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BJ8 Shifter reinstall

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VelodromeRacer

VelodromeRacer

Jedi Trainee
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Help! I have been away-racing my Bugeye, and this year, restoring and racing my barn find 1972 Merlyn FF. I have not had much time for my 1966 BJ8, and it has had a few issues. I had a small leak in the gearbox, Not yet sure if I found it or not, but I cannot get the dang spring and holding ring reinstalled. What is the trick to get that spring squashed around the lever so that the washer and spring clip will install?

Ideas? I had to give up and walk away for the evening, lest I break something!
 
VelodromeRacer said:
... What is the trick to get that spring squashed around the lever so that the washer and spring clip will install?

Ideas? I had to give up and walk away for the evening, lest I break something!
Click to expand...

Ideally, you need 3, if not 4, hands. If you can find someone to help, good, but I've done it a few times by myself; I don't know that there's a 'trick,' you just have to muscle it into place with a couple screwdrivers (I suspect there is a BMC 'specialty' tool which, if available, would cost a fortune). Don't forget the plastic bush in the bottom, lest you discover new words and phrases in your vocabulary.
 
De-greasing the ring spring and clip reduces slippage and makes assembly easier. Curved needle-nose pliers also helps push the clip into place. Hope this helps.
 
I used some wire to keep the spring clip ends closer. A piece of exhaust pipe the same size as the opening in the top of the housing goes over the shift lever and provides a good surface to apply downward pressure. Once the spring is compressed and the ring is low enough, carefully remove the wire. Make sure the ring is fully seated in the groove. Be careful - clip is strong.
Bob
 
I used a plastic jam jar lid to push downwards
Made a hole in the middle
 
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