lost gate on selecting reverse gear?

[chortina 2]

Hi - My 4 speed Cortina Mkv Gearbox was removed and refitted, the reverse gate used to work perfectly but now it is happy to slip straight into reverse which makes traffic lights a little more exciting as reverse is next to first on my box. Not sure what "type" my box is but I know reverse should be to the left, press down and forwards (as I say, next to first). The gear lever is retained not by bolts but by a large fine threaded collar with lock tabs around it. I've clearly not reassembled correctly - what have I done? Thanks for any assistance.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 763]

There should be a small E clip on top of rubber cone ( there's a slot in gearstick) the master tech ( or whatever other pointless title he's been bestowed with) that did job prob couldn't fit it ( couldn't be arsed or didn't fit it properly & it's disappeared)  as he couldn't find anything re job on his phone,tablet,etc deleted as applicable.

Modern garages love to say vehicles are to dangerous to drive (with some minor fault) so tell them it's been returned in a dangerous condition & you require a courtesy car.

 

E clip (item 5 in diagram from ford official literature) in pic below.

 

They should be able to get a selection box of e clips from any decent motor factors ( Aldi/Lidl even have them on occasions) so no fobbing you off .

Some brake wheel cylinders are held on by 25ish mm ones.

 

Probably got one somewhere.

Edited August 14, 2025 by sheffieldcortinacentre

[chortina 2]

Many thanks, especially for the pic too - Erm, that would be me...I took it to bits lol and I put it back just there - mind you all I did was placed it about there, got an open ended spanner and forced it down until I thought it had engaged in a groove - It is possible it didn't and I didnt push it far enough. I'll whip it off and see if its located - Thanks again, I'll report back so as to close this off as fixed if it is.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 763]

Ah I thought you ment it had been to a garage.

The clip was/is a pita to get in.

It's the old pull stick up with one hand, push cone down with other hand & with your third hand push the clip into place.

If your lucky it will be on the cross member.

More likely it will be in the alternate universe with the the odd socks & 10 mm spanners/sockets.🤣🤯

[chortina 2]

[chortina 2]

Spot on - I had not got the circlip into its groove, my third hand must have been weak that day. However, 2 weetabix and a pair of molegrips later and its all up and running again. Thanks Mr Sheffieldcortinacentre.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 763]

Great glad I could help.

Don't hesitate getting in touch if you need further help.