Triumph Repair: GT6 MK3 shifter, nylon washer, nylon bushings

Question
This is a 4 spd non-overdrive trans. I shifted out of 3rd to nuetral and the lever went very loose. I was able to get 3rd and 4th to get the car home. I have removed the boot and it looks like something is missing. There is a spring on the lever shaft and a larger one loose around it, the two cup shaped pieces and the cap. I just purchased the car and don't have a repair manual yet. What fell out? Can it be fixed without removing the trans? And is there a kit available?

Answer
Bill,

If you car still has it's original transmission it should be a "three rail" gearbox versus the late Spitfire "single rail" setup.

At the bottom end of the shift lever there is a bolt with two nylon bushings.  Those bushings tend to break up with age/use and if they're gone then you'll have quite a bit of free play in the shift lever.  

Inside the cap there's normally a large (about 1 1/4") rounded nylon "washer" that slides around inside the cap.  If this broke up then you'd also have a problem similar to what you're describing.

The rebuild kits are still available (but getting pricey, like all the bits) from the major Triumph suppliers.  The Rover kit # is 519770.  Look for a gearshift lever kit for the 3 rail, it's the same kit as for the Spitfire 3 rail trans.

It'll be easier to remove the trans cover to do the repair work but if these bushings are the problem then it should be easy to effect the repair with the trans in place.

If the bushings aren't the problem then it will be more serious.


Cheers,

Jim