TKO-600 5 spd does not shift

[vstol]

I got a TKO-600 5 spd from American Powertrain trans a few years back for my project. Well I finally got to bleed the hydraulic bearing today and the car does not shift into gears. In fact when I first got it home and installed I could barley get it into gear sitting on the frame, they said that would be ok. Well the car is finished and I am ready to get going but I am totally stopped. I will contact American Power Train tomorrow but in the mean time looking for some serious help. Thanks

[bulldog19]

i had similar issue with tko600 and the pressure plate was stuck as a result of the car sitting. I found that letting engine run and getting up to operating temp it would free itself

[vstol]

i had similar issue with tko600 and the pressure plate was stuck as a result of the car sitting. I found that letting engine run and getting up to operating temp it would free itself

It has been sitting for a while but I have at least 50 start ups in the last 6-7 months to operating temperatures. Thanks

[rustomatic]

This may sound hokey, but can you get the car rolling, then push on the shifter? (This assumes that you've got your driveshaft hooked up.) A transmission's inner parts like to move--if you do this right, no manual transmission needs a clutch for anything other than getting going. If you get rolling, you don't need the clutch to get into gear--first gear won't require much speed at all. Every gear has a road speed where it will just slip into gear (and out) with little (some) resistance (and no clutch disengagement). You also will not need much force at all; this is not a suggestion to apply violence . . .

TKOs and T5zs can be very sticky when new. Industrial boxes can be so much worse . . .

[vstol]

Thanks its on jacks right now but I will keep that in mind.

[Vegas69]

They don't shift worth a damn when they work right either. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

[Flash68]

They don't shift worth a damn when they work right either. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

I was waiting for that post!

[vstol]

That's what I was waiting for as well. Too late now, but it should shift with no engine start ie: while just sitting there correct? I spent a very long time setting up the hydraulic clutch so it frustrating. The car is on jacks so I am wondering if and when I sit it down it might break the pressure plate away if that's the issue. It will have resistance then.

[vstol]

I spoke with American Power Train and they said I need to remove the cover and ensure the linkage is all in the neutral position. That looks like I will need to cut my tunnel and maybe my dash. I have not walked out to the garage to take a look as I might get to pissed off

[Vegas69]

You should be able to shift it sitting there. Especially with the clutch pedal pushed in. You can have someone depress the pedal and check for air gap on the clutch. Take a .020 feeler gauge and see if it will fit. I don't recall, but I think the TKO 600 likes .060 of air gap for best shifting. Bottom line, with an air gap, the trans should shift. I do recall one other person having a two 600 get stuck in gear. Maybe it's related.

I put carbon fiber synchros, shifter, and adjusted the air gap, I still wasn't happy with mine. They are strong and it may suit you fine. They just don't shift quickly and at high rpm well.

[rustomatic]

TKO woes have been discussed at length elsewhere. The following link might provide some insight (get wheels rolling): http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/vintage-mustang-forum/632973-new-tremec-tko-600-won-t-go-into-gear-even-engine-off.html.

[JKnight]

When a bunch of these were getting installed back in 07-09, I could swear I remember people having to rock the car, in-gear, engine off, until it came unstuck. Issue happens during shipping. Would try that before you cut anything.

I don't mind my TKO shifting, but it's no T56 and it's better than the M21 4-speed I had before. I bought it for the overdrive, and that's the benefit I got from it.

[vstol]

Thanks I remember setting the linkage to neutral before so I am not sure. All great ideas keep them coming.,

My build has been dormant for a while as I was adding an addition to my home. http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=44704

[vstol]

TKO woes have been discussed at length elsewhere. The following link might provide some insight (get wheels rolling): http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/vintage-mustang-forum/632973-new-tremec-tko-600-won-t-go-into-gear-even-engine-off.html.

Thanks for the article same symptoms as the Mustang owner to include only getting it into second. getting it only into second which is my case.

[vstol]

You should be able to shift it sitting there. Especially with the clutch pedal pushed in. You can have someone depress the pedal and check for air gap on the clutch. Take a .020 feeler gauge and see if it will fit. I don't recall, but I think the TKO 600 likes .060 of air gap for best shifting. Bottom line, with an air gap, the trans should shift. I do recall one other person having a two 600 get stuck in gear. Maybe it's related.

I put carbon fiber synchros, shifter, and adjusted the air gap, I still wasn't happy with mine. They are strong and it may suit you fine. They just don't shift quickly and at high rpm well.

How do I test for the air gap of the clutch

[Vegas69]

Have someone press the clutch pedal, then climb under the car and see if the .020 feeler gauge will slide between the clutch and pressure plate or flywheel. If it does, you know your clutch is being disengaged. That leaves it to internal transmission issues.

[Josh@Ridetech]

They don't shift worth a damn when they work right either. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

I love mine. It's not exactly a stock internal TKO though... lol

[vstol]

Got it figured out, I needed to re-bleed (2 more times)and adjust the shaft for the clutch and it finally shifts!! :thankyou: