Gearbox problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nortonbda
  • Start date Start date
N

Nortonbda

Guest
On returning to the UK after living abroad for 12yrs i have been busy working on the Jota (1981) trying to get it back on the road. Everything has been going swimmingly well except for one major problem, the gearbox. I cannot select any gear no matter how hard i try.
Any ideas?

Keith
 
Hi, welcome to the forum.
Can you say what you did to the engine before the gearbox didn't work, or has it just been sitting unused and now can't get gears?

Does the gear lever move up and down but doesn't select, or is it stiff to move?

Have you had the selector mechanism out at any stage?

The more you can tell, the easier it will be to try to help you.
 
You're pressing the brake pedal?

:D

Sorry.  Okay, after checking your gearshift is on the expected side, give us some more info so we can narrow it down.  Is the engine running when you're trying?  After a long layup it's normal for the clutch to stick for example.  Do you feel the normal resistance and travel at the lever (selector springs), do you feel any engagement attempts happening at all on the lever?  How dry was the bike stored?  Any corrosion damage?  On an 81 the selector mechanism is easy to access on the right hand side, just lean the bike wel over to the levt to prevent oil escaping.  Whip the cover off and see what is moving and what isn't.\ then get back to us.

Cheers
Steve B
 
The bike was stored in a dry garage and has not suffered any corrosion damage. I haven't done anything to the gearbox since it was last used. As for the clutch, it feels normal with pressure etc. I have tried engaging gears with the engine running and without with no response either way. The gear lever doesn't move up or down  just very stiff.
Will take a look tonight to see if anything is moving or not under the

Thanks

Keith
 
I would start with the selector mechanism accessible under the triangular plate in front of the gearbox sprocket. As Steve says lean it over to the left, I use a footstool to support the left footpeg, and remove the gearlever, then the triangle. See if there is corrosion or some obstruction on the free running of the selector pawl.
Let us know what you find.
 
ok
dropped the  cover off and took a look around. everything looks fine in there. The selector shaft is lined up and no corrosion or obstructions. One thing i did notice is that with the cover off it seemed to have better movement and seemed to engage. Once the cover went back on though it just has no movement. I'm sure the  gear change conversion linkage doesn't help but i am totally baffled

Keith
 
So it's a left foot change linkage?
Try disconnecting the linkage from the gearchange shaft but leave all the rest connected.
If you press the gear lever does it all move sweetly?
If not try lubing all the linkage bushes.
If it moves ok try cleanind and lubing the inside of the triangular cover tunnel where the shaft fits to connect to the linkage in case there is corrosion there.
 
it is a left foot change. I have tried disconnecting the change and everything moves really freely also have cleaned out the tunnel . Is there anyway of turning the gearbox without a strip down?

Keith
 
Are you trying to select a gear with the engine running?

Have you also tried shifting up into second?

With the outer cover removed you should be able to manualy turn the selector drum and find all the gears, you will have to wiggle the rear wheel too and fro a bit but the drum should turn with a definate detent between each gear if this is the case then the problem lies in the selector mechanism not the gearbox.

  Does the clutch free off?


  Keith
 
Slacken of all the gearbox Allen bolts,just a little place a wedged shaped piece of wood between the frame and gear box cover whack it so the wood is tightly held in place tighten all bolts ,bobs ur uncle.the shafts sticking on the gear box cover
 
Rufustbear said:
Slacken of all the gearbox Allen bolts,just a little place a wedged shaped piece of wood between the frame and gear box cover whack it so the wood is tightly held in place tighten all bolts ,bobs ur uncle.the shafts sticking on the gear box cover
Click to expand...
                                                                                                                                                    "Robert's your father's brother "  ???!!!!! :D :D
 
Rufusbear you were right the selector shaft is sticking on the gearbox cover everything is fine with the cover off and even with the bolts slack its good it's only when the bolts are tightened the problem occurs, i did try your tip with the wedge of wood but to no avail. any other routes to take ?
 
There's been loads of posts on this topic - try searching 'gear selector'.  This one summarises the complete process...check the last paragraph.

http://laverdaforum.com/forum/index.php/topic,40781.msg53237.html#msg53237

Sounds as though you're on to the problem.  A couple of questions - did you try slackening the inner gearbox cover and 'adjusting' its position too?  You need to overcome gasket stiction first of course.  Generally things free off if moved in a forwards (3 o'clock) position as you look at the selector.

Other things that folk have found - are the shims in the correct position - one outboard of the selector drum shaft and the other outboard of the forked selector spring?  Have other shims/washers been added that will lead to binding against the bosses on the inside of the outer gearbox cover?  Try a second gasket to space the cover out.  I'm assuming the shaft and its bore aren't corroded.
 
Finally sorted. Gave Rufusbears tip another go and this time alls good. Think i was being too gentle last time.
Anyway thanks for all the suggestions and hopefully get on to getting finished before the summer is.

Keith
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top