Second Gear Locking Plate

[AUSMHLY]

Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 2nd Gear Locking Plate 22B188

I believe the purpose of the BJ8's transmission 2nd gear locking plate is to keep 2nd gear in place.

I've found two 2nd gear locking plates.
One is used with a beveled top edge. Flat bottom edge. Photos with pencil.
One is NOS that does not have a beveled top edge. Other photos.

Not sure why they are not identical in design? Sellers say they are both 22B188. Although the NOS seller is not confident of the number; got it from a parts list.

The locking plate in my 1964 BJ8 is flat on top and bottom with some marks showing on both surfaces.

1) Does the height and or design (beveled top edge) of that locking plate play a role in how well/easily the 1st gear sliding hub assembly mates putting it in 2nd?
2) Does the top edge of the locking plate come in contact with the inside of 1st gear?
3) Do these locking plates wear down?
4) Should the top be beveled or flat?

I've always had an issue getting into 2nd. Wonder if it's related to the top of my locking plate being flat vs beveled and if they wear down in height?

 

[Randy Forbes]

I've found that both the side and center-shift xmsn have largely identical internals, though there are some detail differences. I wish I could answer your question conclusively.

These first few are from the side-shift in my BN6

Four (4) picture limit, so you can find a few more (155, actually) in the link below. I'll see if any of the other Healey XMSNs I've done have images of the 2nd gear retaining ring, and make another post...

Side-Shift XMSN Assembly

 

[AUSMHLY]

Thanks Randy. Is that blue grease? Why did you use it. I don't use any when inserting the collar, spring, pin.
I use an all purpose white grease to hold the 32 long bearing in place when placing the 2,3 gear over them.
I'm assuming the oil will wash out all the oil and it will then be the lubricant for all the bearing and thrust washers?
Excellent close up photos!