'65 clutch adjustment

[Michael G.]

I've got a minor issue with clutch adjustment. When the '65 327-250 car first starts, often any attempt to shift into reverse is met with grinding. Throughout my history, I usually address this on any C2 car by adjusting the clutch, but, with this car that does not help. Once the car is driven or warms up, though, this doesn't occur any longer. I have plenty of adjustment left on the rod, so I'm wondering if the standard procedure is just not adequate on this car (or maybe its a trans issue?)

Anyone got any ideas, suggestions?

[Leif A.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Michael,
Before attempting reverse, initially shift between first and second gear once or twice and then engage reverse...I think you'll find this resolves your issue.

[Joe L.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Michael,
Before attempting reverse, initially shift between first and second gear once or twice and then engage reverse...I think you'll find this resolves your issue.

Leif and Mike-----


Yup! I started doing that more than 50 years ago.

[Michael G.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Thanks guys, I long-ago learned to shift to neutral and let the clutch out, before trying reverse, which usually resolves it, but its still happening...so I'll try the 1-2 shift...

[Michael H.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Always shift into 2nd gear then go into reverse. Years ago I read this in a owners manual or service manual as it stops the idle gear from spinning which causes the grinding noise.

Mike

[Leif A.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Thanks guys, I long-ago learned to shift to neutral and let the clutch out, before trying reverse, which usually resolves it, but its still happening...so I'll try the 1-2 shift...

Michael,
Just to clarify, start the car in neutral, depress the clutch and shift into first gear and then down to second gear and then into reverse...all of this without releasing the clutch between gears...the shifter will slide into reverse like a hot knife through butter.

[Michael G.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Thanks guys, I followed your direction this morning and sure enough, the shifter slid right into reverse with no problem. Never had to do this before with any of my C2s, but there's first time for everything.

[Duke W.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Reverse is a non-synchronized sliding spur gear. The procedure referred to in other posts is called "clearing the gears". The procedure was taught to me in the late 1950s by a neighbor on his '50 Chevy. Before engaging first you always engaged second briefly, which stopped the clutch gear and countershaft to allow the non-synchronized sliding first gear to engage without clash.

Excess clutch linkage free play can exacerbate the problem by not fully disengaging the clutch, so make sure the clutch is properly adjusted for either the standard or fast linkage settings, whichever one you have.

Duke

[Michael G.]

Re: '65 clutch adjustment

Thanks Duke, the clutch adjustment was first thing I tried, to no avail. The "clearing" seems to work OK, though, so I'm good.