Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard shifting NV4500 after OFE install

[Sandifer]

NV4500 is hard to get into second sometimes and always hard to get into reverse. Any ideas?

 

[JGK]

While I can't really offer you a specific remedy, I can tell you that you are not alone!



The exact same problem happend to me after installing a dual disc clutch in January of last year. I fought it until this June, when the clutch started slipping (prematurely). I pulled the clutch and returned in to SouthBend at Peter's request. He sent me a new one. But there was no discussion or consideration as to why the transmission was difficult to shift. Only that it wore out early. In any case, while the transmission was out I had it rebuilt by some local guys, which included new bearings and syncros. Since then, it shifts much easier now. Not like it did before all this, but much better. So I can't say whether the rebuild or the new clutch made the difference, or it was a combination.



During the time of the problem, everyone suggested it was a tight or mis-aligned pilot bearing which was causing the input shaft to continue to spin a little. But when I pulled the clutch in June, the bearing was smooth and square in the flwywheel. No indication of a problem there.



So it may be that the only solution is to pull the transmission and clutch again. Check the pilot bearing, and maybe consider having the transmission rebuilt, depending on the mileage. Mine had about 125K on it. The problem never got any worse or any better during the time the original dual disc clutch was in. I really got to hating my 5 speed during that time.



-Jay

 

[Sandifer]

When I had my OFE installed I also had the trans rebuilt. This has only been about 5k miles ago. Install occured about 11 months ago. Since diesel prices are so high I don't drive the truck very much. I am hoping it isn't a synchro problem. It shifts into all gears except 1st,2nd,and reverse fairly smooth. No grinding. Getting into reverse is enough to drive you mad. I usually have to go from 3rd to 4th to 5th to reverse to get it to go in.

 

[Highfinance97]

Getting into reverse is enough to drive you mad. I usually have to go from 3rd to 4th to 5th to reverse to get it to go in.

I have a southbend 3850DD and i put it in along with a new NV4500. when i go to shift in reverse its almost like i dont even have the clutch in and thetruck lurches. So before i put it in reverse i put it in second and it goes in smoothly





Michael

 

[CEdwards]

Mine does the exact same thing. It kinda comes and goes, seems to be worse after warming up. It never did it before and a few weeks ago it just started suddenly, sometimes nearly impossible to get it in second without rolling the truck or turning it off. I was going to pull it and check everything out but if the pilot bearing may not be the problem then maybe I'll wait.

 

[Sandifer]

seems like there would be a easy way to tell what it is.

 

[Dr.Bob]

On a trip frist and reverse froze up, babyed it until I got to my dest. changed trany oil to RP drove it about 30 miles and everything cleared up. Don't know what froze it up prob hasn't come back.

 

[WDaniels]

After I put my OFE in I had the same problem. Installed it and ran great for two weeks then got so bad that to shift into gear I had to turn the engine off. Then when I started it again it would creep. After about a month it quit and has been fine ever since. As an after note, I talked several times to Peter at SB and he said that if at anytime I wasn't satisfied, to send it back and he would replace it. Can't beat that.

WD