308 1st gear

The function (block for reverse)of the pushdown is facilitated at the gate itself (if I remember right). I have never heard of this designed into the 308. What Ser. # is the car?

 

Unscrew your gate and look at it. Make sure it is positioned correctly. I have seen them put on wrong before. If it isn't that then I would move onto the adjustment under the car.

 

Do you also have to push down to go into reverse or only first gear?

 

My '83 Euro QV does the same, won't engage 1st (or reverse) without the pushing the shift lever down. Whether that is by design or a fault I don't know though.

 

That's a *fault* for 1st gear. It shouldn't be necessary to push down. It's not the case in my US QV, and I've driven several Euro QVs and they shifting is just like mine.

 

i am with 308 DO THAT FRIST.

 

I suspected it was a fault and was going to try adjusting the linkage.

I'm not sure if the "fault" is the same as wamclain's , on mine the lever will move to the 1st gear position, but does not engage 1st gear unless the shift lever is pushed down. From looking at the attached diagram it would seem to me that, if this is a fault then, the linkage needs to be shortened at the adjuster (4,5), as the only effect I can see that pressing the lever could have is to increase the throw slightly.

Or is there something else that can be done?

 

If memory serves me correctly, the only thing that pushing down on the shifter does is it allows the shifter to be disengaged from a tab on the reverse finger of the gate. Kind of a safety to prevent the shifter from accidently being put into reverse while going forward.

I'd check to make sure the gate is installed properly, it may have to be rotated 180deg.. Also look for any burrs on the fingers of the gate.

 

Can't be the gate. If it were rotated the stop on the underside would be on fifth gear not first. It is actually just a tooth that sticks down off the bottom of the gate. Mine was so worn out I could shift into reverse without pushing down!

 

Then that sounds like linkage, and not simply the gate, doesn't it?

 

Although my 308 selects ok, it feels like treacle. Assuming its the linkage rather than the box, how do you get at it to clean it out and regrease (what with)? Is it accessible from inside the car or do you have to go underneath?

 

I agree with pulling off the gate and giving a real good inspection. Those gate slots are large enough to swallow lots of funky things. When I got my car I didn't have to push down on the stick to select reverse. Only after lubing the assembly as a matter of preventive maintenance did it loosen up and all of a sudden require being pushed down. You don't know what you'll find until you do a good inspection. I would check all the easy stuff before trying to change the adjustments.

Best wishes,

Andy