Is it normal for the input shaft on an R154 to move around?

[mattjk]

I just bought a used R154, and the input shaft is loose. It moves side to side about 1/16th of an inch. Is that normal?

Also, there is dirt inside the shifter fork area. What's the best way to clean it out without disassembly?

Thanks

 

[IJ.]

A small amount of play is normal and while I've never pulled a 154 down the W58's have a bad habit of wearing through the case hardening on the nose of the main shaft and this shows up as excessive play in the input shaft and a grumbly trans in neutral at idle.....

 

[mattjk]

thank you!

 

[billspreston01]

my R-154 grumbles all the time w/ mobil 1 75-90 in it...I think it's time for a rebuild on it though.