I'm having trouble with my gears and it has been suggested that my shift plate may be worn.

But I wouldn't know what a worn one looks like.

Symptons are going into reverse instead of 2nd, getting 3rd instead of 1st (and I know bloody well that 1st used to be RIGHT THERE) also 4th instead of 2nd.

Double declutching seems to help but I suspect its my imagination as with wiggling the stick before I change gear

I originally thought my syncros had gone but the occaisional grinding from 3rd to 2nd was actually 3rd to reverse.

Heres some pics (not great but not much room) of the plate











Does it look knackered ?

[Edited on 29-4-2003 by fatboy]

I think you need to look att he plate under the gear stick.

Sounds like it needs to be adjusted.

loosen of or undo the 2 x 13mm head bolts and then Select second gear with engine off. Make sure it locks into place, then rotate gear shifter slightly so it centers in this position. then lock the bolts up in this position.

Just follow Daves suggestion for the shift plate.
Don't forget to have a quick look at all the other linkages from where your photo's taken back (and grease as required).
There is a joint just back from your photo and a coupling just before the gear box that can wear or come loose. Also check gear box mounts while your down there, all can have an affect on changing.

Not really to usefull but a good read:
http://www.type2.com/rvanness/transmis.htm 

Andy

Yes it could be the gear shift rod flex couplings as well. they tend to deteriate as well.

The shift couplings the first thing I would be lookin at.
If its worn it limit the side to side movement of the gear stick. (at the gear box end) still be heaps of side to side at the gear stick end.

Dean yes yr probally right

The other main common thing that goes wrong is the reverse lock out plate under the gear shift

this has a tang that must face upwards and forwards.
there is only one way to instal this but it will fit several different ways and is a common cause for crunching gearboxes and hard shifting..

for a simple plate the BUGGAR causes so much problems.
same as i said before with the gear shifter adjustment by locking it into second gear and tighting.

Cheers Dave,

The adjustment you suggested has made a major improvement - I can now get into first by using a bit of care and THE FORCE however it is still far from perfect so I will check the coupling as soon as I find out what it looks like

Is it this ?

That's the one!!!

yes thats similar to them sometimes there round with rubber sandwiched in between

Thanks All !

Had the coupling replaced today and its like driving a new bus

Happy again :bounce