47 frazer popping out of 1st gear

[sscjwl]

Hello all, i am new here, so thanks for the invite! I have just recently acquired a 47 Frazer from my dad. I am anxious to get it road worthy. It runs great and i just finished up redoing the whole brake system. The issue i am having now is that, when i shift into first gear and try to roll forward, the shifter pops out of gear. I am assuming that it is some type of linkage adjustment, but i was wanting to get some advice from anyone that may have had this issue before. Any help would be great. Thanks in advance!!

[joefrazer]

Your problem is not uncommon and is due to one of two things. Either the linkage is out of adjustment or the synchronizers are worn. I would try adjusting the linkage first. That can be done by placing the transmission in neutral, then remove the rods from the transmission. At the base of the steering column there's a bracket next to the shift arms that has a guide hole. Using a 1/4 drill bit push it thru the hole in the bracket...it should also slide thru holes or slots in the shift arms. Leaving the drill bit in place, try to reattach the shift rods to the transmission. Adjust the clevises at the transmission so they reattach easily. Remove the drill bit.

If this doesn't help, then the transmission probably needs internal service.

[sscjwl]

Thank you so much! if, after adjusting the linkage...if that doesn't work, are the synchronizers something that is easily replaced without having to have the transmission rebuilt?

[sscjwl]

I just noticed that this shift arm is not stationary in relation to the shaft. It this supposed to be fixed to the shifter shaft? I am able to move it freely without the shaft moving. I don’t see any way to tighten it to the shaft.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Sounds like you also need the blue cover (1947-1949) Kaiser-Frazer Shop Manual.  It has a whole section on transmission linkage, other transmission adjustments and a diagnostic section.  Of course, the book covers the rest of the car as well.  There is no substitute for good factory-issued service information for any K-F product as a guide for other types of repairs that may be needed over time.

[superk226]

The upper shift arm, which is low and reverse, is not connected to the shaft until the gear shift lever is pulled up to shift into low or reverse. Follow the procedure that joe outlined in the above post. Low and reverse do not have synchronizers and there are no adjustments that can be made inside the transmission.

[sscjwl]

The upper shift arm, which is low and reverse, is not connected to the shaft until the gear shift lever is pulled up to shift into low or reverse. Follow the procedure that joe outlined in the above post. Low and reverse do not have synchronizers and there are no adjustments that can be made inside the transmission.

Thank you all for the great advice! this is exactly what i need to kmow. The manual doesn't specifically say.

[ldladyvt]

You said you could move that 'arm' without the shaft it is on moving also.  I do not have experience with the 47-49 cars (we're51-54), but it would seem to me that there would either be a clamp like bolt set up to hold it in place (a round hole with a round shaft going through it would just spin) or, like a brake drum maybe a key and groove hold it in place.  With that being the low/reverse arm you may have enough play that when shifting into 1st gear (low) it's not fully engaging.  Check that SHop/or parts book found in circlekf where they show a blow-up drawing of all the parts.  It is free as  a guest and if that's the problem then you'll still have the adjustment step to do and then you'll know for sure if the trouble is inside.  And yes that can be a messy job.  Parts are available, a vender in California sells rebuilt trans for very reasonable prices.  Bob Dayton, Vermont