4 speed gearbox - How do you reverse?

[Bienfu]

Hi,

This question may seem stupid, but, how do you put the reverse on the 4 speed gearbox?
On my Elan, my engine was rebuild recently.
Before the rebuild, to put the reverse I needed to:
- Lift the shift knob then go to the left
- go down (like in the 2nd gear position)
- Then release the shift knob.

Now, to put the reverse, I need to:
- Lift the shift knob then go to the left.
- Release the shift knob...
- Then go down (in the 2nd gear position)

It work even better now, but, I think that it's not the right method...
I will have to go to the mechanic because I will finish in few days the "break-in" of my engine.
So. Do you have an idea of what he has do to for the reverse? (if the 1st method is the right method)
He was not the one who put the engine and gearbox back in the car, but must know well the Lotus Elan.

[Quart Meg Miles]

Hi Adrien. Despite driving my car for over fifty years I had to go out and try it!

After lifting the lever and moving it to the left the spring drags it down into a notch and it will stay there.
Then I pull it back into reverse.

I can hold it up and pull it back but it's hard to do and not necessary.

I expect the rebuild included a new spring and your earlier one had either broken or been a soft type.

[Bienfu]

Hi,

Many thanks for your reply.
If I understand correctly, I am glad to hear that there is no problem on the gearbox.