R&R GEARBOX COVER, NOW STUCK IN 4th!

The upgraded seal on the kickstart shaft started to leak, so I removed the cover and found the bushing had been working its way out. Fixed that with some locktite, and put put it all back together. Went out to grab an ale, and soon found I couldn't downshift; its stuck in 3rd or 4th. I sure could use some knowledgeable advice on this one, before I muff it up more....
Cheers,
Don

I just wandered in on Halloween so first one up - I'd first suspect a jossled pawl spring or it was just its time to bug ya. Other things would be deeper in so you may be the one to solve the riddle for us. Maybe some bushes worn torn to jossle the shaft and so the upgraded seal leaking.

The spring that looks like a half of a big paper is upside down.

pvisseriii said:

The spring that looks like a half of a big paper is upside down.

Click to expand...

That could very well be the case! I will let you know how it works out. many thanks! Don

DonOR said:

pvisseriii said:

The spring that looks like a half of a big paper is upside down.

Click to expand...

That could very well be the case! I will let you know how it works out. many thanks! Don

Click to expand...

I am sure you realize I meant to say "paperclip".

pvisseriii's response is right on the money. I've rebuilt 4 AMC gear boxes, 3 without any trouble at all. The most recent experience was quite different, it kept locking in 3rd gear. I'd tear it down, not find anything wrong, put it back together, get it to shift OK in the garage then go for a ride. It might shift fine for several blocks and lock up again. One Friday night I went thru this routine 5 times (maybe I over estimate my mechanical ability but I compensate by being persistant). The next morning tore it down again, this time reversing that rotten little spring and bingo!!! It now works just like it's supposed to.

Remember that the 'dog leg' of the ratchet spring is fitted on the bottom side.

That did it.... about 1/2 hour to break it down, flip the spring, and put it all together. On the road again... gawd I love this torquey, lightweight, old bike! many thanks for your responses cheers, Don