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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Resistance going across to reverse?

Its been over 12 months since I last drove the midget and I am getting close to putting her on the road again. Engine and box were fitted last weekend and I have refitted the gear stick today.

My question is whether there should be any resistance as you go across the gate to get to reverse. I seem to remember that there was but I'm not feeling any now?

The Moss diagram shows a reverse selector ball and spring, could this be where the issue is and is it accessible with the gearbox in situ., is it the one with the lockwire ?



Mark Whitmore

Yup there's a sprung detent in the remote to stop you accidently going into reverse. Has the remote been worked on?
Lawrence Slater

I had a problem with one 'box where I couldn't engage reverse, as the lever wouldn't move to the right.

As Lawrence said, there is a sprung detent. It is located vertically on the RH side of the remote IIRC. There is a 'foot' on the bottom of the linkage which lift the spring-loaded plunger...or not, as the case may be.

If you remove the lever retaining plate, you should see a hole in the top surface where the plunger lives.

Mine had seized in the down position, preventing the lever from lifting it. It sounds like yours has seized in the up position.

A bit of penetrating oil and a gentle tap with a drift should shift it.
Dave O'Neill 2

Here's the Moss pic.

Items 100 & 101, located by 102


Dave O'Neill 2

Hi all, the remote hasn't been worked on but the gearbox has been stood upright on the bellhousing for the best part of 12 months and has occasionally been moved around the garage.

Could the plunger have fell out during this time and if so is it just the case of refitting it without removing the engine/box?

Here's hoping
Mark
Mark Whitmore

It can't have fallen out unless you dismantled it.

Easy to check if it's there.
Dave O'Neill 2

That's good to know Dave!! Will have a look in a bit and report back.

Thanks
Mark
Mark Whitmore

Many thanks, all is sorted.

A little tap and some penetrating oil and normal service is resumed. It did bind again but after working it a few times its all good.

Thanks
Mark
Mark Whitmore

This thread was discussed between 03/04/2015 and 04/04/2015

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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