Hi!
I have an 1986 240 GL with about 183000K. The problem that I have is that it is very hard to shift it in to first and second gears. The funny thing is that every day feels different. Some days it shifts fine, although far away from perfect, some other days it has a hard time getting in those two gears. In general, the wormer the engine gets, the harder it shifts in to first and second. Also every time when I put it in reverse, I hear a grinding sound so, it has to be either transmission box or clutch, right? I'll appreciate if any one give me some idea why is this happening. I don't know much about cars but I know that I have a cable clutch and also a minor leak of fluids. Oh, I forgot to mentioned that before I bought the car, it has been sitting for about 3 years.
I'll appreciate any help out there!

 

I would check the clutch cable first.

 

Thanks a lot!
When I check it, what should I look for?
Also I meant to ask the last time but I forgot, one of my headlights is not working on either low or high beams, I thought that it is the bulb, but then I sow than the stop light on the same side is not working either.
Do you think that it is some electrical problem or it is just a bulb?
Thanks again!

 

I think I'm thinking the same thing tech is. Your clutch isn't engaging enough, so your making your tansmission shift while its still getting power from the motor. I don't know the specs, but the cable shouldn't be tight enough to be putting pressure on the fork(the arm that the cable is attached to), but shouldn't be so loose, its not fully engaging the clutch when the pedal is depressed. My geuss is that when you get under your car, you'll see right away what I'm talking about when I say "too loose". Try changing the bulbs, if that doesn't work, check the sockets for corssion, if that doesn't work, make sure any connectors are connected and not corroded. hope it helps

 

Thanks a lot guys,
I'll do as you say.

 

Oh just one more thing, do you have any idea why is working better when the car is cold, I mean when it has been sitting over night (and this is Michigan so it is pretty cold) it shifts nice and easy for the first few miles at least.
Thanks!

 

The clutch cable at the trans goes through rubber. If something is wrong and the rubber is flexing to much it would do the same thing. When cold the rubber is harder.