Shift alignment issues, Should have left it alone! Options

[Petepat]

So I have a 1/1/72 1.7L with a slightly sloppy shift (what's new) so I ordered some bushes and dismantled the shift only to find somebody had beaten me to it and it was fine. BUT putting it back with the right alignment is proving difficult, I can get some gears but not others, is there a tip on putting these things back with the correct alignment? Why did I touch it? I note in the Haynes manual I appear to have the later shift, the one with 2 springs which seems odd. Any tips gratefully received.

[gereed75]

There are MANY threads on here regarding shifter adjustment and methods. Here is my quickest answer. Part numbers are referenced to the typical side shift diagram found here http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=96903

1) All bushings have to be in good shape, one at firewall, one back aft at what I call the console
2)The two cone screws (26,23) have to be IN THEIR FACTORY DETENTS and tight
3) The bushings in the coupling (26) have to be good
4) There is one other bushing back in the shifter selector in the console under the black plastic cover (25). Access to this requires some disassembly. 50/50 chance it is good
5) If these are all good, then the easiest way I know to get it right is to take off the little access plate on the tunnel ahead of the firewall. This gets you access to the shift shaft (30). loosen the bolt (1) at the shifter coupling (19) through the access hole in the back of the shifter base (18).

Put a set of needle nose channel locks on the shaft (30). Twisting the shaft in relation to the coupler (19) makes adjustments to the 1/R, 2/3, 4/5 planes. Adjusting the shift shaft (30) fore and aft relative to the coupler (19) makes adjustments in the fore aft planes 1/3/5 and R/2/4 planes.

If you understand that, and take the time to understand how these fore aft and twisting motions operate the aft coupling (24) to shift the trans you can figure it out.

the fore aft adjustment is pretty easy. The longitudinal adjustment is trickier and adjustments of one spline +/- make a difference. It will take some trial and error and thinking through it to get it right.

I suggest that you remove the plastic cover (22) and see how the aft coupling (24) moves to select gears. Once you do that and understand it, Loosen bolt (1) and then you can manually move the aft coupler (24) to select a gear (I suggest 2 or 3), leave it in gear, and then put the cabin shifter (10) into the correct position against the spring shifter gate, re tighten the bolt (1) and see where you are, Make minor adjustments from there.

Good luck. Remember, It was designed to be adjusted by a human being.