Gearbox selector cover

[nigel jarrett]

I was wondering if anyone knows if you can remove and successfully refit the gearbox selector cover with the gearbox still mounted in the car .i have an internal selection problem and would prefer not to remove the gearbox at present

[David Morris]

Hi Nigel,

I haven't done this myself, but have heard that it can be achieved successfully. Indeed, I believe some people carry spare selector forks in the boot, just in case they need to do roadside repairs. I know the rivets on the selector forks can work loose and this can cause selection problems. I am sure others will give you sound advice based on experience. To me, gearboxes are a bit of a 'black art' and in cases of problems, I have resorted to replacement, rather than repair in situ. Let me know if you need a spare box?

However, from experience I know only too well that access from below is painful and that through the front floor is hindered by that horrible oval access hole, as you will need to probably disconnect the gearbox control rods. To preserve your sanity, I would start by considering doing some work with the angle grinder on the front floor, by cutting a bigger hole and creating a much bigger access hatch. The replacement plate could be fabricated from flat sheet steel and neatly kept in place with self-tappers. With a bigger hole in the floor, access to the starter motor, the dip switch, the gearbox top bolts and the engine steady stay is then really easy. It also makes easy access to the later gearbox control rods, which can be adjusted in length to ease gear selection. Without a bigger access hatch, you will need lots of Valium!

Best of luck!

David

[Keith Clements]

Yes. Done many times in some quite uncompromising situations. The most memorable was on the way to Le Mans going along a forest track when we had to support the car on a log to get the synchro balls out ! Carried on without a couple of gears though.