Won't go in 4th...

[Fest-evil]

Hello all,

Just replaced the clutch in my '89 carbed festiva. Now it won't go into 4th gear at all. It is a 4spd, I'm thinking it might be the shifter linkage bushing, not exactly sure though. Any ideas? I can get it to go into 4th if I tap on the linkage with a mallet. Any help locating a bushing would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks.

Fest-evil

[MTec007]

Welcome to the site! please add your location to your User CP. If any one is close by they might be able to stop by and help you!

i dont know for sure, but if it is the bushings, they are hard to find. i, myself, had chosen to replace my bushings with washers from the hard ware store, which can be a non-reversible procedure, depending on how its done.

as far as the clutch goes, i can only think that maybe something wasnt done right, if there wasnt an issue before. i would definetly start there, double check the work, maybe remove and reinstall it again

[1990festiva]

I got a set of "performance sway bar bushings" from advance auto parts for my thrust bar. You have to make the hole a little bigger for the metal sleeve to fit, but that can be easily done with a drill. then you just press the sleeve in and press them in the thrust bar using a big clamp or a vice. Worked very well for me. you have to put two end to end, but they come 8 in a pack, so you can screw up once or twice without having to go back to the store. Think they are about $10 a pack

[doylerl]

Check out my post here.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showpost.php?p=277775&postcount=26

I replaced my bushings because there was TONS of excess play (slop) in the shifter. If you do determine it is your bushings, the ford dealer should still be able to order them with that part #. I only replaced the bolt because I had to cut the old one off.

[25Horseplay]

If Ford can't get bushings go to a Mazda dealer and get bushings for a late 80's 323.

[mechanicaldj]

check your transmission mounts for proper alignment to the crossmember

i know it sounds silly but if you loosen them up and slide the trans back towards the firewall, you should be able to use 4th without an issue

[1988redfordfestiva]

Its sounds silly but your right it does i have a 4 speed that i just got and it was doing the same exact thing.
But its a parts car for a 87 festiva gonna keep the parts and swapping interiors since mine is peeling tan lol ......