Today, when starting out for work, I noticed that my 4 speed would not shift into 1st or 2nd. This is a 1979 240D MT, the one purchased from Tom Walgamuth (Tom-- feel free to weigh in here).


I can shift into third or fourth but not 1st or 2nd gear.


Are we talking worn clutch here? Or clutch out of adjustment? Or slave cylinder?


I tend to think adjustment unless too worn.

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Strelnik
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1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

The first place I'd look would be at the shift linkages.



Put the car in neutral with the e-brake on, slide under and inspect the linkages. Test to see if you can move the shifter arms on the side of the trans by hand. You should be able to.

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Old Blue - 83 240D 6 speed manual trans, OM648
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Patchouli Wagon - 2004 E500 - SOLD
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Check the shifter bushings and then check for looseness of the arm on the transmission that the shift linkages connect too. With the other arms in neutral you should feel a definite detent in the center position and positive snapping into the 1 or 2 positions.



If this feels sloppy, tighten it down (it's a 6 or 7mm allen key, IIRC). If you have to do this twice, you might try Locktite 290 (green locktite) which is a wicking thread locker, it penetrates into assembled screws, up to 1/2".



If you take the capscrew out the insides shift and it's hard to get back in without dropping the transmission or drilling a hole in the transmission tunnel.

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CC: NSA

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82 Benz 240 D, Kuan Yin
12 Ford Escape 4wd

You're four times

It's hard to

more likely to

concentrate on

have an accident

two things

when you're on

at the same time.

a cell phone.

www.kiva.org It's not like there's anything wrong with feeling good, is there?

Can the shift handle be moved fore and aft into positions 1 & 2 without engaging the gears, OR, is the motion of the shift handle blocked from moving into positions 1 & 2?

Sounds like you are getting good advice. I'd check the shift rod bushings first, the shifter bushing next, and suspect the actual transmission last.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.