85' FJ1100 Shifting Issue....

[MN Made]

Hi All. I am relatively new to the FJ community and have a question about the transmission/clutch on my '85 1100. I purchased it with 28,XXX miles on it. It is cosmetically and mechanically sound. The only thing I have experienced it some shifting issues. I am aware of the "second gear" problem with the FJs but have no personal experience with it. What I notice is that the bike will engage first gear quite hard from idle – at a stop light for instance. Shifting from 1st to 2nd is a bit "grindy" in that you can feel the dogs on the gears engaging. Shifting from 2nd to 3rd is better but still a bit "toothy" and the rest of the gears shift in a nice, firm click. It seems to be similar symptoms to a clutch that will not completely disengage. However, the bike doesn't creep in gear with the clutch engaged – while riding or on the center stand. Delaying my shift with the clutch in for a couple of seconds has no effect either - still grinds. I have no issues with clutch slipping under load or the bike popping out of gear either - just the rough shifting. Anyone have any ideas? Is this the symptomatic of the infamous "second gear" issue?

[keand3]

I had, and recently did fix the 2nd gear issue. And did experience the same thing as you. How ever i don't think it is the transmission issue, others might chipp in on this,  but a clutch issue.

The first thing that hits me is the clutch slave cylinder Its famous for its leaks. The leaks from mine was almost not visible at all, until i took it of. I replced the unit with a new one from Randy,  and all was good. Without a good pressure in the clutch line it wont engage the pin all the way in... (guy"s correct me if im wrong?)

Cheers
Ken

[Alf]

The 2nd gear issue is that the 2nd gear jump from the engagement or not engage at all when the bike is revved hard. Even with bikes that present occasionally this problem you can avoid the expensive repair simply not revving hard the engine in 1st gear

I agree with Ken: check the slave cylinder, the master cylinder and bleed carefully the system

And check the rear wheel alignment

Good luck

Alf

[FJ_Hooligan]

What oil are you running in it?  A good quality oil will improve the shifting action.
I tried a conventional Diesel oil once and only went about 50 miles on it before changing it out.  Shifting was absolutely terrible with that oil.

[simi_ed]

I've had the 2nd gear issue and also the problem you're experiencing.  It sounds like a leaky slave cylinder.  Get a kit http://tinyurl.com/slave-kit or a complete cylinder http://tinyurl.com/comp-slave from Randy, that's the easiest fix.

[RichBaker]

I think Ed got it...