Carrier shifting issue

[Michael R.]

When the power pack is installed complete with radiator cooling fan and radiator cowl plates, the alignment of the engine will show in both the position of the fan inside the fan cowl opening, as well as where the transmission adapter fits against the differential extension. The tie rods can play a role in alignment. If the transmission adapter is correctly fitting the differential extension, I question how much (error) room is there for the shift lever to be out of place?

Unlike the U.C. MK-I* and MK-II*, it appears the original Bren carrier series had an adjustable shifter linkage. Perhaps Ben has one on his Scout, or Lynn on his Bren?

Internally, the original 3rd-4th transmission gear shifter fork was replaced. The original part number BB-7230 was replaced by C11T-7230.
"The replacement part has a reinforced web which strengthens the arm eliminating slipping out of gear and hard shifting."
(ref: Canadian Army Service Information Bulletin H-2, dated 14-12-42, #1900-11-42(M-1658)).

The attachment describes the procedure to test for an out of alignment shifting mechanism.

[Ben]

I have an adjustable linkage, somewhere in box. It's shown in Nigel's first book I believe.

[Lynn Eades]

Mine was butchered beyond recognition (cut out and welded into a fixed unit)
I am not sure how they were built one after the other with no real adjustment.
With so many components that could be slightly out, it is amazing that everything worked. I bet there were issues on the production line, or at least when they first went over to the fixed set up, pre war in England.

The adjustable system was probably canned because it too would have been a "for ever coming loose" nightmare.

Jim, Have you had any of the gear change apart, while the engine was out? If so, make sure you don"t have a "too long" bolt in the tube under the engine, that is hitting the floor before it is properly in gear.

[Jim Burrill]

Thanks for all the references and help!

In this case, we have not had the engine out since it came from the previous owner. He did say he had trouble going between 3rd and 4th, but otherwise the shifting is all functional.

After some engine cleanup - oil change, cleaned and resealed gas tanks, rebuilt the distributor ( Diver Helmet) and some carb cleaning it runs pretty well and has power.

But the whole tranny issue is new to us. Will see about the replacement shift fork from Mac's Auto and then see how bad the gears are. Usually 4th is pretty un-chewed.... especially compared to 1st.

A carrier Driver from the Middlesex Independant Machine Gun detachment with the 49th Div told me from D-day(+19) to VE day, he rarely had his carrier in 4th. Lots of 1st and 2nd convoy conga-lines.

[RichardT10829]

Must have been a very very slow convoy buddy.

[charlie fitton]

Check the engine mounts.

Remove the engine covers and have a mate watch while you put the engine under load in first and reverse.

If the engine "heaves" off the mount, then replace them.

f

[Rob Beale]

... on the splines of the short gearshift lever.

There was a discussion I heard recently amongst carrier folk about the possibility of being one spline tooth out. This would mean the wishbone was not at right angles to the vehicle axis when in neutral, and hence affect the throw.

Food for thought

Rob