T-18 Hard to Shift ! Repair cost ?

Moonen · #1 03-07-2005, 12:47 PM

My T-18 Borg-Warner is getting harder and harder to pull into gear. I"m probably going to pull the trans. and take it to Florida Powertrain for a rebuild. It has over 116K miles, 95% in the city.
Any one attempt rebuilding one themselves?

Moonen

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WVtrucker · #2 03-08-2005, 11:22 AM

Harder to get into every gear or just 1st and R? That could just indicate a clutch problem. If it is slop in the shifter it could just be worn pins in the linkage. I havent' seen too many T18's need rebuilding. They are pretty tough.

my 2 cents

Moonen · #3 03-09-2005, 07:31 AM

Low(1st) and Reverse will grind, unless(at a stop) I pull it down into 2nd, then quickly move to Reverse or Low. 2nd has a bit of resistance, but there doesn't seem to be any real slop in there. It seems as though the gears are still turning when I try to get into Low or Reverse. I'm told that Low and Reverse are straight cut gears and are not synchronized. Synchros wear out especially with alot of city miles, correct? I assumed that's why 2nd is tough to get lined up. 3rd and 4th are good.

What should I look for in a clutch problem? It doesn't slip, but it can be a little chattery when starting out in 2nd.
I tow a small boat (1000lbs) two or three times a week, and have for several years so it does get a minor workout.

Shawn

WVtrucker · #4 03-09-2005, 07:09 PM

Well if it is a 92 chances are it has a hydrolic clutch right? Unlike the old days when you could tell by pedal travel you don't have that luxury. It can get really really close to worn out before it will slip noticeably. Anyway another thing you should check (if it's hydrolic) is the fluid level and the slave cylinder. Check for leaks on the slave. If it is for some strange reason cable or linkage clutch (I thought those were discontinued in the 80's but could be wrong) you can always try and adjust the linkage. The shudder is likely from a weak pressure plate. When they get weak, they can't decide whether to be in or out so to speak at the point of engagement. As far as the clutch wear, it is really tough if not impossible to actually see the clutch disk. Maybe someone else would have a better feel for checking that. I usually just try and get it to slip. Lug it down in 4th going up a hill and tromp it. Watch the tach really close and see if it rises smoothly or jerks up. If it is bad enough you should be able to feel it.

Hamlin · #5 11-21-2008, 09:24 AM

A t-18 is not syncronized in first. First is a slip gear and is also reverse. First and reverse are one in the same. In '92 it is definatly a hydrolic clutch and sound like it needs replacing. Im only talking about replacing the linkage. Replace the clutch master cylinder, line, and slave cylinder all at once. Don't attempt to replace just one part, it won't work no matter who tells you it will.
I can tell you that I VERY highly doubt the transmission needs any work. I have on with 830,000 miles on it and it is cherry after pulling a 10,000# trailer on a daily basis since 1981. Hydrolic clutch linkages are nice but need replacing every 50,000 miles or so in my experience.