Sloppy Gearshift 4cyl manual

M

Malcolm

New Member
Does anyone know whether it is possible to remove & replace the rear selector finger at the gearbox end of the gearshift extension shaft, without removing the whole extension casting -. I remember all too well the desperate struggle I had years ago trying to undo the four bolts on top of the gearbox even with the engine/gearbox tilted as per the manual. The plastic bush on the end of the selection finger has come adrift and as a result the gearshift is loose and on occasion jams.
It looks as though there may be room to get at it once the propshaft and exhaust come off, and possibly the speedo drive housing, but am I just being over optimistic ? Car is a 1971 2000TC , manual gearbox, with cast alloy extension housing. Engine & gearbox in car. I don't really hold out much hope and suppose I will spend many hours undoing bolts at 1/16th turn at a time or maybe just lose the plot and drill four big holes in the transmission tunnel.......
Any advice or words of encouragement much appreciated. :angry:
 
I seem to remember changing the nylon seating to the gearlever many years ago - it rattled! I can't remember how I did it though.

However, you may be able to let the gearbox and engine (properly supported on a trolley jackof course) drop down very gently to give reasonable access.

I know how difficult access can be on these cars as during the summer I had to remove my auto box on the V8 twice and there were nuts that were very difficult to undo, not because they were tight or siezed but lack of access, patience is a virtue, you will be really pleased when it has all come apart, gone back together again, just mind the knuckles - these cars do demand blood!

Good luck

Gary
 
Thanks Gary, I am determined not to take the gearbox out AGAIN ! so it is keyhole surgery through the right hand transmission tunnel hole where you get to the reversing light cable. I am having to make up a tool on the lathe to grip the blasted thing and push out the roll pin. Not sure how I will align the new part or press it onto the splines, still its easier messing about in the dry than crawling about under the car, and if it doesnt work at least the "just scrap the damned thing" feeling might have gone off. The "White Elephant" is quickly becoming "The Albatross" but I will persevere a little longer.
 
Hi
sounds similar to the problem I have with my 1972 2000TC
On advice I replaced the bush at the bottom of the gear stick because when changing down from 3rd to 2nd it would not always go into gear It nows seems to be worse than before so I have put the old one back, but now it doesnt like 1st to 2nd!!
However if I leave the transmission tray off completely with a little wiggle here and a little wiggle there it works OK!!!!!
Trouble is its a bit sloppy, vibrates cos its not got anything to hold it in place and it looks a mess but I suppose you cannot have it all
Any ideas?
John )
 
It sounds like the bush has gone on the selector finger which engages with the selector rods at the gearbox end of the extension housing - its at the far end of the rod into which the bottom of the gearlever fits. You can get a new one from J R Wadhams for £15.00 - (thats what went on mine). To fit it you need to remove part of the exhaust, the propshaft, and the radiator, then undo the brackets under the gearbox and the engine support strut, tilt the engine up, the gearbox drops down and you can then get to the four bolts on top of the gearbox extension casting. (watch out for the sets of steel & rubber washers they are easy to dislodge & lose).

BUT FIRST You can see if the bush is missing by removing the large rubber inspection cover on the right hand transmission tunnel under the carpet (where you get at the reversing light switch.) You can then see the finger, tilt it up using the gearlever and look at the end, If it slops about in the selector slots with loads of clearance - then its gone !!

If you do go to these lengths I would suggest replacing the two bushes that hold the rod in the extension housing too, you really dont want to go there again....

Malc
 
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