1800: p1800 Gear Selection - problems selecting gears

[p1800]

Hi
I have problems with my 1963 p1800 gearbox. I think the box is OK but the linkage has a problem.
When I try and select first it seems like I'm hitting metal - Not every time but now most times - I can try second and get the same problem - solid barrier . It seems the best solution at the moment is to dip it into fourth -and that seems to shift something marginally inside the linkage and then it will go into first.
This is when the car is static.
I then get the same selection problem sometimes when trying to get into second as Ive pulled away - so Its not juts a static selection problem.

The selector still needs to be raised to get into reverese and no problems with this.

Is there some sort of H gate in the likage that could have worked loose and slipped out of position.

It doensn't seem like a lubrication issue by the feel of things - Oils were changed 500miles ago ( although that could have been 2 years! )

Any help would be appreciated. If its a roadside fix I can try it myself. If its a ramp job Id like to be able to tell the garage what to do rather than them spend ages scratching their chins !

Anyone had this sort of problem ?
Anyone got any detailed drawings that would help ?

Thanks in advance

Mike

[Derek UK]

You may have done this already But first I would check that the 4 bolts that hold the lever to the extension are tight. While the gaiter is off check to see if the ball at the bottom of the levers is snug in it's plastic cup. Removing the 4 bolts will enable to check if there are any problems there. Some new bits are available. Re fit with some good grease. Check you clutch lever adjustment at the slave cylinder. Clearance should be abot 3/32" but can be a fraction less but there must be a small amount or you will be riding the release bearing all of the time.
The parts book and all other Volvo manuals can be viewed or downloaded here. You'll find exploded diagrams in the parts books and pictures in the workshop manuals, the Green Books.
http://volvo1800pictures.com/sweden/...n_parts_en.php

[p1800]

Thanks Derek

I'll take a look at the lever extension as first point .

Thanks for the advice

Mike

[VolvoFan]

I had a similar problem with my 1800E gearbox (M41) many years ago and found worn plastic bushing after removing the gear lever. Replacing the bushing made it feel like a new gearbox!

Decades ago when I had a Triumph Herald, I found a similar problem, in that the plastic cup which the ball of the gear lever sits in had broken up, causing difficult gear changing. I fixed this by fitting the top cut off a Fairy liquid container, which was a similar shape to the original cup. This fix worked well and lasted until I sold the car about a year later!

Good luck.

[142 Guy]

No need to salvage caps from dish soap products. Available here (and elsewhere).

https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-part...erial/1034968/

[p1800]

Hi Guys

Can any one help with this more specific diagnosis!

Ive been out again in the car and tested it a bit more.

I can select 3rd and 4th no problem

1st and 2nd hit a barrier,

If I lift the gear shift slightly - as when selecting reverse - then I can select either 1st and 2nd

Does this indicate something more specific as the issue?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Mike

[Derek UK]

The reverse lock out plate might have moved due to slightly loose bolts. Remove the plate and drive test. If OK refit the plate and make sure it is as far out as you can get it so as the vertical is further away from the stick. If the plate is bent. "adjust" it. Retest

Here's a pic. Just happened to have an extension on the shelf. 😎