<VV> Sticking Blocker Rings

Mon Aug 25 09:49:10 EDT 2014

Another thing that would be wort trying is a conversation with the 
people at Red Line Lubricants <http://www.redlineoil.com/>.  I've talked 
with them several times and they have always given me great advice.  
They specialize in high end lubrication products for racing and other 
demanding applications.  Nice guys, very knowledgeable tech support 
folks.  --J.B.

Karl Haakonsen (cityhawk--- via VirtualVairs wrote:
> I don't claim to have much knowledge with Corvair manual transmissions, or the appropriateness of using ATF in them, but thought I could offer some knowledge from my Saturn experience.
>   
> Saturn S series cars use ATF in their manual transaxles.Be sure not to use higher than Dexron III as it is thinner and not appropriate for manual transmissions (for example Dexron VI is not good for manuals).  I use Amsoil Torque Drive in mine, though I understand Castrol Transynd is the functional equivalent.
>   
> Karl in Boston
>   
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Evidently you don't have a totally unique problem, as Smitty had the same
> and Clark's had a ready suggestion on what to do (not do) about it.  I think
> the problem is with the part, not anything you might have done wrong.  At
> this point, I would be willing to try any far-fetched attempt at fixing it
> that doesn't require taking it out.
>
> Fluid changes:  I think either Hy-Tran or Mobil 1 are worth a try.  A third
> option came to mind, ATF.  Car manufacturers have used ATF in the past to
> "fix" an assortment of manual transmission problems.  I'm not sure which
> version of ATF I would try.  Pick one with an EP rating or ring and pinion
> problems will be next.  By the way, I believe the CORSA Tech Guide has an
> article that gives measurements to find the right place to drill a '64
> differential case for a drain plug.  The "right place" is where you can hit
> the bottom of the sump and miss the gears, bearings etc.
>
> Another probably bad idea:  I also thought about whether the problem could
> be cured by forcing some wear of the blocker ring, maybe getting it to seat
> more evenly.  The only idea I came up with to accomplish that is to get out
> on the road and shift it into third gear a few times with the clutch
> engaged.  Even with the engine speed fairly closely matched, engaging the
> gears will put a pretty good load on the ring.  I would probably try this
> first then change the fluid.  The question is whether you decide you have
> anything to loose by trying it.
>
> On being from Brocton:  Close but not quite.  I am originally from
> Forestville, moved away in 1975, been back for visits many times since.
> I've been to LaPorte's to pick up parts.  I believe there is/was another Jim
> Becker that actually lived in Brocton and that he was fairly close to my
> age.  I don't believe we ever met.  I could go on with other New
> York/Corvair stories, but they should probably go off-list.
>
> Jim Becker
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dennis dorogi
> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 7:00 AM
> To: Jim Becker ; virtualvairs at corvair.org
> Subject: Re:  Sticking Blocker Rings
>
> Thanks for the suggestion.  I hope the solution is in changing the gear oil
> as that is easier than removing the turbo engine even though there is no
> drain plug on the 64-65 transmissions.  And thanks to Smitty for mentioning
> that he has a similiar problem.  I think he knows how difficult it is for an
> nearly 80 year old to do this work on a turbo car.   Easier to shift from
> second to fourth!
>
> I didn't realize I had such a unique problem (darn).  I first noticed the
> problem when I was shifting the transmission when it was out of the car.  To
> lubricate everything a bit I squirted some oil (10-30wt) from my oil can and
> then while manually shifting it - well, sometimes it would not shift - and
> then noticed the sticking blocker rings - most of them.  I could gently pry
> the blocker rings loose from their mateing cones with a small screw driver
> and then the transmission would shift.  I decided the oil might be too thin
> so I cleaned it out the best I could with carb cleaner and then used the
> proper 85-90 oil  and that seemed to free up the blockers except for the
> third gear one which would occasionly stick.  I figured it would probably be
> OK when the gear oil was in splashing in the transmission. But it is really
> sticking in the car.
>
> I don't know what to do - I am tempted to put in some GL 5 Mobil one
> synthetic oil - or try Jim's solution, and see what happens -  The irony is
> that the blocker rings worked fine in the original transmission - why not in
> the replacement one?  Did I get them mixed up.  I don't think so but this
> old mind gets confused.  I sure wish I didn't change the blocker rings.
>
> Jim:  Are you the Jim Becker from the Brocton area - how do you know about
> LaPorte's in Westfield?  I am sorry for the late reply but our email server
> went down immediately after posting my email.
>
> Dennis Dorogi
> Brocton NY
>
>
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