manual gearbox idiosyncrasy

[cullendw]

Hi,

I have recently purchased a beautiful 2001 4.5 Patrol and am looking to many happy years playing in the dirt! I have a question regarding an idiosyncrasy regarding the gearbox; When I have been driving for a while with 5th gear engaged, the reverse gear seems to "disappear". Only after engaging a couple of other gears in various permutations can I find the reverse gear (thereafter I can find reverse gear with ease until the next long trip with 5th gear engaged). I would not mind so much, but I am a bit nervous about my wife not being able to find reverse when I am not with her. Has anyone else experienced something similar or maybe know what may cause this?

Thanks!

[Ross]

Hi Cullendw,

Welcome to the forum! Please post some pics of your new ride, if you havn`t already.

Unfortunately I can`t answer your question entirely, but maybe someone else with more technical gearbox knowledge will chime in.

I`m not sure if this can cause your difficulties, but be aware that 5th gear on pre-2002 Patrol manual boxes does need to be treated with some respect, as it is a known point of failure. Don`t lug the van in 5th (i.e. don`t be shy to change down to 4th on the hills), and avoid 5th when towing.

There is a bit of info here: http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?t=22988

There is a design change from mid 2002 onwards that addresses this issue, so if you are ever unlucky and loose 5th, be sure to get the updated parts for the re-build.

Not sure if the above helps you, but probably something worth being aware of.

Regards,

Ross

[cullendw]

Hi Ross,

Thanks for the reply! I will def post some pictures soon (going to De Wildt next month so will hopefully get some decent action shots). My previous 4x4 was a highly modded Disco 1 so I am quite excited to see the difference (so far, the Patrol starts every time I turn the key which is a big first!!!). The previous owner is a really nice chap and has really looked after it!

The gearbox was re-built in 2008 by the previous owner (the 5th gear disappeared after a road trip he took) by Rex Diff so I am assuming they used the updated parts (I have got the receipt so I will give them a call and see if they kept a record).

I think you may have a point though - I have done a long trip with 5th gear engaged and reverse was still working 100% - this must be because I did not lug the van like you said. I will try this theory out and if it is the case, I will advise my wife not to engaged 5th to be on the safe side!.

Thanks again
Daniel

PS - I tried to access the link you suggested and it comes up with a message telling me the board is unavailable so I will try again another day

[Tinus lotz]

Hi there I'm going to find out about a spare box for you tommorow one of the guys on the form has 3! Becouse they generally don't give hassles he needs to get rid of it !
Mabe its a good idea to chance the box if it makes finacal sence ?

[cullendw]

Hi Tinus,

Thanks for the offer, it is greatly appreciated!

Right now, I do not think the problem warrants a change of box or spending any money. I think I still need to get use to driving the Patrol and I am sure this idiosyncrasy will just add character (which I am used to be a ex Landy driver ). I just had a chat with the previous owner and he mentioned that he hardly ever experienced the problem, so I figure it must because of what was mentioned earlier regarding me lugging the car in 5th gear. I should hopefully be able to test out this theory soon.

All the best and thanks again!
Daniel Cullender

[Peter Connan]

Daniel do you know when the gearbox oil was last replaced?

It night be a good idea to replace if you don't. Use Castrol BOT130M for best results.

[Herrie]

Sometimes I also can not get it into "R" - the same problem with my Safari and my Skyline years ago.

All I do is let the clutch go - step on it again and then it goes into reverse

[cullendw]

Hi Peter,

Thats a great idea! I will definetly try replace the gearbox oil and let you know, thanks! Out of interest, do you have any recommendations for diff oil?

[cullendw]

Hi,

I headed off to dullstroom and only if I engage 5th gear, regardless whether I lug the patrol or not, reverse disappears. This never happens if I just go up to 4th gear. I forgot that a seal was replaced in the transfer case a couple of weeks ago, so the gearbox oil was replaced very recently.

Apparently this is caused by my reverse idle misaligning which would cost a packet to fix. After some practice, reverse in not too difficult to find again (the formula is 2nd, lift clutch, 4th, lift clutch, 5th then reverse in one motion)

[cullendw]

It happened again today while driving on a short trip and I did not even engage 5th gear. My formula did not work very well and I spent around 5 minutes trying to find reverse in a parking lot ... not ideal!