Hard to change gear in reverse

Hard to change gear in reverse

Author
Discussion

Stefan Kivits

Original Poster:

8 posts

250 months

Thursday 22nd May 2003
quotequote all
Since a short while I'm the owner of a 1987 G. Esprit Turbo, so I'm not yet familiar to the solution of some problems.
One problem I've encountered is that it is very hard or only with a lot of sqreeky noises to change gear in reverse when the engine is hot. When cold it's no problem.
Is the solution to this problem just to change transmission oil or do I have to do something else?

Thanks,

Stefan

andybetts

23 posts

259 months

Thursday 22nd May 2003
quotequote all
That'll be the dreaded Red Hose Syndrome. The clutch hose from the master to slave cylinder is not really up to the job and after a bit of a run and some heat it expands, reducing the PSI of the fluid and not disengaging the clutch fully. Have a look at www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EMaintenance/clutchhose.html for info, costs about £50 or so!

cnh1990

3,035 posts

262 months

Thursday 22nd May 2003
quotequote all
Same thing as who has the SS hose topic in another thread.
Calvin

superdave

935 posts

255 months

Thursday 22nd May 2003
quotequote all
Another tip until you get it sorted is to put it in first gear just before you put it in reverse, it works for me most of the time.


Cheers,



Dave Walters


Since a short while I'm the owner of a 1987 G. Esprit Turbo, so I'm not yet familiar to the solution of some problems.
One problem I've encountered is that it is very hard or only with a lot of sqreeky noises to change gear in reverse when the engine is hot. When cold it's no problem.
Is the solution to this problem just to change transmission oil or do I have to do something else?

Thanks,

Stefan

PatHeald

8,056 posts

255 months

Thursday 22nd May 2003
quotequote all
I agree with Dave, but this is only a short term solution.

Doing this surely risks chewing up the synchro on bottom gear.

Best to do the red hose mod sooner rather than later?

Pat.

turboAl

11 posts

250 months

Friday 23rd May 2003
quotequote all

I've owned my 1985 Turbo G-car for 18 years now,and still love it to bit's, but i've had this same problem with selecting reverse (the gears crunch) and many years ago(about 17 of them) i sussed that if i was to select first gear it then goes in no problem!
I thought no more of it, and put it down to querkiness?
So can you belive what i was thinking when i saw STEFANS comment's and the article on "clutch hose upgrade" on the "Esprit World Website" I just can't believe i've put up with this for so long (BUGGER!!!!!!)(A bit of poxy hose!!!}
Of course it now begs the question what else have i put up with for so long in the honour of "Querkiness"
Wow what a site!!!! i've ordered a kit already!!

>> Edited by turboAl on Friday 23 May 02:52

>> Edited by turboAl on Friday 23 May 03:03

>> Edited by turboAl on Saturday 24th May 03:04

lotusguy

1,798 posts

256 months

Friday 23rd May 2003
quotequote all
Hi,

For anyone who has difficulty selecting reverse unless they first go into a lower gear such as 1st gear, changing the red hose will not solve your problem. Changing the Red Hose will only allow a firmer clutch feel and full travel of the clutch fork for positive disengagement from the flywheel, it is not the panacea some have depicted. It is a worthwhile upgrade, but not a cure-all. If your reverse shift grinds, the SS clutch hose will help, but if you cannot select it, the SS hose will make no difference.

The problem with reverse shifting lies in a misadjusted crossgate cable. The reason it works by shifting into 1st is that the next shift to reverse can move the crossgate to it's opposite extreme. A misadjusted cable can allow this extreme move, but cannot produce the more measured and subtle change (and shorter throw) from closer to the 'neutral' position to reverse.

To correct, disconnect the clevis pin holding the crossgate extension rod to the crossgate and the loosen the locknut on the other end of the rod. Now, rotate clockwise 1/2 turn (you can only adjust in half turn increments). Re-install the rod and clevis pin to the crossgate. Check for smooth shifting into all gears, but especially reverse. If smooth, tighten the locknut on the extension rod and you're done. If not, try one more half turn clockwise. If that still doesn't cure the problem, your cable probably needs replacement. You cannot turn the extension rod more than 1 full turn or you will lose the 1st/2nd shift. Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

>> Edited by lotusguy on Friday 23 May 07:06

>> Edited by lotusguy on Friday 23 May 07:11

Stefan Kivits

Original Poster:

8 posts

250 months

Friday 23rd May 2003
quotequote all

lotusguy said: Hi,

For anyone who has difficulty selecting reverse unless they first go into a lower gear such as 1st gear, changing the red hose will not solve your problem. Changing the Red Hose will only allow a firmer clutch feel and full travel of the clutch fork for positive disengagement from the flywheel, it is not the panacea some have depicted. It is a worthwhile upgrade, but not a cure-all. If your reverse shift grinds, the SS clutch hose will help, but if you cannot select it, the SS hose will make no difference.

The problem with reverse shifting lies in a misadjusted crossgate cable. The reason it works by shifting into 1st is that the next shift to reverse can move the crossgate to it's opposite extreme. A misadjusted cable can allow this extreme move, but cannot produce the more measured and subtle change (and shorter throw) from closer to the 'neutral' position to reverse.

To correct, disconnect the clevis pin holding the crossgate extension rod to the crossgate and the loosen the locknut on the other end of the rod. Now, rotate clockwise 1/2 turn (you can only adjust in half turn increments). Re-install the rod and clevis pin to the crossgate. Check for smooth shifting into all gears, but especially reverse. If smooth, tighten the locknut on the extension rod and you're done. If not, try one more half turn clockwise. If that still doesn't cure the problem, your cable probably needs replacement. You cannot turn the extension rod more than 1 full turn or you will lose the 1st/2nd shift. Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

>> Edited by lotusguy on Friday 23 May 07:06

>> Edited by lotusguy on Friday 23 May 07:11


Thanks all of you!

madmike

2,372 posts

265 months

Friday 23rd May 2003
quotequote all
Agree with Jim...I have the SS hose and I still usually shift into 1st before going into reverse, and still it sometimes take 2 or 3 tries to get it.

Welcome to the magical land of the Lotus transmission.

Mike