Shifter feels weak when going into 1st. Sometimes wont catch, other times it's fine.

[adam83]

Trying to figure out what my issue is. The shifter sometimes feels weak when Im downshifting into first gear only, usually after things are warmed up. It just doesnt have the same resistance that it does when shifting into all other gears. Sometimes the gears dont mesh and you hear a rapid clicking/clacking, and it wont go into 1st, almost like you were trying to shift without the clutch (from neutral). Other times you push the shifter down and it wont go all the way, wont go into 1st, but doesnt make the clacking sound. Sometimes it shifts into 1st just fine.

My first thought was shift fork, maybe synchro, but Im a little lost since the symptoms arent consistent.

 

[Cipher]

Stutz Bearcat? Clipper Ship?

your shift does and or forks are suspect. There is a mechanism which hides behind the clutch basket that impacts this as well.

 

[adam83]

I took all the slack out of the adjustable double ended shift linkage, then I removed it took off the end of the shaft coming out of the transmission and re-clocked it so the pedal is in a higher position. This has helped some, no more grinding or rapid tapping noises from not fully engaging. It still is finicky if it will go into first from downshift. If it doesnt go, I just go to neutral, release the clutch, depress clutch again and go into first, works every time.

At this point Ill just need to removed the cover and inspect further