Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

I know you guys know this, but just in case this thread is searched for in future: I've been reading about the manual transmission lately, it seems a common fault is the nut on the end of the mainshaft coming loose- apparently the locking tab is not very well designed. A loose mainshaft causes gear selection issues, with eventual loss of one gear (and then the rest).

It's also alleged that if you notice the symptoms early enough, you can remove the transfer case and extension housing, and re-tighten the nut without having to pull the entire gearbox.

http://www.delicaclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=41872

Thanks Growlerbearnz!

I occasionally have trouble getting into 1st gear, it either takes a lot of effort and has a mushy feel, or i have to take a lot of time and make sure i guide it into gear just perfectly. then sometimes its fine. and all shifting seems a little harsh, in every gear, when letting the clutch back out, theres a slight clunk. is that a sign of the main shaft nut issue?

What I've read says it starts with 4th and 5th, but who knows. Though with your symptoms I'd be suspecting the clutch not releasing fully or smoothly- that would cause difficult gear engagement, most noticeable in 1st. Have you tried bleeding the clutch hydraulics?

Growlerbearnz wrote:What I've read says it starts with 4th and 5th, but who knows. Though with your symptoms I'd be suspecting the clutch not releasing fully or smoothly- that would cause difficult gear engagement, most noticeable in 1st. Have you tried bleeding the clutch hydraulics?

I actually have a brand new clutch and flywheel, Its not super harsh, maybe thats just how these vans shift, but its definitely more clunky than I'm used to. even if im really careful easing the clutch back out it'll still clunk a bit engaging in the next gear.

I don't recall any clunkiness on the L300 manual vans I've driven, but it's been a while.

OTOH new clutch weirdness checklist: Driveshaft bearings good and bolts tight? Engine and gearbox mounts in good shape/reinstalled correctly? Spigot bearing installed? Clutch friction plate the right way round?