[Healeys] side shift transmission

[Rich C]

Sounds like weak or non existant detent balls and springs in the 1st gear 
shifter hub, or possibly badly worn shifter forks. I've seen those springs 
broken and the broken portions of the coils wound back into themselves 
negating the thrust required to hold the detent balls into position. Also 
the detent springs and balls in the case that hold the shifter rods in 
position can cause the same symptoms.
The "knocking" in 1st gear will certainly be worn or galled teeth on the 
laygear and 1st gear, along with excess wear of the lay shaft allowing the 
teeth to be slightly out of correct pitch when driven.

Rich Chrysler

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Taylor, Todd S" <todd.s.taylor at lmco.com>
To: <healeys at autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 11:09 AM
Subject: [Healeys] side shift transmission


> When the side shift transmission doesn't stay in first gear and it
> knocks in first gear.  What is generally the problem??   It still moves
> the car I just have to hold the shifter in first gear..  I assume this
> happens because first gear is not synchronized and drivers have a hard
> time stopping before shifting in to first gear.