Lack of gears!!

Hello, I'm new, I've just introduced myself in the new folks section…

I've just bought a clipper cheap knowing it has a few problems, I've only driven it accross town, but first major problem is not getting gears!

I can only move the stick to R - 1st 2nd and 3rd gear position, but am only getting two gears, seems like 2nd and 3rd, or 3rd and 4th…  and reverse really needs to be pushed hard to get it there.. or sometimes the car moves forwards!

I've never owned a mk1 and have not had a chance to look at this, so just wonder if anyone can shed some light?

Does the linkage need lining up on these cars? as this seems the most likely explanation for now..  and how is it done whats needed etc?

Thanks
Marc

Yep, gear linkage does nees adjusting from time to time

there's a nice explaination on how to set it up in the haynes manual! if you don't have one, I'd make that your first purchase  :wink:

someone may have posted an explaination how to here

failing that I could scan the page in and email it to you, but wouldn't be until tonight/tomorrow night

Gear linkage rebuild kit required ? But i would also check the clutch as you mention its creeping forward , i posted the item below on "how to" about 18 months ago . The gears with worn linkage are a hit and miss affair so it's well worth trying this first .

GSF is   Car Parts & Spares -- Buy Online with Fast UK Delivery | GSF Car Parts good for MK1 parts ….

Cheers…..    


My How To Tips……….

My tip is to jack up and support the car correctly as high as you can get it then working under the car with some basic tools and a new bush kit and the 2 selector rods [about ?14.00 from GSF] do the following .

First read the haynes manual and then make some notes while under the car how it all goes together or take some digital pics .

Start at the gear stick end [with the car in neutral]do the part under the rubber boot replace that then work your way forward doing one bush at a time , the only part you have to mark is the splined rod- so it goes back in the same place it came from -i used tipex . Work your way forward methodically do a bush then move on replace the next etc etc till you get to the final bush with the large split pin in . I stuck a nice blob of heavy grease on each bush as i replaced it to prolong its life and to keep it all well lubricated and smooth .

Job done in about 1 1/2 hours . Do not try to rip the lot off in one go or you will be on days the methodicall one at a time works a treat . Driving the car after replacing the bushes becomes pleasurable again . The replacement is actually dead easy once you have done one ..

You can also get a kit from GSF for about ?3 I think, which contains all the bushes etc. you need to make the linkage as good as new again. It's a fairly involved job, judging by the Haynes manual (which you should definitely get if you don't already have one btw!)

HTH

Rich

Simultaneous reply from Chudd

Thanks guys, all that sounds like it should be fairly simple once under the car..  I will get a haynes manual, but in the meantime Phil, if your offering a scan would be great thanks..  mawwam@ntlworld.com

Chudd and msscrew, thanks for taking the time of that detailed description,  I have a GSF about 10 mins from me, so my next purchase will be the bush kit.

Thanks
Marc

Chudd:

when you say get the car as high as poss, is this just the front end up on axle stands?

this is my next job once i've got my replacement exhaust on!

chudd said

Gear linkage rebuild kit required ? But i would also check the clutch as you mention its creeping forward ,

Chudd, sorry mate, I explained that wrong, its not creeping forward with the clutch pressed, I meant i'm having trouble getting reverse, sometimes when stick is in reverse position i'll lift the clutch and the car will move forward, meaning i'm probably getting first gear!  The clutch seems fine.

Thanks
Marc

Just looking on GSF, and they are not showing the repair kit and bush kit for the 1.8 Carb model, I'm assuming they are probably the same as the 1.8 inj model ?

can anyone confirm?

Thanks
Marc

yeah you'll be right.. just go in to the shop and ask em' for the Gear Linkage Bush repair kit and they'll sort you out

I'll try and scan that page in for you later today :y:

PhillTMK1GTI said

I'll try and scan that page in for you later today :y:

That'd be great..  thanks for that  :y:

Chudd:

when you say get the car as high as poss, is this just the front end up on axle stands

wolfsburger

Hand brake on , and just the front on stands is fine it gives you quite a bit of working area .  

Cheers mate …….

thanks Chudd!  :y:

sent mawwam  :y:

PhillTMK1GTI said

sent mawwam  :y:

Phil, that is perfect, thanks for that,  hopefully get a look in at the weekend if I get a chance

Cheers
Marc

no problem mate

hope it sorts your gear troubles