I was out yesterday having one of my first day out in my new 130/5. Went to select 5th and lost all gear selection. It would seem that the plastic/nylon bush? At the base of the gear stick has disintegrated. With the help of an AA man I was able to engage 3 gears and limp home. I’ve fished about half of the bush out of the top of the gearbox - the rest seems to have been turned to pulp.
My plan is now to buy a new stick (seen them on SJS and Classic Lotus sites).
My questions are:
Can I replace the gearstick without taking the cover off?
I plan to replace the gearbox oil (unfortunately it’s only been in for 300 miles). Will that be sufficient in terms of getting some of the plastic debris out?
If I need to remove the cover (which would make unscrewing the remaining plastic bush easier) there is a fifth bolt on the cover - does that need to be removed (what does it secure) The PO had drilled access holes above each bolt - I guess this would make the removal process easier.
Any tips gratefully received.
Andrew