Spitfire Spitfire transmission appears to be locked

[bobmga62]

Hi

Today Installed my engine and rebuilt transmission into the spit.. after locking everything in , I placed the shift lever on the the transmission (this is a MKII) and no matter what I did the box seems locked.. no movement or ability to shift gears.

Clutch does work, when depressed, driveshaft spins freely, when out, car is presently in gear, so locked up.

I removed the shift lever a few times to ensure I had it located right, and all seems good, I have done this job many, many times without ever experiencing this problem.

I did shift the transmission into a gear when I mounted onto the engine, keeps spline from spinning when mating to the clutch... at that time appeared to shift into a gear easily...

One last small point, which may be doubtful to the problem, there is no oil in th gearbox as yet, been dry since being shipped to me a few month s back

any ideas would be gently appreciated
thank you

 

[Andrew Mace]

Did you have the top cover of the gearbox off as well, or just the shifter extension? I'm betting something still isn't lined up properly in one or the other.

 

[bobmga62]

when I installed, I had the shift lever of and assembly, I beginning to wonder if something a like aspire bolt fell in as I was struggling putting the engine in.. I bought a new floor lift instead of the old block and tackle I had where I pcked up the engine then literally pushed the car from under it... this lift was much more problematic to use..

whatever, I probably need to pull it again, there is no way way I can see inside the mechanism while in the car.. bummer. by the way the transmission is actually from an early vitesse likes yours

 

[Andrew Mace]

Take off the shift extension and try to manipulate a small mirror if necessary to see if everything is lined up. I know it IS possible to mess up the alignment there and also with the top cover, have it all appear to fit and look right and still not work, much as you describe. Don't pull the box unless you absolutely have to; I've a feeling you'll get it with another try!

 

[bobmga62]

Andrew you are right on..
first, through my years of working on british sports cars, sometimes th best solution is walk away from it, especially if you have already been battling it for a few hours... and leave it be and start fresh the following day.
I went back with anxiety this afternoon, but took my mirror and flash light out with me, and immediately saw (especially since I have the old transmission to compare it against) that I had messed up the shift align ment, just as you mention, a quick snap with a screwdriver, drove it home where it belonged....place the linkage back on and all appears to be okay...
thanks for the response..

words of wisdom, put it away, and start anew the next day...

 

[Andrew Mace]

Yay! Hooray! (says one who has "been there, done that" more than once on this particular problem!)