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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Midget shifter issues

I am looking at buying a 1979 midget. The car shifts well, except when go to "lift" up to go into revearse, the shifter gets very sloppy and sometimes even seems to come out of socket. You can wiggle it around and it will go back into place. The reverse works well on the car once you get the shift lever into place.

Is this a common problem? Can it be easily fixed? Is it just the shifter seat and circlip retainer going bad?

Thanks in advance,
Danny
Danny T

Weird. I'd suggest removing the shifter boot (or gaiter), along with the rubber seal underneath, and having a look at the gearstick socket. The stick is retained by a cap that fits over the socket and turns a quarter-turn or so to lock. Something may be amiss there. It's really quite a simple arrangement, and you should be able to spot any abnormalities instantly.

Best of luck,

-:G:-

Gryf Ketcherside


I have a similar problem... I just bought a 1978 Midget, and it shifted fine, except reverse was difficult to settle into. Then, the whole gear shift lever started moving in circles rather than engaging any gear.

I removed the carpet (a pain, because it was brand new!), took out the gaiter, but everything seems to look intact. How exactly does the shifter itself fit into the seat, and how does that seat fit into the gear lever yoke?

What part actually prevents the shifter from being able to turn around in circles?

Thanks for your help!
Colby

When you check, don't forget to check that you have not lost the anti-rattle plunger and spring. It can fall out if you lift the shifter far enough.
Missing them is not really harmful but annoying and can spare you another hour in the garage at a later date when you have to do something about a ratteling shifter...


//Erik
E Lindgren


Thanks, Erik. The plunger and spring are still there in tact, but they don't stick out very far off the stick. Is that normal?

Tack så mycket
Colby

colby

This thread was discussed between 09/08/2008 and 13/08/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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