Hows the patient Dr Aidan?

[slippy8v]

Well doctor hows the patient ? 83000 from new 1989 1.7 5 speed box, getting oil change and gear linkages

[Aidan]

the sludgy build up on the bottom of the plug suggests that one of the big bearings is wearing out, if it's the same next oil change then get it done

[slippy8v]

Thank you doctor she does not clock many miles each year so will keep this in mind.

[ZsZ]

Sorry to hijack the post, but Should be any play in the big ball bearing? I know that it shouldnt be in the double tapered.

[slippy8v]

Well the old girls back and took her for a good run,well all I can say is it has made an unbelievable difference, all gears up and down the box at various speeds all selecting and feel so much better,no more dash knuckle, parts wise this was a very cheap fix.

[Aidan]

@ ZsZ the mainshaft bearing does have some float in it, barely feel it with a new one, a worn one will be obvious and I repalce everytime anyway as you have to press on the balls when pressing the shaft out so you put 8 dings in the race and they wear quicker subsequently, if you clean it and spin next to your ear you will hear the milage it has done and the depressions

[ZsZ]

Thx

[slippy8v]

300 mile up date, just did this over the weekend on various roads, and every thing is fine except she dropped out off 4th a few times, looks like only a small adjustment needed, so were should I tweak?

[Aidan]

ensure ball pushed fully up and boot properly pulled down over cup before locking off rear bush bolts
other than that check length of set up, ensure tips of guides slap in middle of gate under stick

[slippy8v]

Thanks Aidan

Its not far out, so will give the rear a look later.

[slippy8v]

Well had the day off and after 2 goes at getting 4th set up I have got as close as I think I can get,slightly adjusted the length of the bar and on the 2nd go managed to get it where it now goes into 4th and stays in place, took her out for a run and have gone up and down all the gears and no more slipping out of 4th so fingers crossed thats it sorted. Thanks again Aidan I can see how the slightest adjustment can have a big effect on all the gears,really is a black art!!!