MC8 Manual Transmission

[AJ]

Need your opinion.
On MC8 with manual transmission, I have problem with reverse gear.
The solenoid works, the gear engages to reverse. The problem is when I release the clutch (engine power to transmission), the reverse gear pops out to neutral. No forward gears have that problem, only the reverse.
Question; why and what is the solution??
Thanks.
AJ

[Airbag]

I have the same set up on my bus but have never had the issue. I would start by cleaning and lubing the solenoid plunger and cycling it. It may just be gummed up. Or it could be getting weak and not actuating the what ever part that it pushes or pulls. Let us know what you find.

[busshawg]

hey Air Bag I sent you a PM

[luvrbus]

As Airbag stated make sure it is fully engaging if it is then you have a problem with the reverse slider gear inside the transmission     good luck

[Ncbob]

Airbag, I had to learn the hard way (is there another)? The placard says to leave the gear selector in NEUTRAL before going to reverse. A little WD-40 spray on the plunger once in while sure doesn't hurt.

You can tell the difference between 2nd and reverse once you depress the clutch operate the reverse solenoid and start to put the lever in the second gear position.  The reverse gear has many more teeth than the second gear so when you pull the shift lever back to reverse you will know the difference.
It takes the reverse gear a little longer to slow down and allow the shift.

As with anything connected to a Spicer gearbox....patience wins the race.

NCbob

[HB of CJ]

If memory serves, (always suspect, 'cause I'm an old Coot) there are also a couple of tricks (2) that might serve in a pinch.  Well, actually three (3).

The first is to almost simutaniously (sp) (I can't speeel) push the reverse switch/button while placing the tranny from neutral into second gear.

Lay the shifter right up next to the second gear soosss you can feel it rubbing (grinding?) very slightly, then hit the reverse switch.

You are fooling the reverse slider fork a little bit doing soosss.  The second trick (2) is to be a little bit more forciable with the shifter.  Grind it just a little.

This might be considered abusive.  The gears and shafts are very heavy and take some time to wind down.  Your lever leverage is considerable.

Be careful here.  Expensive parts.  If your tranny is getting tired and loose, sometimes just a little bit extra muscle is needed.  Oh well.

The third trick (3) is actually a joke.  Don't ever back up ever.  I tried not too when I had my Crown Supercoach.  I never back up my car.

Because....I keep smacking into things like shopping carts, telephone poles, bicyles, etc..   I just find a parking space where I can pull out.  HB of CJ

[NJT 5573]

The old Eagle I had did that when the solenoid bolts came loose. Shortened the throw.