Hey all,

Recently bought a 87 4000S and I love the car, but it seems to have a few quirks. Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate any help with....

1) Shifting from first to second to third always seems to grind going from one gear to another. Third to fourth, then fourth to fifth is fine and silky smooth. What gives? Is there bushings in the gear shift that may be worn?

2) Radiator fan wires came off the the prongs. How the hell does it go back on? There are two wires and three metal prongs. Which wire goes to which prong?

3) Makes a loud TAP TAP TAP TAP noise, sounds like it coming from inside the engine. Please don't tell me the engine needs to be replaced....

4) Had a flat and the Audi/VW mini-spare tire bolt pattern was a little bit bigger than the cars pattern(wouldn't fit). That was a nice surprise. Anyone hear of that happening?

Thanks!

The Grinding problem may be caused by an old clutch clevis pin. Its about a $100 to have it drilled out and replaced by a certified mechanic, a bit tricky to mess with yourself. If this is the case, the clutch petal may have about a 1/2" of give before you feel it engaging.

I had a similar tappet noise in my 87.5 CGT. (254,000mls) Checking and adding oil frequently solved it. Sometime soon the car is going to need either an engine conversion, rebuild, or to straight replacement.

Well...somebody shoot me if im wrong, but the "tap tap tap" is more than likely your lifters. Check your oil level, and add some if necessary, or if you havnt changed the oil yet, change the oil and filter. As for the other things, im of course, clueless, heh. Hope that helps

Mike
85 4000S

1) Grinding...probably a worn out syncro, just like in my old CGT trans. You can try going to synthetic gear oil, but it didn't do squat for me. I don't think it's the clevis, as it would cause the problem in every gear, IMHO. Shifter bushings will improve feel, but probably do nothing for the grinding problem. To see pics of the two types of shifters used, visit my web pages.

2) Dunno.

3) Coming from the top part of the engine? Those damn lifters. Look down a couple threads to read all about it. They are annoying, but really don't do any damage. Fresh oil usually shuts them up for awhile.

4) Probably a 4x108 vs. 4x100 pattern. I would think you have the 108mm pattern, but maybe not? If it's the 100mm, it is shared by countless other cars so you can easily get one at the junkyard. If it's 108mm, Fords and some Saabs share that pattern.

mine does that also, but once it "warms" up it no longer grinds the gears, and if its cold outside its really bad. just don't try to hold it in or you'll mess it up like what happened when i got pissed off at my old 4 speed.