My 86GT, with 4 speed, has a tendency to make a grinding sound as I shift into reverse. It doesn't do it all the time, but usually does when it's cold. When it does happen, it happens as I shift it into reverse; once it's in reverse it's fine.

TIA
John

It's not disengaging far enough.

Reverse has no synchro

Shifting into first before putting in reverse should keep it from grinding

Yes, just shift it into 1st gear before going into reverse... works everytime.

quote Originally posted by RideZiLightning: Reverse has no synchro Shifting into first before putting in reverse should keep it from grinding

quote Originally posted by The Aura: Yes, just shift it into 1st gear before going into reverse... works everytime.

Sure, but would that be necessary if the clutch was disengaging properly?

Yes, my car has had the clutch not releasing properly and subsequently fully releasing and the reverse gear synchro problem is still there with it fully releasing, although lessened a bit.

I use 2nd to clear mine through. The reverse has no synchro gears and that is the basic problem with the tranny. That said, the 3.65 Muncie is a good and strong gear box.

Arn

quote Originally posted by RideZiLightning: Reverse has no synchro Shifting into first before putting in reverse should keep it from grinding

Yep, this is what everyone usually does. Any gear will work, but first is the closest to reverse to use.

quote Originally posted by Patrick: Sure, but would that be necessary if the clutch was disengaging properly?

With the car running put the shifter into a forward gear. Then put it in neutral for a few seconds before putting it into reverse. If there is any drag it will grind.

Most all manual transmissions are the same. Generally you need to put them in a forward gear before you put them into reverse.

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quote Originally posted by Rodney: If there is any drag it will grind.

That was my original point.

quote Originally posted by Rodney: With the car running put the shifter into a forward gear. Then put it in neutral for a few seconds before putting it into reverse. If there is any drag it will grind. Most all manual transmissions are the same. Generally you need to put them in a forward gear before you put them into reverse.

This was true back in the 80s with Reverse un-synchronized. This won't work on the Isuzu if you try shifting from 5th into reverse. It locks you out from doing that.

I'm guessing you start the car in neutral and then let the clutch up, not go directly to reverse

The input shaft is still turning from inertia when you go to put it into reverse

Putting it in another gear stops the trans from turning

If you start the car in 1st (which you should be parking it like that anyway) with the clutch depressed, you won't get the grind

or just shift into another gear before reverse


It isn't a symptom of your clutch malfunctioning

It's got a brand-new clutch and I'm sure the clutch pedal isn't bent so I know clutch system is not the culprit, despite the leak I've yet to find. But I top off the clutch master cylinder every other day and it never goes below the "fill" line, so I know that's not the problem. You're right about my parking habits, RideZiLightning, I leave it in neutral and just use the e-brake to avoid using the clutch pedal as much as possible because of the leak. I tried shifting into reverse from a forward gear (first gear) and it went smooth and quietly.

Thanks everyone.

Both my '86 4-speed and my Dad's '85 4-speed both do this. If you start the car with the clutch in, and hold it in until you need to move, it won't grind. However, if you start the car with the clutch in, let it out in neutral and wait a moment it will grind when you go to try to reverse.

Why did everyone find it necessary to reiterate what I said? lol

Get your leak figured out and good luck to you bro