Whats wrong with my Toploader?

[68conv4sp]

My Toploader (RUG) sometimes will not go into any gear except reverse. No grinding. It is as though gears 1-4 had stops on them. I put it into reverse several times to get it working. (using 80-90 Redline) Any ideas?

 

[dennis112]

My Toploader (RUG) sometimes will not go into any gear except reverse. No grinding. It is as though gears 1-4 had stops on them. I put it into reverse several times to get it working. (using 80-90 Redline) Any ideas?

Can you put it into gear when the motor is not running? If not then it could be a shifter issue. In that case, you should crawl under the car and remove a shift rod temporarily and see if you can get it into any gear.

 

[68conv4sp]

I haven't tried it with the motor off as I am usually panicking at an intersection or something. I'll try it. Thanks.

 

[jcode68]

Sounds like your shift linkage needs to be adjusted. I have done this on the 3 speed and it is similar for 4 speeds. Made a world of difference before and after on mine when I did it. I found this articel which describes the process and even has a nice picture. Good luck!

http://www.classictiger.com/techtips/toplodr/topldr.html

 

[D.Hearne]

I'd also replace the lube with regular gear oil. Toploaders and synthetics don't work welll together. Something like Pennzoil 85W-140 is what you need in there.

 

[68conv4sp]

JCode, thanks for the reference. It is excellent with pictures!

DHearne, I am surprised that the heavier weight hydrocarbon oil would be better. Does it change the way the synchros behave?

 

[gjz30075]

DHearne, I am surprised that the heavier weight hydrocarbon oil would be better. Does it change the way the synchros behave?

Yes, the syncros need friction to operate correctly and synthetics, at least is the recent past, are so slippery that the syncro can't do its job of bringing the next gear up to speed.

 

[D.Hearne]

JCode, thanks for the reference. It is excellent with pictures!

DHearne, I am surprised that the heavier weight hydrocarbon oil would be better. Does it change the way the synchros behave?

Ditto on what gjz30075 posted Yea, more drag on the syncros and gears. The Toploaders were designed well before synthetic lubes were used in cars. David Kee recommends against using synthetics as well. www.4speedtoploaders.com