73 z1 tranny issue

so i get a cal from the guy aross the street from me today. He said his 73 z1 wouldnt change into 3 2 or 1 gears but will change from 4 to 5 and back. He has had no issues in the past with the tranny. he says that theres no pressure or resistance like normal when bellow 4th gear or as he said "its like air" meaning no back pressure im guessing. Do the 1 pc head gasket motors have a tranny issue? any input would be great. thanks

Pull the trans cover off and look at the shifter.

Perhaps the shift lever is slipping on the shaft due to stripped splines or being insufficiently tightened onto the shaft. Or possibly using an improperly fitted shift lever from some other model.

Good Fortune!

I have interest in any known issues regarding the 73' trans also....

Low mileage 73' 900...needs to be wound up high RPM's and kicked up hard to shift up 3-4-5th

Clutch adjusted as per the book...

My 76' 900 shifts smooth...and shifts up without the clutch at the right RPM

I have dropped 2 shift forks out from the bottom and they appear to be straight and not worn...Could be wrong though :huh:

Pull the clutch and lightly sand the steel plates.

Hate to mention it, however, on these 73 Z1's I have seen the boss that holds the shift mechanism spring broken. Major job, however worth a check by removing the front sprocket and inner cover. Hope it's not this!

If its gear wear it will require the crank-cases split. The trouble will probably be on the lay-shaft ... rounded pegs and rounded edges on slots. Wont let it hold second gear.

I hate being the voice of doom & gloom!
Somebody else may come up with something nice and easy.
RegardZ.