Early Elan S1 3 rail reverse rod detent

[1963Turnerjohn]

I've started to go through the disassembly process - to allow my old tail housing to be removed.
I removed carefully the 3 shift rails/rods and removed the 3 detent balls @ top rear case and the square head screws on rods.

I extracted all 3 rods easily.

I have taken a picture of the gearbox case (from inside) showing the Reverse shift rail bore / on right side , and 1/2 shift rail bore middle)

The 1/2 shift rod bore and 3/4 shift rod bores both have the front detent ball ((you can see the ball in middle 1/2 rail bore pictured))

The Reverse shift rod bore doesn't have the front detent ball - you can see empty pocket in the right case bore.

QUESTION -> Does the reverse shift rod bore supposed to have a detent ball?
There isn't nothing (I.e. detent ball inside the bottom of case.)

[Davidb]

I took mine apart (65 S2) a few days ago and I just looked at the area you are asking about-there was no detent ball in mine and I think it might be redundant anyway-those are interlock balls and when the other gears are in neutral you won't need one on reverse... I think. Anybody else?

[europatek]

What you can see is not a ball but a needle shaped detent plunger with rounded ends. There are only two, positioned between the three rails. The hole you can see is the cross drilling from manufacturing the case. Be careful when you are moving the case around as the needle plungers will fall out creating a slightly fiddley job of reinstallation. Also be careful that the small needle fitted to the 1st/2nd selector rod does not fall out. Its the needle that transfers the motion between the larger plungers thus creating the lockout on the selectors.

[1963Turnerjohn]

Also be careful that the small needle fitted to the 1st/2nd selector rod does not fall out. Its the needle that transfers the motion between the larger plungers thus creating the lockout on the selectors.

By the needle in 1/2 rail - I think you refer to the 'cross pin' or needle shown at front of rail in the picture, correct ?

[europatek]

That's the one.

[1963Turnerjohn]

Thank you fellas for the insight
This group is a great resource for Elan enthusiasts!

[Elan45]

Dont force anything! If it doesn't want to move, you've probably done something wrong. John, It sounds like you don't have a shop manual or parts book w/ exploded view. You really do need one!

Just remember, lots of pieces for this gearbox are no longer available for purchase. Unobtainium!!!

Roger

[1963Turnerjohn]

Roger I picked up a manual today and Dave Beans catalog - I understand the 3 rail much better!
I have all back together and it works a treat!

Best
John