Gearchange siezing

[ScarbIain]

Hi all, I've a 1984 5 speed petrol Caravelle, it's suddenly started locking into gear, mainly 1st but also on others. The nylon ball connecting the gearbox mounted selector shaft to the long shaft to the front of the bus comes out and won't go back in. This happens in all gears randomly. Reverse has been a bit difficult for a while though I think it's a bit odd how it suddenly just started happening in all, the van is now undriveable. I've spent some time under it and nothing looks obviously wrong, it just looks like the main long shaft is going too far in each direction. Having read through the forums the obvious thing is to change the bushes on the shaft and the bits at the base of the gearstick, tho it's money and a lot of time and I'm not convinced that it's going to fix it as it's much more than a bit sloppy. I'm really hoping someone might have had a similar experience and can make any suggestions?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated,

Thanks,

Iain

[Hacksawbob]

Best to get someone in the seat and try it while you watch from underneath. Also remove the Cup from the ball and select the gears by hand to make sure the gearbox is not at fault. A large movement at eh stick end results in a very small moement at the gbox end so any wear can multiply its self so to speak. Start at the front and work back.
theres some pictures on the wiki
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ge ... nge_images" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mm289]

Iain,

the ball and socket at the rear selector mech shouldn't come apart unless you have major movement in the shift rods.

2" further forward up the shift rod from this lever is a plate mounted to the 'box and this carries a nylon bush. Has that bush collapsed/is theresignificant vertical moevement on the shift rod.?



To clarify where the problem is, do as Bob says above. The selector into the box should move by hand and be able to select all gears,(neutral - shaft pulls in and out, push right in against spring for 1st/R, towards front for 2nd/4th,rear for 3rd/5th) it takes a firm grip but not massive pressure. If this doesnt move easily of feels excessively rough it sounds like you have box problems. If it does move easily your issues are in the shift rod mechanism (easier, cheaper and more likely )

Try that out first and then come back to us. FYI I am running a "how to" thread on exactly this process here https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=97657 haven't got to the rear bushes yet but it will give you a good idea of what need doing.

HTH, PS, post an intro and update your details with van, engine, location etc - you will then find if someone near you is able to help and you will get much more benefit from what is one of the friendliest, most helpful clubs on the internet

Cheers,

MM

[ScarbIain]

Thanks for the tips, will try the gearbox selector to check the box is ok, then will start on the shiftrods. There is play but not significant movement, nothing appears to have collapsed but will start working my way through it. I was just surprised about the sudden-ness of the problem. Roll on the weekend, I hope it's not snowing, I'll update with my progress,

thanks again,

Iain

[footstuck]

If the linkage has droped on the rear bracket and the nylon ball is able to pivot to far out of the linkage, when you try to select gears the ball fouls up by disengaugement and stops the clean movement.
Slacken off the bolts on that bracket in the picture posted by MM289, and lift up the shaft to give propper engagment, it is adjustable. If you lift it to high you will not be able to select gears. Might take a few attempts, but once you start you'll get the hang of what's going on. From memory you should just be able to see the top of the nylon ball when gears selected.

[ScarbIain]

Have figured it out - was obvious - the teeth on the lever are worn and so it's going into gear, then the lever is continuing to revolve and so popping the ball out of the cup. Will get a new lever ordered but I think that the gearshift shaft teeth might also be worn, this looks like a potentially bigger job at more expense, will suck it and see. Thanks again for all the tips given,

Cold, wet Iain.