Ax-15 hard to shift

[Hubb27]

Hi guys

71 with blue print 302 efi to new ax-15 with mechanical clutch complete kit from
Wild horses . Just over 1000 miles since done. Has become very hard to shift and grinds going into reverse. Can shift easily with bronco off and clutch pushed. After warm and driving having to force into gear. Clutch holds. Going to change the fuild
To red line. But wondering what else to look at or any tips on this

Thanks for any help or tips

 

[DirtDonk]

Sounds like the clutch is starting to drag. Double check your linkage and adjustment before you change the expensive fluid.

 

[DirtDonk]

I think it’s especially important since you’re still using mechanical linkage. Which is what I prefer as well, but the adjustment needs to be more precise on a diaphragm style clutch.

 

[JB Fab]

What lube do you have in it now?

 

[ntsqd]

My experience with the whole family of Aisin trans' has been that they will last a lot longer with a synthetic lubricant. But as JB asked, what do you have in it now?

 

[Hubb27]

not sure, called the shop and they don’t can’t remember has been over 6 months since they did the work , so I was going to be on the safe side and replace with the red line so I know for sure. Not much knowledge on how to adjust the clutch

thanks for all the tips and help

 

[ntsqd]

Do you by chance have a Centerforce clutch in there? I ran into exactly what you're describing with a G series Aisin trans (I think the AX-15 is an Aisin R series).

 

[Hubb27]

Yes it’s the center force 2 that came with the kit from wild horses. So the clutch is engaging about an 3 inch from the the floor and releasing in the same range. It seems to be more a hot or warm issue. Cold it working fine

 

[BOBS 2 68S]

I am running this oil in my AX15 https://www.advanceadapters.com/oil-ax15-red-line-mtl-75w80-gl-4-1-qt
Like Paul said the clutch adjustment is critical

 

[Hubb27]

If the clutch is dragging after it engages should I adjust the rod out or in if nothing it bent or misaligned ?

 

[DirtDonk]

Is the linkage all stock? If so, then the only adjustment would be the rod down at the clutch Fork. Then, yes, you would adjust it out/longer.
But it’s not just one thing. You have to make sure that everything is working with everything else. In other words, enough pedal travel, a fork, travel, enough play for the throw out bearing, etc.
If you’ve got other replacement parts, is the pedal rod adjustable?
And is the upper pedal eccentric bumper adjusted so that the pedal is at the right height? Or maybe even just a bit higher? To give you more travel?

And speaking of travel, do you have any floor covering that might be thick and limiting pedal travel?
Of course, you shouldn’t be relying on that last little fraction of pedal travel for disengagement, but I’ve seen it caused trouble. So it was worth asking.

None of that actually explains why it would work fine when cold and not when hot. That could very well be fluid/lubrication issue.
Haven’t personally seen it myself, but it sounds plausible.
Can’t think of anything in the linkage that would cause it. Or maybe the pressure plate itself?
Maybe the adjustment is right on the ragged edge, and whatever is changing after a drive is just enough to put it over that edge.

Anyway, it doesn’t hurt to go through a full adjustment setup, to make sure that you have enough clearance at the throwout bearing, and enough travel to disengage the clutch reliably.
Heck, maybe the bearing is dragging and heating up. I’ve seen stranger things!

 

[Hubb27]

Thanks guys, had time to actually take a close look and the jam nut had back off several turns and got everything nice tight and added a 2 more turns the the nuts , took her a long nice drive everything. Is nice right and sporty. The wife will be happy since it’s her daily , she hasn’t driven it since it happened. One more thing off the honey do list thanks agin