Lotus Elan Central

by **Stef** » Tue 29.11.2005, 18:04

Of first gear that is! :smt081

Over the past few days Blipi has not been holding first gear very well. All her other gears seem fine.

Could it be a cable? Or is it more likely what I'm dreading, a gearbox problem?

by **M100 TWO** » Tue 29.11.2005, 19:10

Stef, under hard acceleration?

by **Candles** » Tue 29.11.2005, 21:42

Have you had new cables recently? Popping out could just be an adjustment problem i.e. it isn't going right into gear. When you push it forwards into first, do you reach a metallic knock towards the stereo end of the travel?

If this is the problem, the cable just needs tightening a bit.

Candles.

by **Nige** » Wed 30.11.2005, 09:31

Given your recent dramas with cables and having had a think about it they have to be the first thing to check before digging any deeper into the 'box.

by **Stef** » Wed 30.11.2005, 18:47

So is there anyone here willing to check my cables before delving into my box?

Someone who knows what they are doing that is.

by **Dovey** » Wed 30.11.2005, 19:47

Hi Stef. Check your cables first but I think it could also be your synchromesh. It tends to go on 1st gear before the other gears. This is because people have a nasty habit of forcing it into 1st when the car is still moving ie rolling up to a red light which puts a lot of strain on it. Lets hope its your cables.
P.S Excellent work with the box entendre.

by **DeeAitch** » Wed 30.11.2005, 20:02

Pop up North any time for a free inspection.

I also have a nifty method of filling a box , takes a long time tho'

by **Paul.P** » Wed 30.11.2005, 22:12

Dave, from what i hear, its hard to get it in, & then when you do, it keeps popping out, so its a bit in & out , if you know what i mean ? :bananasex:

by **DeeAitch** » Wed 30.11.2005, 23:34

Paul, Steff only said it was popping out. This 'hard to get it in' thing, is that based on experience with another box?

by **Paul.P** » Thu 01.12.2005, 07:52

Yes mate, but don't tell the missus :lol:

by **Stef** » Thu 01.12.2005, 10:44

Well she's takes it in better when warmed up.

by **DaveT** » Thu 01.12.2005, 12:04

hi Stef.

Further information required.

Theres one guy with NHS specs :shock:

. and an anorak waiting to look at your cables.

The rest of us are forming an orderly queue but we need to know if we have to look at your cables first?

D

by **Stef** » Thu 01.12.2005, 13:25

Orderly Q please...

Just anyone with knowledge of the AB cables who can kindly check to see if they are causing the problems would be appreciated. My garage are not familiar with them and after the last cable change don't really want to deal with them again!

She is running OK otherwise. The cables have been on since August and the problems only started late last week.

The syncromesh thingy... Is that a pig of a job?

Cheers all

by **Enright** » Thu 01.12.2005, 13:29

Stef wrote:The syncromesh thingy... Is that a pig of a job?

Yes it is. I hope for your sake it's not that, because it's a gearbox out and apart job. :shock:

by **Doug** » Thu 01.12.2005, 16:22

DaveT wrote:The rest of us are forming an orderly queue but we need to know if we have to look at your cables first?

D

yeah, should I get the plane ticket now? or wait my turn . . .

:smt016

by **Dovey** » Thu 01.12.2005, 17:19

The syncrhomesh is just a possible Stef. Dont panic. I would certainly think its your cables seeing as you had them replaced recently. Cables are like women. Great when they are new but after a while they go all saggy and tired. :wink:

by **Doc Fizzix** » Thu 01.12.2005, 17:35

Paul.P wrote:Yes mate, but don't tell the missus

LOL - DAM, here I am reading a thread trying to learn something about my car and then I have to read this :lol:

by **Gazza** » Thu 01.12.2005, 17:52

Stef

Glad to see you have got some sensible answers at last.

I hope it's just your cables, but if it is your box is there any chance of you posting some pictures purely for informational purposes :wink:

by **Candles** » Thu 01.12.2005, 18:15

Back again to the subject (boring): The AB cables adjusters can shake loose (mine did). This results in the outer of the cable being mobile and hence you not getting the throw from the stick to the gearbox. If you have long, slender arms, you can reach under the coolant header tank and around the back (this is all above your box) where the cables are fitted to the bracket. They have large locking nuts on them. See if either are loose. I know that the first symptom of mine working loose was popping out of first, the next symptom was that I couldn't get it in 1st or 3rd properly.

If you don't fancy reaching in there, I think you can just see them with a bright torch, and you'd spot any play if someone moved the gearstick whilst you watched. If you do reach in, do it with the engine cold. It is awfully uncomfortable when hot!

The fix is simply - get an AB spanner and tighten them in the right position!

Candles.

by **Stef** » Thu 01.12.2005, 18:54

OK play with big nuts and gear stick! Check! :-D

Cheers for the info

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