Wont select reverse

Supermarine Blues · Post by **Supermarine Blues** » Tue May 21, 2013 11:36 am

It's obviously the selector mechanism & not the clutch.

Weirdly, I had a dream that that happened on one of mine last night????

Usually, it's the 5th gear fork that bends; looks like it's the one on the other end of the rod.

Possibly, it's just wear or adjustment on the linkage. But more likely the reverse detent mechanism that's stuck/bent. That's the funny bit on top which stops you selecting it by mistake:

kpnutty · Post by **kpnutty** » Tue May 21, 2013 12:07 pm

Thanks very much super marine for this! My only problem is that I'm not very familiar with car mechanics n I'm not sure what I'm looking at, I just don't wana take it to a garage n get robbed for a new gearbox n clutch if its not needed. Ill have to take it in to a garage... What should I suggest to them? Is this goin to be expensive???

kris_aka_edu · Post by **kris_aka_edu** » Tue May 21, 2013 12:39 pm

Depends on what type of garage it is mate. I'm quite lucky to have people that have owned ludes and garages near me. If you take it to any place just ask before hand and they will tell you if they charge to have it looked over or not. From the advise given on here if they try and say its your clutch they are ripping you off, because the above posts especially from super marine know a lot more about preludes than your average joe blogs mechanic.

kpnutty · Post by **kpnutty** » Tue May 21, 2013 12:58 pm

Ok nice one! Ill give it a go! Will I do more damage if I drive it or u reckon it will be ok? It seems fine in 1st to 5th!

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Tue May 21, 2013 2:14 pm

If you can't hear it crunching 1st to 5th or any grinding noises, I wouldn't worry driving it, unlikely to do any damage.

Oh one thing that might be worth checking before going is for any oil leaks from the gearbox and check the oil level?
It MIGHT (unlikely, but possible) be low oil level???

kris_aka_edu · Post by **kris_aka_edu** » Tue May 21, 2013 2:22 pm

Good point, and as above. Mine crutches in 3rd all the time but just live with it as not a major issue.

kpnutty · Post by **kpnutty** » Tue May 21, 2013 3:55 pm

I've checked the oil level n all is ok! Thanks very much for all your help guys!

Post by **Kawa** » Tue May 21, 2013 5:03 pm

kpnutty wrote:I've checked the oil level n all is ok! Thanks very much for all your help guys!

Daft question now, how did you check the gearbox oil level?

kpnutty · Post by **kpnutty** » Tue May 21, 2013 6:42 pm

Kawa wrote:
kpnutty wrote:I've checked the oil level n all is ok! Thanks very much for all your help guys!
Daft question now, how did you check the gearbox oil level?

Oh! I see! Umm just my lack of knowledge again!! I have not checked GEARBOX oil. I'm so stupid

ummmm how do I do that???

Supermarine Blues · Post by **Supermarine Blues** » Tue May 21, 2013 7:27 pm

You don't.

Getting the filler plug out is a PIA (I nearly drowned myself changing the oil recently) and if you're a mechanical novice, you'll probably not have the tools.

And getting to the part shown requires some stripping to change the bendy bits.

Is there a good independent local garage in your area?