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Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 3:00 am
by mbell
It maybe the plastic ball that is crumpling on mine had completely gone on yours. That would allow the sick to raise up and may separate from the selector mechanism on the box.

Basically you need to pull the trim and check if it's screwed diem as John said. If so pull it and check the stick out.

If possible you should try and get 3rd or 4th gear before removing the stick.

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 9:20 am
by rgh0
Yes probably the plastic support that screws into the gear box for the gear change lever ball has either fractured or unscrewed.

Happened on mine in the mid 90's ---- luckily only about 100 metres from home :D

cheers
Rohan

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Sun Nov 20, 2016 6:26 pm
by vincereynard
Here are all the bits I got with an Elite S1 lever from lotusbits.

p1040773.jpg and


Anyone know where I can source a cone spring to replace the rubber bellows? Then it would be easier to adjust the tension.

Vince

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 10:39 am
by rgh0
I adjust the tension by shimming the rubber bellows under the circlip on the lever that retains it at the top.

cheers
Rohan

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 9:04 pm
by mbell
When I strip my stick to replace the lower ball (left part in your pic) that is falling apart, I am thinking about removing the rubber bellow and replacement them with a spring. Then threading the shaft so that I can use a nut to adjust the pre-load on the mechanism to allow me to tune it. I was thinking a normal compression spring with larger diameter washer at the bottom would be fine. This would just be to spread load on 4th part from right in your picture and stop the spring chewing it up.

At the minute I've just done what Rohan and suggested and stuffed a grommet between the bellow and clip to increase the tension. Think it might be a bit much but won't find out until I refit the box (and engine) in the car and get to drive it.

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2016 11:02 am
by vincereynard
Of the three "bellows" I have, 2 are split. The best is maybe 40 years old+.

Hence the idea of a spring replacement. I can see a problem in threading the shaft ,as how you would be able
to get the die and nut past the kink? My idea was a simple collar, (or even a large nut), drilled and threaded to take a grub screw. OR a washer and a strong hose clip?

After than some sort of 3rd / 4th gate to ease the 2nd > 3rd change.

Vince

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2016 7:38 pm
by mbell
vincereynard wrote: I can see a problem in threading the shaft ,as how you would be able
to get the die and nut past the kink?


You have a good point, I haven't looked at this in a lot of detail of how I'd actually do it or try to do it. So interested to find out how you get on.

vincereynard wrote:After than some sort of 3rd / 4th gate to ease the 2nd > 3rd change.


With the (strong) spring for 5th/reserve I wouldn't have though you needed anything here. I don't think I had any issue getting third from second. I recommend trying it with a decent gear stick before worrying about it. I don't think there is much you can do without removing the engine and gearbox anyway.

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 6:50 pm
by vincereynard
mbell wrote:
You have a good point, I haven't looked at this in a lot of detail of how I'd actually do it or try to do it. So interested to find out how you get on.


Edit 170217
A better video with a new camera -

https://youtu.be/xSyhX_8Lv9I

It jumps about a bit as I'm playing with camera angles and lighting.

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:00 pm
by gjz30075
Good videos, Vince. Thank you.

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:32 pm
by mbell
Yes, very helpful video and interesting to see how you tackled this. Looks like a good solution. Thanks for posting the video's.

In the video it was the first timed a got a good look at the troublesome ball. I'd assumed that it roughly matched the diameter of the blue cup (~1 1/4" from memory) but that doesn't seem to be the case and might mean the ball I've bought might work as a replacement. If you happen to still have it out of the car could you post measurements of the ball? (Don't worry if it is in the car.)

Thanks,

Mark

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:45 pm
by vincereynard
Mark,

As it happens I'm planning to fit the new lever tomorrow so I'll measure it before hand.

I have a neighbour your runs an engineering firm he mentioned he could have some made it it came to it.

Vince

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:57 pm
by mbell
Thanks Vince appreciate it.

I have bought a 1" (from memory) plastic ball that I was hoping I could drill a hole though and cut the bottom off and use. I'd given up on that idea as thought the ball was too small, but watching the video has made me wonder if it might work or not.

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Tue Dec 13, 2016 11:39 am
by vincereynard
There you go.

screenhunter_100-dec.-13-10.27.jpg and


screenhunter_102-dec.-13-10.39.jpg and


screenhunter_103-dec.-13-10.48.jpg and

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Tue Dec 13, 2016 8:29 pm
by mbell
vincereynard wrote:There you go.


Thanks You! Really appreciate it. Now I must dig out my new ball and see if it was 1" or 1 1/4" as from your measurement looks to be 1 5/16" in old money, so 1 1/4" ball might just do it. If not local machine shop might be able to make me one up.

Re: Lotus 5 speed shifter

PostPosted: Thu Dec 15, 2016 7:55 pm
by vincereynard
Mark,

I've just been told by the chap I borrowed the gearlever of that his brother has found a source for replacement balls. A soon as he gives me the address I'll let you know!

Vince