1966 122s pretty much stock. It has been difficult to shift into gear from a standstill or downshift for the past month or so. From a stop 3rd gear is usually the only gear that can be selected. Once in 3rd gear if the clutch is not released, then any other gear can be easily selected. Going forward through the gears works normally once it gets going. Downshifting often requires selecting 3rd gear first and then moving to the desired gear -- again without releasing the clutch in between selecting 3rd and any other gear).

Clutch fork play has been adjusted to zero tolerance with no change. Pedal play adjustment also has no affect on difficult gear selection. Hydraulic fluid reservior takes about 1/4 cup quarterly with no obvious leaks. Again, once 3rd gear is selected, then any other gear can easily be selected so I suspect that the hydraulic system working fairly well.

Last weekend I swapped a different transmission in. It turned out that the problem was not in the transmission. Exact same gear selection issues and kludge solution (pick 3rd then desired gear) remains. BTW, The clutch fork and release bearing looked fine.

Is it possible that the gear selector lever is worn on the business end? Any other guesses?

Thanks for any thoughts,

Joe M in WV