Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi!
Recently, the reverse shift folk always comes off when I tried to back my Elan S4 1969 Does anyone know the cause? It wouldbe great if you advise me on this matter.
Boston.

Is this the same problem that you posted before ?.......drive-train-gearbox-final-drive-f37/reverse-gear-problem-t24898.html

If it is have you checked out all the possible causes that were suggested then ?

If the gearbox has been taken apart another possibilty is that the reverse relay lever was not engaged properly in the fork on the end of the selector rail when the turret was refitted. You may be able to see it if you unscrew the large nylon cup, take out the gearlever and shine a torch down into the turret. If that is the problem I think you will need to remove the engine and gearbox from the car to rectify it.

Dear Roger: Thank you. I tried to open the case according to your advise. I found that the reverse relay lever is not fixed well. Do you know how the relay lever is fixed into a hole of the shift cover. Pin or drilling plug?? Please let me know.

Boston

Hi Boston,
The relay lever is held in the cover by a pin, you should be able to see the top of it now that you have removed the nylon cup which holds the gearlever. I did not remove the relay lever from my gearbox turret when I had the box apart so I'm afraid I don't know how easy it is to remove or refit the pin - perhaps you can use a magnet to lift it out. Take care that you do not drop the relay lever into the box when you have removed the pin - loop a piece of wire around it before you start.
Good luck..

Dear Roger: I believe that pin was not installed there. The small hole on the case was empty. This was the reason why I thought that the lever is not fixed well. I asked ken at dave beans if they have it in stock. But no stock. At lease i want to know what the shape is. IF you know it, please let me show it./
Thank you.
Boston

Hi Boston,
Sorry but I do not know for sure what shape the pin is as I did not remove it from my gearbox but my guess would be that is just a straight steel pin with a small chamfer on the bottom end. It needs to be long enough so that the top is level with the top of the hole when fitted and then the nylon cup which holds the gear lever will stop it from jumping out of the groove in the relay lever shaft.
Good luck..

Edit.....I have just found a reference to the pin in a Lotus Cortina gearbox overhaul bulletin. That has a remote control gear lever but the principle is the same. It refers to "the hollow retaining pin" so it looks like it may be a roll pin. However I'm sure that a plain steel pin would do the job.

Dear roger: I very much appreciate you for your swift and kind advise.
Boston

My pleasure....let's hope your problem is resolved

Hi Boston,
Here's a picture of the relay lever.......

Dear Roger:
Thank you.. The issue is how the lever is fixed into the hole. I will visit Chris at Seven & Elans today to get the information.
Boston

Dear Roger: I solve this problem finally. The relay lever is fixed by a pin as you suggested. I bought the pin at a hard ware shop and it worked.
Thank you for your advise.
Boston

Excellent, well done. Thanks for letting us know the outcome.