gear box zf 5 speed

gear box zf 5 speed when changing down from 4 to 3 stuck in third not the clutch because it will move any idea of cause or whereabouts of a suitable mechanic in Northampton area help would be appreciated Posted by samuel 07/12/2013 16:00:32

You have probably managed to jam the business end of the lever between the selector rods.The problem arises because the bottom of the gear lever is only marginally wider than the gap between the selector rods and it is now 50 years old.The quick fix is to undo the 4 set screws that hold the lever down on top of the box and then pull the lever out gently ,you can then deselect the gear with a big screwdriver and with all 3  selector rods lined up in neutral and assuming no obvious damage refit the lever and away you go. To prevent  it happening again check the selectors for wear on their faces and sideways motion and also the faces on bottom of the lever which I guess  have become a bit rounded these could be  squared off. If this makes no sense my number is in the members list Posted by Peter Martin 07/12/2013 17:49:36

Oops, the plate that holds the gear lever down is held by 2 studs NOT 4 set screws,and I should have prefaced the reply as being relevant to the box fitted to a TE or S11 TD Posted by Peter Martin 07/12/2013 18:06:39

I had the same problem in my TE21 a little while back - mine was stuck in 2nd gear. We managed to get to our hotel in deepest Wales. Fortunately Peter Martin was on the end of the phone and, with his advice, I was able to get mobile again pretty quickly. But I could neither spot any wear or replicate the problem. I now just try to change gear carefully! Posted by vaningen 20/12/2013 23:24:34

Many thanks Peter and Charles for your information unfortunately I didn't have the nerve to attempt it myself this time.  It is now on its way to Red Triangle.  If it happens again I will be on here again to see how big a screwdriver I need.  Sam Posted by samuel 22/12/2013 13:19:48