cougartech... If your engine is running correctly and winding out enough it will shift.. if not, it won't.. simple as that... make sure you back off the adjustment screw a little more 1/4 turn at a time after the engine is leaned out... I occasionally cannot get shifting to 2nd until I make sure the engine is running correctly... The mesh being a little off won't make a differnce as long as its not rubbing the spur gears... you may strip a gear but thats about it.. Just tinker with it a bit, once you get it, should be set for a long time... Unless you somehow have hpi parts mixed in