5 Speed Wont Shift in to Reverse

[ShapeShifter]

Van has been running great. I used it for some around town errands this weekend then parked it. Went to move it today and it doesn't want to shift in to reverse. Seems like the clutch isn't disengaging enough and it wants to grind gears. Can you adjust these clutches?

[Burntboot]

Sorry SS, no adjustment.
Its a hydraulic clutch (self adjusting)

If you've lost or losing pedal you likely have a leak.
Start with bleeding the slave, sometimes that is enough to buy some time but you can be fairly sure the its time to get into overhauling the clutch hydraulic system.
Slave is easy, master not so much but not horrid either.
Lots of threads, too.

[Gareth]

There is, however, an adjustment for the clutch pedal, which may or may not help you. It helped me, but I couldn't for the life of me figure it out on my own, but a transmission shop adjusted it for me (honest shop too, since I was ready for a rebuild of the transmission). The other thing that helps me too, is shifting into 2nd before reverse (clutch in, go into 2nd, then reverse before releasing the clutch). 2nd and reverse are on the same synchro from what I understand.

[Burntboot]

If you are referring to the rod between the pedal and the master, it does indeed have an adjuster on it.
It is so that you can set the correct push rod length.
This is done at the factory, the only other time you would change that would be if you changed masters.

Making an adjustment there, when no new parts have been installed, is only masking a problem, not solving it.
**The caveat would be, unless someone messed with it prior and an "adjustment" puts it back to factory spec.

I have seen well meaning adjustments (done by "professionals") that end up causing a slight preload on the master in the same way resting your foot against the edge of the pedal will (aka riding the clutch)
This will accelerate disc wear, so it is important it be set correctly.
Far too many people see the jam nut and just assume its something that should be adjusted.

Properly diagnosing the issue and actioning it accordingly, is still the best option for a long term, breakdown free TV experience.
If everything is set up properly and operating correctly, there should be no need to do the 2nd gear sync routine

[ShapeShifter]

Thanks for all the input. Luckily, this must have been a fluke because it is working properly now. It happened that one time when it was cold but I don't know why that would effect the clutch. I have no leeks inside near pedal and only what looks like "normal" years-old seeping near the slave. Anyway, its all good for now. :thmbup:

[Gareth]

If you are referring to the rod between the pedal and the master, it does indeed have an adjuster on it.
It is so that you can set the correct push rod length.
This is done at the factory, the only other time you would change that would be if you changed masters.


Ah, well, in my case, that makes sense, since I had to have it done after having the master cylinder changed.