S1 Coupe ........ Stiff Gear lever!

[Clyno]

Gentlemen, would any one know the cause of a stiff gear lever on my S1 Fulvia coupe?
Two weeks a go I drove the car and all was fine, but this morning, I drove it out of the garage and noticed a very stiff gear lever. It’ seems better when moving left to right, but stiff when moving up & down. There are no unpleasant noises, and the car seems to drive fine!
I have noticed that the heater matrix has been leaking coolant......... could this be causing a problem by leaking on to the gear linkage/bushes etc?.......... I’m stumped!
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you. Trev.                                           

[Tim Ray]

Trev, According to my Series 2 Handbook (page 42) there are 2 grease nipples on the Gearbox Control Shaft. Perhaps they are a bit dry. Were nipples fitted to Series 1?
Recently I changed my gearbox oil for the first time and looked for these nipples and couldn't see them. Probably the old eyesight is worse than I thought.
Tim

[Davidb]

I have had this on my S1Fulviasport. In my case the problem was in the change mechanism on top of the gearbox. Particularly the main operating shaft which transmits right, left and up down movement. I dismantled it, cleaned, greased, reassembled and all was fine. The mechanism is visible from under the bonnet and accessible from inside the car once the gear change lever rubber boot is removed. Not a difficult job.

[lancialulu]

Trev, According to my Series 2 Handbook (page 42) there are 2 grease nipples on the Gearbox Control Shaft. Perhaps they are a bit dry. Were nipples fitted to Series 1?
Recently I changed my gearbox oil for the first time and looked for these nipples and couldn't see them. Probably the old eyesight is worse than I thought.
Tim

These grease nipples are on the S2 on the remote gear shift mechanism. One at the back underneath to grease the lower swivel joint (a large thread), and one at top at the front for the link joint to the gearbox. It is surpising the the nipples seem to disappear under a bit of road grime, but they are there!

[Tim Ray]

These grease nipples are on the S2 on the remote gear shift mechanism. One at the back underneath to grease the lower swivel joint (a large thread), and one at top at the front for the link joint to the gearbox. It is surpising the the nipples seem to disappear under a bit of road grime, but they are there!

Many Thanks Tim,  Have located the little devils with the aid of a powerful light and plenty of Gunk.
Regards
Tim

[Clyno]

................. problem resolved. It was a seized linkage at the back of the box. Thanks, Trev.