Can't select 4th gear

Post by **Hutchie** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:56 am

Hi all,
My wife has a 1098 minor convertible, which has been a great wee motor for the past few years.
The other day, right out of the blue, she couldn't get the car into 4th gear.
I had a wee try at it, and no joy.

I topped up the gearbox oil with some 20/50 , and took it for a wee spin, and had no trouble getting into 4th at all.
The following day, neither of us could select 4th gear, it is as though something is stopping the gearstick from moving back , slotting into place.

Before I get stuck into it (not knowing cars much, but I work on my own bikes) , I wonder if anyone has any pointers as to what is likely to be the cause.
I'm thinking about opening the side cover on the gearbox to see if there is anything loose there, but other than that , I am a bit lost as to where to start looking.

I had a wee search around here, but couldn't see anything pertinent.

Thanks

Post by **les** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:41 pm

Not easy to guess at, but as you mention, removing the side cover may uncover something, loose selector maybe, or even the shaft in the remote casing dry.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 4:02 pm

Have a look at the lever itself - where it fits in to the remote control, in case it's something there. Otherwise - yes, off with the cover and check for loose selector forks. Be sure to catch the two little springs that sit under the cover lip.

Post by **Hutchie** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 4:12 pm

thanks, I'll have a look tomorrow and update the post.

Post by **newagetraveller** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 5:14 pm

When this happened to me many years ago the cage which keeps the ball bearings in the front ball race apart had broken up and part of it had ended up in a place which prevented the fourth gear being engaged.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 5:40 pm

Yes - I fear that may well be the case here too!

Post by **Hutchie** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 6:18 pm

would there not be evidence of that when draining the gearbox oil though.

I've drained it out and there was no swarf or any metal in the goo that came out

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:14 pm

Well - that is certainly a good sign! Does the lever seem to have undue movement/slackness ? When it goes into 3rd gear - is it quite firmly IN there - or does in have some slop ?

Post by **Hutchie** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:30 pm

Slides into 3rd sweet as anything, it really feels as though there isn't a 'slot' to put the gearstick into for fourth.

1st 2nd 3rd and reverse, couldn't ask for better, it's just this 4th thing.

I'll get stuck in tomorrow and see what I can see.
Appreciate the advice and help folks, much obliged.