Expert: jack bahm - 8/23/2009

Question
I was driving around in a campground in 1st which had some mild slopes, and started hearing some popping sounds from underneath the car. It felt like something was slipping intermittingly as the gearing was normally hold the car back. The popping feel like small "jerking" movements, where it lets go in and out. Later during the day, drove down a 4% grade, 3rd gear kept the speed down with low RPMs and no foot braking needed. I got to the bottom of the hill and there is no engine braking anymore. When you let off the throttle, it feels like it rolls "freely" as if the clutch is in. When you depress the throttle it engages again and engine revolutions are restored. Let off the throttle for a corner and it rolls freely again with the engine revolutions dropping to an idle. Start offs fine through all three gears and shifts normally. When I got home, I put it in reverse and let out the clutch and nothing. No reverse now. Looked under the car and don't see anything missing. Any ideas? I appreciate your Q & A column on the model A. I am learning from you. Thanks.

Answer
I think you have a serious trans problem.  Make sure it is the trans before you take it apart.  It is not easy getting to the trans.  Try it a few more times and make sure you have no reverse, and /or low gear.  If it ollks like it is the trans, pull off the floor boards and take the cover off the trans.  This is not hard and you can't get into any trouble doing this.  Look inside the trans and look for broken gears.  If you find any, you have to pull the trans and fix it.  A lot of work, but nothing you can't handle.
You need to pull the engine, or the rear end.  If you have an engine hoist, or can borrow one, then pull the engine.  If not, then get a spring spreader and pull the rear end.  Don't ever get under a car on jacks.  Always use good solid jack stands and be very careful.  Don't use concrete blocks, they can break and ruin your whole day.
Take things apart and pull the trans off of the engine.  Get it on a bench and take it apart and you will be amazed at how simple the trans is.  It's like a 25 piece kids puzzle.  Just take it apart and replace the broken pieces and it will go back together.  Clean out all the junk you may find in the bottom.
A lot of hard work, but just think how much you will learn.
good luck
There is an outside chance that you just sheared an axle key.  Pull the rear drums and make sure the keys are OK.
jack