Recently I removed the Transmission on my 88 vert to change the clutch, replace a broken return to center spring and change all the seals. I also removed piles of gunk collected in the shift tower and replaced with clean oil. I also put in a Mazdatrix short shifter. After I finished installing the short shifter I noticed that 5th gear and reverse were not going in. Could somebody please help me with this issue... What could possibly have happened for 5th and Reverse not to go in anymore???

 

It sounds like you lost a copper washer (between the bolt and tranny) for one of your detent ***** when you replaced your return spring. Or a detent ball is not sitting in correctly. Happened to me before. The detent ball itself is not sitting correctly, preventing you from even getting close to 5th and reverse as far as moving the shifter am I not right?

This may help you as well as the link in my signature: https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/replacing-centering-spring-manual-trans-871351/page2/

 

yes, that is exactly right... It feels like it wont let me go far enough to the right so I can engage 5th or Reverse. As far as the copper washer you are refering to... That is the one that goes on the bolt that has the detent spring correct? I made sure and checked that it was there. The only thing that I can think of that I did not pay attention to (because I knew no better) was the orientation of that insert that goes into the sleeve where the ball and spring is. I read the thread in your signature and I saw the pic of that part with the insert. Is that the only way that it is supposed to go in or is it different for each vehicle???

 

Also, if that is indeed the problem. which one should I take out first to fix. The nut with spring only or the insert with the ball and spring. Which one should I install first when putting it back together?

 

Yup, the orientation of that insert will cause issues. The way I have it should be the correct way, I can't remember it was a while ago, but I do remember that those pictures served to help me orient things when re-assembling. I would double check both detent *****, the one with the big bolt and the one with the sleeve because you don't know which one is causing the issue at this point (although I have a feeling its the one with the sleeve causing the issue).

Best of luck.

 

Wait, are you saying that there is supposed to be 2 steel *****. I only saw one and in the manual there is only illustration of one. can you explain please...

 

There probably only is one. The one behind the bolt. Like I said it was a while, but either the detent ball or that insert is align improperly, most likely the insert.

 

alright man, thank you so much for taking the time to reply and I really appreciate the knowledge...