Original Stuck in Gear
 

I have a 1962 Original that is stuck in 2nd gear. Any ideas of how I can get it back into neutral and what may have happened to it? I have the shifter off and don't see any broken parts but I cant get it shifted out of 2nd. Thanks

When the transmission is in neutral the little "U" shaped parts of the shift forks (right there on the top) should make a box shape (this allows the ball on the end of the shifter to be able to go to either side 1 - R or 2 - 3.

It has been my experience that if it seems "stuck in gear" it is actually stuck in two gears at the same time. Be glad that this happened on an Original rather than something else (like a 70/100 or another short tunnel tractor).

If they aren't jammed too bad, you can use a piece of wood and a hammer to gently tap the forks and knock it out of gear. Hit them in the direction that will cause the little "U" shapes to form the box shape. Do your best to put the end of the block of wood a low as possible on the forks, this will help to keep from bending or breaking the forks. It may be best to decide which side is jammed the least, and knock it out first.

You will want to check the top areas of the forks to make sure they aren't cracked, often times they are broken and this is what causes the ball to come out of the box, and that is what gets them stuck in gear. You will also want to check the bolts that "clamp" the forks to the rods, if they are loose it can cause the same situation.

Good luck, the first time doing this is a little scary.

you see that happen when guys (kids) start rip shifting them like a car trans. no syncros + straight cut gears + 50 year old technology = that don't work so well

I can't stand it when they do it on their big brothers either (M, H, etc) Ding dongs keep grinding it and wonder why it won't shift into gear while it's moving. :bash2: