OKay, I need to know the secret. I have a MK III. On this model the quadrant shaft is held in place with a circlip rather than a bolt like the older models. I need to get the circlip off so I can put a new o-ring behind the washer to stop a leak. I would rather not take the transmission out to change the o-ring, but I haven't been able to get the clip off. Any one have a secret. Do I have to take off the shifting cross shaft? Is there any hope?

Hi,
Not really is the answer, but I've been doing that today. You can get to them but you have to move the gearbox so far forward that you need the Primary off, and really, by then, you've done all you need to get the gear box out. If you can't/don't want to do that because engine is in the way, no jack etc) you are in a position to do it with the gearbox loose. you will need the air filter box off as well. I needed two to achieve it - one to operate the circlip pliers and one to ping it off with a screwdriver.

does that help?

Rob

Dang. Score another for the pre Mk-IIIs. Mk-III was the apotheosis of the marque in some respects, but not all. (Plus the shifter's on the wrong side.... )

I took a stab at it today and lost. I can sort of get at the snap ring if I remove the starter, but the cross shaft for the shifter is in the way. It looks like I might be able to do it if I take off the primary cover and removed the shift shaft. RATS!!!