SELECTING REVERSE GEAR GRRR

[rob young]

Hi, re 111S 2003 elise.
last year gear changes were not exactly smooth, especially from 4th to 3rd when driving "spritly" - So messed around with gear change mechanism, & siliconed greased where I could & whilst on I checked / adjusted the crossgate mechanism. Did'ent really improve things so put it down to the cable mechanism, bt bit anoying when you need 3rd all of a sudden !
However, on using the car this tear, a new anoying problem - When cold, the gear change into reverse is fine, but when engine warm / hot, it is a devil of a job to select reverse, unless I really bash it accross with some force.
Presume the crossover stop bolt which stops you selecting 5th to reverse is OK as when cold works fine - so why problem when hot ?

Your thoughts please !
Thanks
Rob

[BiggestNizzy]

My S1 had a similar problem, it needed either a master or slave cylinder on the clutch.

Try bleeding the system

[Mikie711]

As Nizzy suggests check the slave cylinder for leaks, and bleed it. Have someone operate the clutch while you watch and make sure it has full travel. Have a look at the push rod and make sure it is sitting correctly in the clutch lever.
Check the gearbox oil is topped up to the correct level, or change it for fresh for piece of mind. They are supposed to be sealed for life but never intended for a mid engine sports car. If you have checked the cross gate tie rod and verified it's length (70mm) have a look at the transmission cross gate bell crank and make sure it isn't bent. Straighten it if it is. While there check that the abutment bracket isn't loose and is sitting properly. Also make sure that the cable end spring clips are present and haven't dropped out/rusted away and the cable is sitting in the slots of the bracket properly.
If all is OK then it is a case of adjusting the length of the cross gate rod to get the desired travel.

[rob young]

Cheers will do.