Maine90q

Just picked up a dead cheap 89 100Q, and while I dont see this as an official 100 forum, it is pretty darn close to a 5000s. I bought it with starting issues which I have worked through (bad ECT and ignition switch) but now driving it is wonky to get into 3rd, and harder to keep it there. All the other gears hold okay, but 1-3-5 seems like a really short throw. 3rd is the worst, grinding syncros. Wondering if this is an inherent issue or if a selector bushing kit might be the answer or a more common issue. I was always under the impression the 5K/100/200 trannies are pretty bulletproof. This one has 120K on it and seems to have been cared for and driven lightly (except for the PO being a heavy smoker, all that mess is cleaned up)

yodasfro

The 100q uses an 01A not the more robust 016 found in the 5kq and 200q
The 01A is known for having issues with the syncros wearing causing hard shifting. The shifter bushing/linkage is much different than that of the 016 equipped cars. There are DIY ways of stiffing the shifter bushing but this may only bandaid/mask the problem.
EFIexspress also sells a solid bushing for this.http://www.efiexpress.com/catalog/pr...products_id=57
I would try changing the gear oil before anything. Also check the tranny mounts if they are bad they can make shifting difficult. For gear oil
I'd use one of the following factory G50 fuchs titan sinto fluid 75w80 or motul gear 300.

Maine90q

great, good to know. I am going to skip shift 2-4 until I have it figured out so I dont chip up some soft syncros in there. Tranny/engine mounts are all very good. I do hear some slop in the linkage when car is off and rowing through the box

Maine90q

figured out. It was a quart low. Drained and refilled with redline, now all is well in the world. The rear mount is soft too and that could have contributed. should be perfect after swapping that out