Runs but wont move, tranny?

[89lx2.3]

hi, I have a 66 with the I6 and 3spd manual. the car was sitting for probably about 4 years before I bought it and this past weekend I got it running again. I was going to pull it out of the garage, just to straighten up a bit and sweep under it, and when I put the car in gear and let out the clutch it shakes a bit (not badly) then stalls out, but doesnt move at all. I checked the rearend by jacking it up and the rear wheels spin freely, and if i turn the driveshaft by hand the wheels turn with no problem in both directions.

One other thing is that the shifter handle is loose on the mount (about 1/8" of play in it) I cannot tighten the bolts any further, so i am thinking it may be the wrong handle. Also when shifting to reverse or 2nd the shifter handle makes contact with the opening in the body, i dont think it has enough room to fully get into reverse. any ideas what could be wrong?

 

[golf4283]

try revving the engine to an RPM range where it wont fall out when ur letting off the clutch. Maybe the engine is just too weak righ tnow to handle the pressure and if u give it some gas you can catch it.

 

[89lx2.3]

I have tried this, even at what seemed far excessive rpms and it still just shakes and stalls (although not at fast as if i tried letting out at lower rpms.) tried this in both 1st and reverse with the same result and no movement of the car.

A friend of mine was working on a vette that got the tranny stuck in 1st and reverse at the same time somehow, is this possible with this transmission? It is sorta seeming like it is acting the same way the vette was.

thanks!

 

[golf4283]

hmmm Im stumped on this one. I guess u might wait for tomorrow for another response. I wish I had more experience with the manuals of this age but I probably never will since Im going to be using a t-5 in my project. sorry man and good luck.

 

[10secgoal]

Dunno. But if it was stuck in first and rev, you wouldn't be able to turn the driveshaft.

 

[Lswhat]

i have heard of the three spds getting caught in 2 gears before but i would have to also agree that i dont believe the driveshaft would turn

 

[89lx2.3]

Hmmmmm maybe I have gotten it unstuck by yankin on the shifter so much since I last tried to move it... I havent tried since then. Ill take another look at it when i am off tomorrow... can any damage be done to the clutch/pressure plate/throwout bearing because it sat so long? I plan on rebuilding the engine but i dont really want to pull it just yet.

also, what about the excess play in the shifter, this is not normal is it? is there some kind of spacer that is supposed to be in there? I can see the shaft in the middle slide over when shifting to 1 and R like it is supposed to.

Thanks!