Hi all.

I've got a 1975 XJ6 that, all of a sudden, I cannot back up in. It just happened today, and I could get it to reverse sometimes and it would clunk in and out of gear, but wouldn't steadily reverse. It seems to go into gear because it doesn't roll forwards or backwards, but it doesn't do anything else.

Should I adjust the rear brake band? Currently I can see 3 full threads out... My book says it should only be out 3/4 of a turn. Tell me what you all think.

Thanks!

PS: I have a BW 65 transmission, and no, let's not turn this into a convert it to a GM350 thread.

 

Also, what happens if I take this nut and locknut out all the way? Will my transmission fall apart, leak fluid, etc.? I'd like to take it out, clean it, and set it outside of the car. Does anyone have a good exploded view of this?

 

check the fluid after fully warmed up, if low, add 1/3 of a bottle of Lucas Transmission Oil.

 

How low are we talking? I'm just trying to figure out reference points for it all. My dipstick says it has enough transmission fluid, but I guess some things lie.

 

are you checking the fluid cold or warmed? The dipstick has both readings, but I never trust the "cold" marks.

if the car has been sitting as opposed to being driven regularly, those symptoms start to happen. I prefer to check the obvious before starting to adjust here and there.

also look under the car while someone else shifts through the gears, PARK to REVERSE to NEUTRAL to 3 to 2 to 1 and viceversa.

 

I checked the fluid warm, it was about half way in between "Max" and "Min" on the cold end of the dipstick.

I drive the car on a daily basis, and have since September of 2013.

What should I be looking for when the person shifts? I can see the linkage works good because it's located at the front of the transmission housing.

 

exactly, you should be looking for the linkage movement, does it move with every gear change?

 

It does move with every gear change, yes

 

It seems like it kind of catches. I can hear a drop in RPM, but it doesn't move when in R. It won't roll freely as if it were in "N", but it won't roll backwards as it should. It just sits with a drop in RPM.

 

based on the oil level and linkage checks, it seems those are ok.

do you know how to adjust the bands?

if adjusting bands does not resolve the reverse issue, then the transmission must have too much wear. Time to give it your best try before deciding to replace it.

 

I have a solid feeling that adjusting the bands will work, unless it snapped. It is the original transmission and I doubt anything has been changed. I don't hear any weird noises when it's in gear, and my rear band adjustment screw still has three entire threads showing, so I feel like it isn't worn out. Or at least I hope not...

 

I'm sure you know these cars have access panels from the interior, for adjustments.

 

I did see that while I was underneath it... Where is it exactly? Is it under the center console?

 

And from what I've told you, do you think all will turn out okay? I just turned over 90k on the odometer.

We'll assume most of it was spent going forwards not reversing

 

at the front of the trans. tunnel, depending where your band adjusting nut is, either on the left driver's side or passenger side.

you have to raise the carpeting and the yute insulation, then remove the screws around it, they also have caulking for sealing any air leak.

 

I don't think it's an issue of mileage but the age of the transmission. Just plain wear and tear.

let's hope you can fix the issue by adjusting it. If not, you might contact David at Everyday XJ to see if he has a good BW-66.

 

Thanks for you help Jose! I'll work on it tomorrow and I'll see if it works or not. Hopefully it all turns out fine!

 

you bet! I hope you can fix it.