Gear stick replacement

[brian]

Saga of speedometer - Chapter 31.
Got engine and gearbox unit back in car but in putting the gearstick back in, the collar was stuck, a gentle clout moved it but also moved the box into a gear of some sort! I now have no feeling of a gate, stick wobbles anywhere and am unable to engage any gear. I peer in the top and cannot see the rods with the gaps that I expected. Do I have to take the box out of the car to take the top off to get them in line? Also looking at the gearstick could I not just unscrew the shaft, get the inner bent selector rod in place and then screw the stick back on? It was the weight and length that destabilised me as well on attempt 1.

I hope to have the car back on the road in 2017 at this rate..........

I will be putting on the S/S exhaust that Chugga had made so I do have a rear box and exhaust that does look like a S/S one and it is intact so if anybody would like it just let me know. I also have a sound mild steel front pipe that would be fine for a year or two I would reckon. Ditto.

[DavidLaver]

If its not one thing then its another...and any of this beats watching the goggle box

[Tony Stephens]

Well known Aprilia moment, I believe. Gearbox out again and remove top is the only solution I have heard.
But others more expert than me may offer a solution

[simonandjuliet]

We managed to get the top off the box once, but not without damaging the tunnel. Sorry but best to take the gearbox (plus engine) out I think.

[davidwheeler]

I am almost certain I faced a similar problem a couple of years ago (I have too many cars!) and managed it without removing the box (in my case that involves taking out the engine).  A mechanics endoscope (i.e.a thin telescope with a light) would make it much easier (Aldi sold an electronic one a year or so ago so they exist).  Theoretically it is certainly possible when you have removed the entire gearstick.  I would suggest having a long look before you give up!

[davidwheeler]

Whichever way you dig yourself out of the hole, when replacing the gearstick, do first unscrew the stick from the bit at the bottom and fit that first - this obviates the Original Cause of the problem.

[brian]

Paul Atkinson and I did the deed this morning - engine/gearbox out, top off the gearbox, rods aligned, good light and 2nd person looking for "centrality" or whatever the word should be as both lowered top back. This bit easiest with stick on ball as collar tightened down as more control. Stick removed and engine and gearbox back into car. 2hrs with coffee!
Bits and bobs to be reconnected and mobile again soon.
Thanks for all help.

[the.cern]

Well, that is one question answered!!!!! I now know where to get help when it's time for my engine and gearbox to go back in the Gussie. If you ask nicely I will let you practice on the B20 first!!!!

Seriously, that is an excellent 2 hours of work!!! It is so great when a job like that is knocked on the head!!!

                               Andy

[davidwheeler]

Crikey, it would take me all day to do that!