New to me MCI5B and problems I'm having

[Reddog]

So, found the flap reset lever. Re-set it and it's fixed! Now on to the tranny. I'll get some pics posted this week. Thanks to all for the help.
Doug at 8000'

[JohnEd]

Three causes for that problem with the tranny.  As was said: the only thing that keeps that thing in gear is the little ball bearings that ride on the shifter rods and set in detente for the gear.  The manual will make that clear.  If the ball isn't going into the detente then the gear will spit out the second gear mesh.  I have heard of the little spring that is behind the ball breaking and not putting enuf force on the shaft detente/ball engagement.  The trans shifter arms might be miss adjusted and not pushing second in far enuf for the gears to properly mesh and engage the detente and it spits it out. Push the shifter rod towards second after the stick had been placed in second and if it moves and clicks into a detente then you have the solution.  THEN there is the shifting mechanism itself.  If the detente has good hold.....push it into second at the shift lever on the trans and feel that it falls in to a detente and is then hard to move the lever.  See if you can adjust the shifter arm to push the lever far enough for the second gear detente.  If you get that done then go to the shifter in the cockpit and see if putting it in second actually moves the shift arm far enough to actually engage. If you can't get it withthe rod adjustment then the shifter mech is worn. A trans will spit out a gear if that gear/trans is badly worn.  I think shifter arm mal adjustment is probable and I am certain that the shifter mechanism under the stick is worn but how much?  I hate a "vague" shifter and every one I have tried has been loose.

Hope that isn't too confusing,

John

[James77MCI8]

Should have the same problems with reverse.

[JohnEd]

James,

Only if it is a worn shifter mech. cause then the throw will be wimpy in both directions  If it is the rod, then making it to short for one will jam it further into the opposite gear.  That will probably go unnoticed as it will just stay in that gear as it should.  my experience with this is limited to old cars.  I hope he has a book with procedures to follow that are specific to his trans and shifter.

John

[Reddog]

I adjusted the 1-2 linkqage and seemed to have fixed the problem. In my enthusiasm, I fiddled a little with 3-4 and now have it going into reverse with difficulty. Guess I'll put that back where it was. Otherwise, the bus is responding well to love and attention. I'll be selling it, so if you hear of a buyer for a 5B, send them my way. Here is a link to some pics:
http://ImageEvent.com/reddog/1972mci5b
Doug at 8000'