Gear stick loose!

[floatingshed]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and to transits.
I recently bought a 1981 Advantura camper and so far it is great fun. However yesterday the gear stick suddenly exhibited more movement that expected. I reversed out of a space (in Tesco car park, if you must know!) and when I went to put it in first the lever moved in a kind of circular motion that made finding the gears a bit odd. All gears are working fine, it is just the extra movement that makes it feel strange. Reverse is still solid. Is this a known fault? Any suggestions very welcome, especially as I'm currently 120 miles from home and a bit nervous of the return trip!
Thanks, Andy.

[FredTransit]

Is this the original 4 speed or a later 5 speed?

[floatingshed]

It is the original four speed, wish I had a five!

[Luke]

id unscrew the gator and have a look, i think it's more likely to be the stick than the box- cant remember exactly how they are on them boxes but i'd suspect the stick bottom end location is some how broke worn etc. and you should be able to see it move excessivly if theres summat loose or broken

[vana mana]

if its 4 speed ..i got a box and gearstick..used to work fine..but aint been used for a while...£25.00 and its yours

[floatingshed]

Excellent, thanks.
I'll investigate and see what is needed
Cheers.

[rover]

Chances are the bolts have come loose underneath. Unless its got the nylon screw type fitting in which case the threads are probably fooked.

Rover.

[vana mana]

just found a spare seperate gear stick in the shed..need a picture to marry up if your interested?

[mike c]

take the metal plate off from the van floor (cross head screws), undo the largish plastic domed hex thing at the bottom of the stick (get a screwdriver wedged in and hit with hammer).

pull the stick up (do it in neutral - it'll proly be easier to get it back right)

check the ball, the plastic thing and the little spoon on the bottom end of the stick.

this is an easy job, 30mins at the most. be aware there will be gearbox oil on the bottom end of the stick.

Mike

[floatingshed]

Thanks everyone, I'll have a look tomorrow...