Re: [DML] gear change

["Ed Garbade" <edgarbade@xxxx>]

Paul,
I had a similar problem in which my linkage had "drifted" such that I 
couldn't get it into 5th gear. My interpretation is there are basically 2 
options.

When you look under the car, the end of the cross gate cable (part # 101363) 
connects to cross gate lever (part # 106652) on the transmission (this is a 
little forward of the rear wheels under the center of the car). You can 
adjust the length of the cable by screwing in/out the end of this cable 
(sorry I forget what direction the shifter moves when lengthening/shortening 
the cable but believe that it is mentioned in the shop manual). I suggest 
(if you use this method) you move it no more than half a turn before you 
check the alignment (make sure it is secure because you don't want the end 
of the cable just hanging on by a couple threads).

The second option (and probably best) is to change the cable position by 
adjusting it at the cross gate mounting bracket (part # 106653). This has 
the same effect as changing the cable length since the cable moves relative 
to the shifter assemble. This involves loosening the nuts on either side of 
the bracket and sliding the cable in the appropriate direction to meet your 
alignment needs. This bracket is just slightly forward of the transmission 
under the center of the car.

The process is very simple and when I did it on my car it took more time to 
get the car off the ground than to adjust the cable.

Finally, and at the risk of being redundant, the process of shifting into 
reverse involves moving the shift lever to the far left, lifting the lever 
up (about 1/4 inch), and then moving the shifting lever a little farther to 
the left before putting it into gear. The process of lifting the lever 
should be very easy (no more than a couple pounds effort) to accomplish.

Experience on my vehicle was that the lever wouldn't lift. I removed the 
gear lever gaiter (aka the leather cover/boot Part # 100688) and examined 
the selector assembly to see how it worked (thanks for the advice DMC Joe). 
You can see a pin on the shift lever move through a gate and will notice 
that there is a step up on the left hand side. This is why you have to lift 
the shifter to be able to move it to the reverse gate. My shifter had 
rusted such that it could not move up. So with a little penetrating oil and 
some convincers (i.e. a hammer and a big pair of pliers), I broke it loose 
and it now works fine. In fact it is amazing how easy it lifts now.

All that said, I imagine your gate alignment is more critical than mine due 
to its design. As such the alignment process will be a little more tedious. 
Just remember, small movements, be careful, and make sure your care is 
well supported while you work under it.

Let me know if this helps (would be a boost to my ego to know I actually 
answered a question vs. asked).

Ed
10541




> From: "Paul Salsbury" <paul.salsbury@xxxx>
> Reply-To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: <doc-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [DML] gear change
> Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 18:15:27 -0000
>
> I have just replaced the Shifter boot on my 5 speed. The new one has the 
> metal frame around the bottom as opposed to the plastic one.
>
> The problem I now have is I have difficulty getting it into reverse, as I 
> can't get the gear stick over to the left enough with out pulling Sharpe 
> into the side of the plate the boot sits in.


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