Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Difficulty selecting reverse gear

I have a 1993 Plus with standard Rover gearbox. Selecting reverse gear (lever to the left and forward) has become increasingly difficult. I'm concerned that I might snap the lever off with the amount of pressure I have to hit it with to get it to move left, not to mention the bruising to my hand.

Has anyone had this problem and know of a fix?

If its a standard LT77 or R380 they do suffer a few selection issues which can be corrected from the top, quite a few where fitted to Land Rover vehicles - but they also had the Rover V8 engine as well as the Tdi engine.

May be this will help?

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=217

It sounds like its the reverse plunger needs a little love and attention - if you 'search' on google LT77 reverse gear plunger or reverse selection problems you will get all sorts of information, happy tinkering!

Try this
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/gearindex.htm

Thanks to all. I'll be tinkering this weekend. Probably try a fluid change first.

Well it's been a few weeks, and I've done further research. The GoMog site has a link to
a service manual for the Rover transmissions. It explains how to adjust the gears if reverse becomes very difficult. There is a baulk plate that enables reverse to not be selected accidentally. This can be adjusted by 2 bolts and locknuts that are located below tHe base of the shifter on the right side. It looked like the only access, if the transmission is 'in situ', is from underneath and would have a very tight space to get the wrenches in. On further investigation that would have required some floorboards to be removed, as the underside of transmission is covered by floorboards. Feeling around the transmission cover in the cockpit, it appeared there was a 'plate' under the trim/insulation . So I removed the trim on the right side, and indeed there is a little plate held on by one rivet, so it can be swung out of the way. Unfortunately it gives easy access to one bolt but very limited access to the other. byway, I managed to make the adjustment and loosened up reverse very nicely, but first became tight. To get the job done right, I decided to cut out a small piece of the transmission cover adjacent to the plate. Using tin snips and a Dremel I removed a piece 1" x 1/4", and this gave easy access to both bolts. Adjustment made, and all gears much easier to select. After closing the plate, I used a small piece of duct tape to cover the area that I had cut out. Replaced the trim/ insulation, and it's as good as new.

Great result. Must be very satisfying