350 Road 3rd gear slipping out

[George]

I have covered a few enjoyable miles on the restored 1976 Mototrans 350 Road apart from one problem. Whether changing up into 3rd or changing down into 3rd bike slips out of gear. No problem with other 4 gears so don't think selector is the cause. Before I think about a winter strip down any suggestions of what to look for would be appreciated.

[Jordan]

Suspect rounded dogs on gears 2 & 3 on the output shaft.

[Duccout]

Hi George,

From what I've seen on Spanish sites it seems to be a common problem. All is not lost though, there is a simple fix (if you are lucky). Often the cause is wear between the tang of the selector drum and the claw of the shaft from the selector box, which means that the gears are not being pushed into position properly. If you take some shim (as thick as will fit while allowing the parts to fit easily) and bend it around the tang to take out the play, then you may have no more trouble.

I know that this works because I have done it with success. I guess that in the long run the tang can be built up with stellite and ground for a good fit.

Good luck,


Colin

[George]

Hi George,

From what I've seen on Spanish sites it seems to be a common problem. All is not lost though, there is a simple fix (if you are lucky). Often the cause is wear between the tang of the selector drum and the claw of the shaft from the selector box, which means that the gears are not being pushed into position properly. If you take some shim (as thick as will fit while allowing the parts to fit easily) and bend it around the tang to take out the play, then you may have no more trouble.

I know that this works because I have done it with success. I guess that in the long run the tang can be built up with stellite and ground for a good fit.

Good luck,


Colin

Hi Colin, thanks for suggestion but I would have thought that I would have trouble with other gears and they are working well.

Hi Jordan, your suggestion sounds feasible. Shame to have to strip engine after recent restoration but I didn't realise how often I used 3rd gear until I couldn't. Going from 2nd straight to 4th is not a good idea in traffic. Owning classic bikes is never easy, at least I can use the Elite, like to ride all year so can expect plenty of cleaning / polishing.

[Duccout]

Hi George,

Check your messages, I have sent you a couple of PMs.

Cheers,

Colin