Drive Line

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The most common cause of Opel transmission failure, is internal burn-out following oil leaks, caused by improper installation. Regularly check fluid levels, and regasket and re-seal transmissions when there are known leaks. If a "thump" is felt when accelerating from a stop, inspect or replace the torque tube "donut" bushing and upper stop, and if a "howl" is heard at 40-50 miles per hour, inspect the differential and refill to proper level with 140 weight gear oil. Available transmission upgrades include the bolt-on European GETRAG 5-speed, for quieter, improved performance at highway speeds.




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July/Aug 2007	Opel Clutch Fork & Clutch Cable Adjustments (1 page, illustrated)
May/June 2007	4-speed Shift Knobs (1 page, illustrated) Compares 1968-1972 GT, 1973 GT, and Mantas
May/June 2007	5-speed GETRAG "Short Shifter" modification (3 pages, illustrated)GT, Manta & Kadett B
May/June 2007	5-speed GETRAG shifter modifications (5 pages, illustrated) Separate sections for GT & Manta
Sept 2002	Transmission Synchro, 1 page Synchro interchange, between Opel 4-speed and Fiero 5-speed.
Sept 1998	Clutch cable breaking, 1 page (illustration) Dennis G. urges inspection, and if necessary repair, of cable hook area at top of clutch pedal.
March 1998	Clutch slipping, 1 page Mentions to check clutch cable adjustment first, before pulling clutch.
March 1998	Transmission Fluid Loss, 1 page Response is the most common cause (in a 4 speed manual transmission) is improper installation of the "front gasket" between bellhousing and trans, usually caused by not using gasket sealer and not tightening the lower passenger-side bolt. Where leaks exist, trans should be re-gasketed and resealed properly, as running without oil will burn out the 4th gear synchro.
Feb 1998	Internet tech tips: clutch e-clip replacement, 1 page Suggests locating a 1" wide heater hose clamp behind the "e-clip" at the firewall on the clutch cable, to help prevent the e-clip from popping off, and to use as a backup (in an emergency). Vice Grips will also do in an emergency.
Jun 1997	Draining the differential, 1/4 page Gil W. suggests removing lowest bolt, to drain rear axle oil.
Oct 1996	Clutch cable repair; 1/2 page Russ S. suggests to cover split cable housing, with 3/4" heat shrink tubing.
Feb 1996	Clutch Cable E-Clip replacement
Dec 1995	Draining gear oil from 1971-75 4-speed gearboxes
Dec 1995	Removal of gearbox to bellhousing bolts
Aug 1995	Opel 5-Speed Transmission Installations "A Very Good Gear"; 2 pages illustrations)
Aug 1995	U-Joint Angles; 1 page (illustration)
March 1995	Clutch/Transmission Tech Tips; 1 page (illustrations)
March 1995	Transmission Shifter Shaft Seal Replacement Tip; 1 page (illustration)
March 1995	Converting a GT to a Manual Transmission, List of Parts Required; 1 page
March 1995	Converting a GT to an Automatic Transmission, List of Parts Required; 1 page
Aug 1992	Clutch Cable Installation; 1 page (illustration)
March 1991	Lightened Flywheel (Letter & Reply); 1 page
March 1990	Lightened Flywheel for the 1.9 Liter Engine Tips; 1 page (illustration)
April 1989	Reply to Letter about Rear Axle Noise Diagnosis, 1 page Describes conditions possible to diagnose rear axle noise; Noises only on turns indicates worn axle or carrier bearings, high pitched whine starting at very low speeds indicates worn pinion bearings, and a noise when coasting 40-50mph (in neutral, with no acceleration) indicates worn ring and pinion gears.
April 1989	Reply to Letter Comparing Chevy Vega/Luv to Opel Transmissions; 1 page Notes that the Chevy/Isuzu 4 speed manual transmission will not bolt into an Opel, but that some internal components will swap over to Opel.
April 1988	Gear Oil Change, Transmission & Rear Axle; 1 page Roger L. suggests Kendall 80-85-140W "three star"gear oil, and states that removing the lower center bolt is the best method of draining the rear axle, while removing the oil pan is the best method of draining oil from the 1968-1970 "early style" Opel manual transmission. (The later 1971-1975 Opel manual transmissions can be more easily drained by unscrewing and removing the cylindrical rear-mounted reverse switch. Oil refill capacity for the rear axle is 2 1/4 pints, and another 2 1/4 pints will refill the manual transmission.
Dec 1986	Torque Tube Upper Bumper Tip, 1 page (illustrated) Roger L. suggests installing a front suspension bump stop bushing (cut back about 1/2") at top of torque tube 'donut' for better torque joint.
Dec 1986	Bellhousing Part Tip (GT & Manta's Not Interchangeable); 1 page Rick G. notes that the bellhousing from a manual transmission Manta/Ascona will not work in a GT, as the angle of outlet for the clutch arm is different, and the cable connection will jam the end of the arm into the tunnel area.
Dec 1985	Gearshift Rattle at High RPM's Solution; 1 page Notes the internal reverse actuator cable needs adjustment, to stop gear knob rattle.
Nov 1985	Transmission & Clutch Replacement Tips; 1 page Tom E. suggests replacing the front transmission seal, transmission-to-bellhousing gasket, and pilot bearing during a clutch job.


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