Column gear shifter

[Dam2727]

G'day
I'm new to the forum but have been using the forum as a great source of information and help!
Now I'm stuck and was hoping someone can help?
I'm currently working on a project jowett that has a column gear shift with a reverse push button,
I can select all gears but when I try to push the button in it's rock solid!
Can any one help?
Thanks
Damian

[Forumadmin]

I am thinking about this having not had the mechanism apart in many years. First try disconnecting the operating rods that go from the column to the box. If this allows the button to go in when pulled towards you in the neutral (10 oclock) position then the problem is in the length of the operating rod or the movement of the operating shaft in the box.
If it still does not, then the problem is probably the spring at the top of the gear column.

[ian Howell]

If it's just the button that is stiff, try unscrewing the plastic surround for the button to see if the operating rod is rusted into the stalk.

If so, then undo the pivot screw and special nut at the pivot then you should be able to work on the stalk and rod assembly to free the rod.

If it is the gearbox linkage then follow the earlier advice or wait for more!

[Dam2727]

Thanks for reply guys!
I have taken the gear shifter out of the car and it still doesn't move?
I have taken the rod out and that's free and everything seams ok?
I'm stuck with this one maybe it's gearbox end??

[ian Howell]

I'm sorry if I am being a bit thick, but let's be clear here.

Is it the rod that is pushed by the button on the end of the chrome lever, or the rod that is inside the tube that is parallel to the steering column or is all that clear and it is sticking at, in, or after the linkages on the gearbox?

I am beginning to suspect the latter in which case Forum Admin, a.k.a. Keith will be your best bet.

Keep posting!

[Keith Clements]

OK so you have the gear shifter out of the car.
look at this. from the parts book.

I always start like this.
What has been done since it was last working? Be very honest and thorough in answering this question.
If you have not done anything, then it is likely something has broken or the very act of trying to get it in gear broke the mechanism.
If the car has been laid up for a long time and it was working before then it has probably seized.

I also ask if this is the only symptom.
In this case my guess is that the plastic has swollen and seized the button. You should be able to unscrew gear lever knob (726-50354) from gear lever cover (725-50350) and remove it along with the reverse lock knob (721-50536) from the rod (720-50357). The latter two parts should be free to rotate easily in 50354 both when fitted and removed. 50536 sticks out by 12mm from 50354 and goes in by 8mm when depressed. 50536 is a press fit on to 50357

[Dam2727]

Thank you for your replys!
The column was mounted in the car when it had stopped working!
I have had to get the gearbox reconditioned and have since taken the column out the car due to fitment of new dash and wiring.
I can pull the Botton off and remove the small rod no problems. It seams that there Ma be a problem with the inner shaft as this just turns and nothing else??
I did manage to get another working column but was to short to go into the car so have since tried to match and still nothing?

[Keith Clements]

It is quite common for the column to break at the Base.
It can usually only be repaired using a good donor column.

[Tony Fearn]

Hello Damian,
I see from your profile that you are ..."working on a Jowett for a friend in Australia. Don't know much of the history but know that its chassis number 27"?
Perhaps your friend isn't a member of the Australian Jowett Club, and if this is so, I suggest he joins up.
There's a wealth of knowledge in the collective experiences of JCCA members, not all of whom access this site, and perhaps there's just the column you need in their Spares Department.
Regards,
Tony.