colin smith

Hey everyone, gearbox back in, new battery, new points fixing screw. Started up no problem after 5 years lay-off and stays in first gear! Seems the problem was the bushes in the change linkage as you first suggested. Thanks for all the advice. just need to sort the rest now! .... Colin

Thanks again -I hope you're right - just read through the manual on dismantling the gearbox - it sounds a bit too much for me. I think I got the gears wrong way round in my last post as i forgot its inverted after operating the gear lever. .. so it was probably 3rd I couldn't select easily, whereas 1st went in easily with a good click.

Hello again. Had a go at changing the gears by moving the selector rings. Succeeded in getting 2nd 3rd 4th and reverse with a bit of force, but 1st wouldnt go. Perhaps its more difficult to push on but when I fiddled with the alignment of the bronze coloured cog next to the selector ring (on the drive shaft side) I was able to get it to engage. This cog seems very loose on its shaft so suspect this might have a problem? There's also a little play in the drive shaft. Colin

Thanks johny, really impressed with the details and usefulness of everyone's replies. I'll do what you suggest above. I've ordered bits for the linkage mechanism which should improve things a lot, but it would be good to know I've checked the selectors before going through the pain of replacing the assembly. A few years ago I had to replace the clutch twice in a year (because the back plate on the engine was warped the first time), so I have some experience of refitting the gear box etc. At least I know it goes in eventually! I'll report back when its all back together but it might take me some time to get the rest of the car working again after its long rest! Thanks again Colin

Took the top cover off. Looks Ok inside although the oil level was low (about half way down from the side plug). Otherwise its difficult to know if it all works in there! Colin

The nylon bush just wasn't there at all!

this joint has about 5-6 mm play in both directions. Is this normal? or could it be the cause of my problem.? colin

Thanks for this. sounds like it might be a bit easier than I first thought if the problem is in the linkage. Colin

Yes it jumps out under power. At first it only happened occasionally, then I had to hold it in to move on. The last time i drove the car it was every timeI engaged 1st and seemed to push my hand back when I held it in gear (which is why i decided then to stop driving the car until I sorted it) - Colin

Thanks, I'll clean it up and get it on the bench. Hoping that whatever is wrong is going to be visible! Colin

Finally got round to removing the gearbox from my spitfire Mk2 which has been off the road for several years. It was jumping out of first gear which was a bit dodgy turning out onto a main road. I started taking the gearbox out a few years ago but never got round to doing it. Finally got it out today! But I have no idea where to start on the gearbox. Does anybody have any experience of this fault and what might be the cause/ remedy. Thanks Colin