). I was told that the engine and trans are original. Here is the problem.
Since i've had it, 2 days the car has run okay. The 2nd gear
kind of whines (kinda like the old manual shift school buses). Anyways, now to shift into any gear, you have to force it (aka grinding gears) Once it is in gear, I can hear a taping and something inside the bell housing rotating (fly-wheel?). As soon as you let out of the clutch, (only while in gear) the tapping goes away and the car will move. I haven't tried to shift gears since this has happened. I filled the transmission fluid level, it was very low, I replaced the fluid, can some tell me the correct fluid to use in these old transmissions? I know nothing about transmissions so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Neal McVickers
Providence, RI

[Frisco]

Use 90wt. gear oil in the trans.

Your shifting problem sounds like throwout bearing/clutch linkage related more than transmission.

The whine in second gear sounds like trans bearing problem.

[Neal0o]

Your shifting problem sounds like throwout bearing/clutch
linkage related more than transmission.

The whine in second gear sounds like trans bearing problem.

Thank you so much for the info frisco, Could you or anyone help lead me in the correct direction?

Is there a rule of thumb when adjusting the clutch linkage? I'm
assuming that when the clutch is pressed it needs to draw more
of the linkage open? Do i have to adjust all ranges, or only in
first ?

The whine goes away if there is a load on the transmission(ie
going up a hill). I usually try not to use 2nd very long. But this
whine, does it warrant me to look at getting the problem fixed
as soon as I can?

Thank you!!

Neal McVickers
Providence, RI

[Frisco]

Adjust the clutch linkage so that you have 3/4-1" freeplay at the clutch pedal.

It doesn't matter what gear you are in when adjusting the linkage. You may have worn out linkage which should be visible. The throwout bearing may need to be replaced. This involves sliding the trans back or removing the trans to get to the throwout bearing. Depending on the miles on the complete clutch assembly; you might consider replacing the throwout bearing and the clutch disc & the pressure plate. Have the flywheel resurfaced as well. The pilot bushing (bronze bushing pressed into the end of the crank that the end of the trans mainshaft locates in) may also need replacing. Check all the linkage for wear and replace what is required.

[Neal0o]

I adjusted the knocking out of the clutch and also the whine in second gear, but I still have to force/grind it into first gear. The car shifts fine from second to third. Is there s syro to put the transmission into 1st? I know i have to still drop the transmission, but i'm just wondering if i need to get it rebuilt or just replace the clutch,and/or throw-out bearing, pad.. Thanks for all that have responded.

Neal McVickers
Providence Ri

[david puga]

Hello< I have 55 ford mainline w/ 223 & 3 on nthe tree also. I am having trans linkage problem> does the threaded end of the linkage go on the column end or trans end , is the shorter link for the 1st and rev gear or sec and third gear. I also dont know if i have the shift arms correct PLEEEASE HELP

[KULTULZ]

I still have to force/grind it into first gear.

First gear is not synchronized... Are you talkig about going into first at a stop or while moving?

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by david puga

Hello< I have 55 ford mainline w/ 223 & 3 on nthe tree also. I am having trans linkage problem> does the threaded end of the linkage go on the column end or trans end , is the shorter link for the 1st and rev gear or sec and third gear. I also dont know if i have the shift arms correct PLEEEASE HELP

Threaded ends to the column (for adjustment). The shorter (most straight) is LOW and REVERSE. The rod with the big bend (great descriptive phrases here ) is Second and High.