Just recently converted my cutlass to a 4 speed. So far i have about a thousand miles on it and i have had to adjust the clutch slightly 3 times. Is it normal to have to make a few adjustments when breaking in a new clutch? Also when the transmission gets warm it will sometimes grind slightly when going into 3rd gear. Doesnt do it every time, just usually at higher speeds. I am positive that the clutch is fully releasing as it shifts into all the other gears as well as reverse smoothly without any grinding. It is a freshly rebuilt m20 that had zero miles when i installed it.

 

I used to adjust the clutch on my gto regularly. You should check all components from pedal to fork for wear. Bushings and linkage can wear over time. Also incorrect shifter adjustment or wear can cause problems. good luck youtube has some good videos for shifter/clutch adjustmen

 

Adjust clutch so that there is 1 inch of free play at the top of the pedal travel.

 

It doesn't sound like the clutch.


Did it get a full rebuild including syncros? Mine does exactly what yours does and I think it's the syncros or the shift rods binding slightly.

 

It was fully rebuilt by a guy who came highly recommended for muncies. I adjusted the shift rods perfectly, but my original hurst shifter does have some slop in it, im not sure if that would cause the grinding.

 

Since the symptoms are more prevalent after warming up, It could be a bad pilot bushing. Many aftermarket clutch kits come with pilot bushings made of steel vs oil impregnated bronze and they tend to drag when heat expanded causing the pilot shaft to continue to turn at engine rpm vs free wheeling.

A broken throwout bearing spring retainer on the clutch fork can create your symptoms also.

 

Why only third gear? I'm interested as well because I've rebuilt my shifter and put a new clutch, pilot bearing and throw out bearing in and it still has a tendency to grind into third on a hard shift. I wasn't doing any of the above to specifically address that problem but it didn't help either.

 

if it was the pilot bushing wouldnt it be difficult to get into reverse as well? Also i did buy an oilite bronze bushing from autogear so i doubt it would have failed so quickly especially since i dial indicated the bellhousing.

 

I'm no expert. Just relating issues that I've encountered with my clutches/trans over the years.
These 2 guys are the experts and they have great reputations for customer service:
http://jodystransmissions.com/

http://www.5speeds.com/