mk1-forum.net

Oh dear, 2024 is not ending quite as I'd hoped. Just before Christmas I re-installed the rebuilt engine and gearbox back into the shell. The gearbox rebuild was completed some time ago and at the time I checked that the gears were all engaging ok but now it's back in the car with the gear lever installed it's not engaging any. I thought I'd found the issue when I realised the knuckle joint was spinning on the gear change shaft. I removed it, cleaned it, fitted a new bolt and it now grips the splined shaft but the only change is that if I try to engage 1st it locks up solid as though it's partially engaged 2 gears at one. In every other position it's in neutral.
I've looked for guidance on setting the gear linkage but can't find anything. Has any body any suggestions or am I going to have to take the engine and gearbox out again?

Thanks,
Phillip

Contact Jason , who is the top man on gearboxes , you will find him in for sale section , advertising 3 syncro gearbox rebuilds .

I presume part number 39 hasn't been fitted back to front?

Hi Imack,
Sorry, I should have said, it's a direct 'magic wand' gear change.
Thanks,
Phillip

I've found once the knuckle joints start moving on the splines, the splining in them has gone. The shafts are usually OK as they are on the hard side, but the knuckles are soft (so they can be nipped up on the pinch bolt). As the joints have been for a long time NLA one fix I've used is to put a tac weld on the tops welding the joint to the shaft. If you do this, be sure not to go overboard and put the welds in easy to get at places that can be ground off.

I've done many of these 'in car', awkward but do-able, just be careful as the fuel line is nearby, I've just covered everything with fibreglass or leather welding blankets before welding.