MK3 gear box issue

I replaced my layshaft bearing this winter, and was double checking the oil level in the gearbox through the inspection cover when i notoced this circlip laying on the little ledge inside the inner cover right behind the kick start shaft. using a pair of forcepts i retrieved it and compaired it to the parts catalog. It looks like the circlip (part#27) that retains the shift pawl.

My question is do i really have to take the outer cover back off to replace this or will the shifter pawl stay in place without it?

Looks like a broken o-ring. Don't know if its needed so ride around and let us know.

vuuduu21 said:

I
My question is do i really have to take the outer cover back off to replace this or will the shifter pawl stay in place without it?

Click to expand...

Number 27 seen here.
http://www.oldbritts.com/1975_g7.html
Would you really want to take that chance. I really doubt that this clip was used as an aid to assemble and not really be needed.
Save yourself some gray hairs and get that clip in place.

The risk would just be not staying in gear or not shifting to one gear or another or N but not lock up tire or tranny damage risk. Fairly minor hassle task to repeat the straining again compared to other over sights or part faults-risks. Still would be educational to putter around close to home a bit and see if detectable or not.

i think i'm resigned to the fact i have to pull the cover and re fit it. i was hoping to fire her up for a ride today but will be doing this instead.

thanks for the replys.

Rich