Two shifter issues

[OsoMoore]

Hey folks, I'm having some issues with the shift stick on my SC, and am hoping for some insight into what to do.

The major issue is that the stick is rotating slightly counter-clockwise. This means that it can get "stuck" in 5th gear, trapped between the shift guide and the reverse lockout. I can pop it out if I twist and push, but that seems like a bad idea.

Normal position


Rotated CCW


Caught between lockout and guide plate


The second issue isn't a show stopper, but is odd. The 5th/reverse side has a catch on the stick that allows it to slot into those gears nicely by catching on a plate at the base of the stick. There is also a plate on the base for 1st/2nd (sitting loose in this image), but there is no catch on the stick for this side. This doesn't interfere with my shifting, but seems like there was a catch but it broke off some time ago. Is there some way to fix this?


We're hitting our last sunny days, and I can't wait to hit the road! Thanks for your help, fellow Pelicans.

[rwest]

I believe that where the shifter goes into the piece with the ball in it is just epoxied in at the factory and your twisting is because the bond has let go. Might need to weld it in place.

Second issue is that I believe you have a Siene Shifter aftermarket shift gate installed and the hook piece is missing- Pelican sells the whole kit, not sure about getting just that part though.

[uwanna]

Originally Posted by rwest

I believe that where the shifter goes into the piece with the ball in it is just epoxied in at the factory and your twisting is because the bond has let go. Might need to weld it in place.

Second issue is that I believe you have a Siene Shifter aftermarket shift gate installed and the hook piece is missing- Pelican sells the whole kit, not sure about getting just that part though.

Welding the stick to the lower piece is the best fix if you have access to a welder, however, after 30 or so years the epoxy let loose on my shifter and I re-epoxied it and it will probably go for another 20 or so years.

rwest is correct about you having a Seine top shifter plate, apperently
the person who installed it chose not to attache the "hook" that comes with the kit to the stick. If you'd like to add the part, perhaps go the the Seine Shifter website, the owner is a member here on Pelican and is very helpful.

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by uwanna

Welding the stick to the lower piece is the best fix if you have access to a welder, however, after 30 or so years the epoxy let loose on my shifter and I re-epoxied it and it will probably go for another 20 or so years.

rwest is correct about you having a Seine top shifter plate, apperently
the person who installed it chose not to attache the "hook" that comes with the kit to the stick. If you'd like to add the part, perhaps go the the Seine Shifter website, the owner is a member here on Pelican and is very helpful.

Thank you guys. I'm glad its not something more sinister. Should I plan to take the whole kit off in order to get at the loose connection to the ball? I've rebuilt the transmission and the CIS, but have never taken apart this part of the car before.

[Driven97]

Looks like everyone has you pretty well covered above, but here's a photo from my M241 install that shows the pieces apart. My original lever had a bolt and nut through it and I actually re-epoxied it shortly after I bought the car.

[OsoMoore]

Update - I went out and took a closer look, and was able to pull out the stick pretty simply, without taking anything apart.

I presume I can just mix some epoxy, drop it in, and re-insert the stick. Of course, I need to take great care that it is rotated to the correct position immediately.

If, however, I plan to have a new left "hook" attached, I probably should wait. Right? Or maybe its better to just drill a small hole through both base and shaft, and put in a pin.

Maybe the new hook could be attached while its in the car, with some handy weld-work?
http://imgur.com/gallery/uMuBG

[rwest]

Here's my suggestion, get the hook part first and then hose clamp in place like in the instructions, then get it welded to the shift rod when you can easily carry it into a shop for welding- remove paint in area first.

Then you could either epoxy or have the rod welded to the cup fitting.

[OsoMoore]

While waiting on the hook part, the car is currently un-driveble. The bolt-and-nut option gives a handy way to keep driving it until I can get the hook and welding on it. But I wouldn't want to do something that compromises the strength of the parts. A small hole seems like it would be safe - thoughts?

[rwest]

If I wanted or needed to get it back on the road, I would epoxy the rod back in and have the hook welded in later by just taking off the housing with rod and bring it to a shop.

I wouldn't drill it since the part gets some leverage not to mention that drilling on a round piece can be a challenge.

[OsoMoore]

Epoxy is in, and I'm waiting for it to dry.
Tip for those who may be doing the same thing in the future – the joint is so tight, that you should use very very little epoxy. I thought I was putting in a little, but it ended up coming up out of the joint and all around it. Was messy and difficult to clean up.

[OsoMoore]

Wow, my car sure has gotten dirty. I took a few hours this afternoon while I couldn't drive to wash and vacuum. Here's an improved picture.

[OsoMoore]

Sherwood at Seine Systems sent me a replacement hook, and complete instructions, free of charge. The folks at Seine really stand behind their work - this kit was installed by a previous owner and they are still supporting it.

Thanks Seine, and everyone else for their advice.