Hello all I have a friend that has just bough a 1968 Jaguar MK2 2.4 Manual. It's got a problem with the gate on the gear selector when you try and select first it goes into reverse sometimes. Can this be fixed with and new selector/linkage? if available , I have fixed some other cars such as (Mazda Mx5) when the bushes are worn out in the selector unit. Or is this a gearbox out and internal repair job?

Regards

Galee

 

It's a long time since I had a Mark 2, but as I remember, you have to force the lever past a detent spring before you can push it into Reverse. It could be the spring has got weak over the years of working the gears. If this is so it may just be a matter of taking off the top of the gearbox.

 

Fraser's spot on regards to worn detent springs on Moss boxes, Ive experienced it myself, Being a '68 it should have an all synchro where reverse selection is to the left and down which eliminates this problem!

 

Blot correct--but right now I am not even sure we are talking about a manual gear box. How can you select 1st and it be in reverse? I agree about the detent but also agree they are on opposite sides of the quadrant! Very odd.

 

The OP states it's a manual, If it's a moss box it's quite common if worn to select reverse instead of 1st as reverse is to the left and up, I found selecting 2nd then pushing straight up into 1st helps reduce this problem!

 

Heck I thought he was talking about a book. I see no way of confusing 1st with Rev on a late box.

 

Must be a Moss box with that problem, I can remember driving a friends early Mk2 and did exactly the same thing, on a hill no less

 

A 1968 Mark 2 2.4 is a year on from the car I once had, and same engine too. It therefore should have the all-synchro box like I had. I can't remember where reverse was, but if it's going into reverse instead of first gear when about to drive away, then it sounds like the detent to prevent accidental reverse selection isn't strong enough. On the box on my MG Midget one has to pull-up the lever before you can select reverse. I think the Jaguar all-synchro box didn't have anything like this.

 

Galee, as you may see from the previous posts, you may have an earlier gearbox or you have posted the wrong year for the car, the detent springs are the most likely problem, but if you can post the cars chassis number, gearbox number etc it would be easier to advise.

 

Moss gearbox:


All synchro:


I bet the all synchro is'nt the problem!

 

Sorry Guys been away for a little looks like moss box as that gear knob looks the same sorry maybe i have posted wrong year I'll post the Vin no up so maybe soeone could check? Thanks for all the replys guys.

 

How do you get at the detent spring for reverse? From inside the car or underneath? Please do not tell me that it is an engine-out job!

 

Console out ~ fibreglass gearbox cover off ~ access to GB topcover & selectors.

Excuse crap pic from internet.

 

I'm not sure how to use this forum. I've just bought the car. Thanks for a perfect reply. It looks like it is a job for the winter.
Pete

 

Sorry I have not got the hang of this forum. Apologies for any spurious attachments.
I have now got the console and cover off. I am guessing the reverse gear detent operates directly on the fork. My question is: if I undo the bolts on the lower flange, will that release the selector assembly and will it come out of the hole in the tunnel? Also can an any bits fall off and will I be able to reassemble it?
Pete