Apologies - yet another question - gear shift

[jedwards]

Sorry for all the questions . I am new to S1 ownership and still feeling my way.
I will get better.

With the help of this august group, I feel I have the steering under control, but the question that that consumes my spare time thinking is in regards to the gate or gear shift on my '53 S1. I have no decernible "gate" at all and gear changes while quiet and very smooth, are vague in the extreme.
I'm sure it is not supposed to be like this, but if the gearbox itself is performing well, how series an issue is the gear section gate and how complex might it be to restore?

Thanks for any advice at all.

[Larry]

I think you'll find it's something like this! :p

It's been a long time since I used a Series 1 gear box, mine has a Series 3 box in it.;)

[JDNSW]

This is not usual. The issue is almost certainly in the gear lever mechanism, rather than deeper in the box. The gear lever is external to the box an operates on the selector shafts protruding from the front of the box.

I would guess that the problem is with a small screw that engages in a slot in the side of the gear lever ball to prevent it from rotating. This screw will be either missing, badly worn or loose (or been replaced with something unsuitable). If you remove the floor and the transmission tunnel, the situation can be seen clearly. If the threaded hole in the alloy casting is damaged, you can replace it - or drill the hole to a larger size, thread it and make a bush from a bit of a bolt with a hole drilled and tapped in it. The whole lever assembly just unbolts from the top of the box.

The ball should be lubricated with graphite, as oil or grease will collect dust. If unlubricated, you are working towards a broken lever!

John

[jedwards]

Thanks larry and John,
Yes, Larry, by selector is much as you illustrate.
Thanks for the help John,
I'll take look over the weekend and see what my situation is .

Thanks a million
Jeff

[Dark61]

I've heard it described as "stirring a bucket of gravel with a stick" - having said that my series 1 is much better in the gear change than the 2 or both the 3's.
Cheers,
D

[JDNSW]

Series 3, or late ones anyway, have a nylon tip on the lever to reduce transmission of engine noise into the cab. If this is missing, the gear change will be very sloppy.

My Series 2a is very good (since I replaced the screw I mention above!).

John