I had a CON-OFE put in last spring and ever since the install I have a really hard time getting the trans into 1st or 2nd, unless I go 3-2 or 4-1. If I come to a stop and leave the clutch in I can shift no problem, but as soon as I release the clutch and then engage it to shift I can't get into 2nd. It's worst when warm, when cold it shifts fine.

I talked to SBC and they think my OEM hydraulics are shot, but I don't want to test that theory with the $315 SBC hydraulics to find it didn't fix it.

Fluid is Amsoil MTF, replaced since the clutch install with no change.

Any thoughts?

 

I am sure you added the one extra quart to the tranny. That's the only thing I can think of except for the hydro. system.

 

It's not the fluid, there was zero change from old to new, also zero change on shifting in 45K miles until the clutch went it and then it was night and day.

 

So the issue started with the clutch change? If so, they are probably correct in their assumption.

 

Yes, instantly with the clutch change.

 

My gut feeling is that it's not disengaging completely with the stock hydraulics.
A call to SBC would help you I'm sure.

 

When warm pump the clutch pedal really fast about 10 times. If it shifts easier after that then it's the hydraulics.

MikeyB

 

I have called SBC and he thinks it may be the hydraulics, but isn't sure enough to let me buy new ones based on some of the way's it's acting up. I did a couple things tonight, and he wants me to call him in the morning.

 

I talked to SBC again and they really don't think its hydraulics, the symptoms just don't match weak hydraulics. They referred me to Monty and Blumenthals, he too is stumped and wants me to put some friction modifier, and more fluid in (I run 7qts, and he wants me at 10).

 

10 quarts??!!

MikeyB

 

It is probably the clutch plate not centering between the flywheel and pressure plate so it grabs on one of the surfaces when the pedal is pressed. What should be done prior to installing plates is one slides the plate back and forth on the spline of the input shaft. This ensures that it does not stick which in turn will allow the plate to center when the pedal is depressed. I do this trick all the time when installing clutches. Use a small bastard file to clean inside the plate grooves where there could be biurrs that cause issues.

 

That's what Monty at Blumenthals said for a trans with coolers.


I really doubt that, as I can leave the clutch pedal in and not have an issue, any grabbing would occur regardless of circumstance.

 

Ah, didn't realize you had coolers.

MikeyB

 

Yeah, makes a big difference in capacity.