Jav G-B Jammed ?

[Austprjowett]

I have to move my '51 Standard Javelin which has been sitting for a while. This is an original vehicle requiring a mechanical overhaul and the gear-box was known to be problematic having jammed out of 1st and 2nd and only able to select 3rd and 4th with reverse not fully engaging. Now, that I have to move the vehicle to more secure accommodation I cant seem to select neutral, although the gear-lever is in neutral, as it will not roll (only moves an inch or two) then wont budge ! So, is it likely to be locked in gear or perhaps in two gears. If no success it may be drive-shaft off.
Appreciate any advise or suggestions,
Thank-you,
Peter J.

[ian Howell]

It's possibly stuck in two gears again (1st and 2nd?).

I don't know your skill or facility levels, but taking the side plate off the gearbox will reveal the selector forks and their carrier rods and you might be able to see / sort out the problem?

You may well get more / better advice from this source or possibly try to locate a Jowetteer local to you who might be able / willing to help or advise.

Good luck with sorting the problem - it probably isn't as serious as appears.

Keep Jowetteering!

[Keith Clements]

A fairly common problem unfortunately. As Ian says taking off the side plate of the gearbox will reveal what is probably a broken selector bar. This can be replaced without taking the gearbox out. I had to do this in 1969 when visiting my parents in Devon. Since then I carry a spare pair of bars.

But just to move it I would disconnect the two operating rods that connect to the bottom of the gear change column . This can be done by taking the plate off above the gearbox in the foot well. Have a look at the homepage of Jowett.net for a picture of the gearbox.You MAY be able to wiggle the lever at the top of the gear operating shaft to its central position which is neutral. If it will not move then wiggle the selector operator lever (and possibly the gear operating shaft lever at the same time) until the selector operator lever pulls the operating shaft up or down ( up is top third , middle is first second and right down is reverse).

The box can select two gears at once if both selector bars are moved at once due to incorrect adjustment. Normally the wiggling above will cure this, but try to understand what you are doing. This happened on the first leg of Le Jog in John Blankley's Jav and I had to take the plate off and do the wiggling.

If all else fails, undo the 4 layrub coupling bolts and take out the layrub. I had to do this on the A6 in Bedford in the rush hour when my gearbox locked up in 1970.

[nigel jarrett]

Both mine and my fathers have managed to do this ,even after a gearbox rebuild ,seems to happen when you go from reverse into first too fast ,We have managed to unjam the gearbox by trying to select 3rd gear then push the gear-lever hard towards the dash then drag the lever down to the neutral position ,it may take a few attempts and also depends on what gears you are stuck in .This happened to us 3times one year up at Goodwood doing taxi duties

[Keith Clements]

You need to think about the mechanics of why this is happening!
It is adjustment. The selector arm that selects which bar to move is moving two bars at once. It may be the adjustment (and wear) on the plungers that try to keep the bars in place is the cause, Or it could be the height of the finger that moves the bars which is adjusted in the selector arms.

It could also be the way you change gear. if you just use one finger to change gear rather than a whole fistful you are unlikely to have the problem. Use a light motion in the direction of the gate (not at a slight angle upwards or downwards )to select which selector bar you want (1/2 or 3/4 or R) then use one finger to move into the desired gear. It needs to be a right angle of motion and do not try to cut the corner. If you use any more pressure then you may start to move two selector bars at once, or worse, break one.

[Austprjowett]

Well, Ive got the vehicle back to a point where I can get under it and dug out the gravel to allow better access. The facilities here are less then ideal & No other Jowett owners within 300Ks, makes me somewhat isolated !

This will be on hold for the next few days as other things, regrettably have taken priority, but will keep you posted as to how things go and may even get a photo of this devil !!!

[ian Howell]

Pictures would be great! It is a sadistic pleasure to see how others suffer!

Seriously, don't take too many chances working under a car which is not well supported. A hole in the ground seems a workable solution.

There are a number of us watching over your shoulder (sort of), so keep us informed of progress.

[Austprjowett]

WELL, I've got all surrounding nuts off the side plate and this wont budge -
There are two "castle nuts" towards the bottom of this plate, looking at the drawing these support/connected to the reverse selector link, I wasn't too sure if these would come away with the plate or not so opted to remove them - the forward nut removed no problem however the rear nut is spinning on the stud - (not a stripped nut) as I can clearly see the stud turn and a gentle tap tap of the part inside as the nut is turned (probably reverse selector fork link).
So, is there any particular technique to remove the side-plate as I'd expect this to come away relatively easy. (I have gently tapped with a small hammer on all sides to no avail).
Thank-you in advance,

PJ

[Keith Clements]

Have a good look at the parts book and make sure you have removed all the nuts. You might not have seen the one hiding beside the selector arm. You do not need to remove the castle nuts.
Once you have broken the seal around the cover it will only move a little way before some juggling is necessary. The selector arms may require pushing back in as they sometimes come out with the cover.
If the seal does not break easily then carefully use a strong knife and a copper hammer to loosen as much as you can all the way around.

[Austprjowett]

Hi Keith & others,
I cant find a detailed cutaway view of the gearbox under Javelin or Technical or anywhere - Perhaps I'm mistaken but I thought I had seen one a while ago but now cant find it, I found the exploded view but need one in the assembled position (like on home page but with more detail) - do you have a link to one please ? All my parts books are currently inaccessible !

Currently have the sideplate loose and right over to the starter (even rotated band on starter to move bolt/nut away) but the selector arms and shaft just wont come away from the side-plate - even after jiggling like mad in many various positions. This is only hanging on by the very bare minimum of thread !
Almost going to remove starter motor - but prefer not too !!!

Thanks again for your help,
Regards,
PJ

[Austprjowett]

OK , just to clarify - the "bar" supporting top & third and first & second is "free" and moved over to the housing.
It is the reverse selector fork that needs to be rotated on it's shaft to allow the fork to pass the housing. Damm, wont rotate - in any jiggling fashion !
Still, will persist in selecting reverse thru the gate, so hopefully the fork may then rotate. There seems to be something broken off the fork, as there is a rough edge on the fork - although this may be just a casting mark/edge.

Lunch is over - back to it !!!

[Mike Allfrey]

Hey Peter,

What is going on up there? I would have thought that you would have been in touch with me.

I am not sure just where you are up to with this concern.

I can E-mail you some information if need be.

All the best,

Mike A.