904 problems

[superbee70]

So now that Charger70 has explained detent. I have a problem with my column shift, there doesn't appear to be any detent when shifting the gears, it will go into park, reverse, neutral and drive, but second and first are not there.

In reading some of the post around here, sound like valve body problem or some other internal transmission issue.

Could t also be anything with the linkages?
Thanks

Will

 

[Max340]

It could be something with the linkage. Double check it and be sure.

 

[fishy68]

sounds like a valve body problem but it could be a linkage problem. The way to check your valve body without taking much apart is to unhook the linkage from if and manual click it through the gears. If the detent in the valve body is working you'll be able to feel it. If the manual valve (that's the shift lever sticking out of the trans.) stops at all gears the valve body is ok and it's a linkage problem. If it's just loose and flopping around the problem is in the valve body. The detent function is very simple. It is just a spring applying pressure to a ball bearing that engages in a rooster comb looking piece that is attached to the manual valve. Each groove in the rooster comb is for a gear.