sloppy shifter

[Gerard]

I am not sure, but I'd reckon linkages. At least it is nothing like the
shifter in my folks' '79 Mercedes 300D. Sure, you could call the aging
shifter sloppy, but I reckon it is beyond that. With 3rd gear fully
engaged, rolling along at a nice pace, I can move the shifter into
neutral and hold it at the gate of 4th. Quickest shifting 24-year old
diesel Mercedes ever. :) Kind of discovered it one day while holding 3rd
and cruising in traffic. My hand relaxed a bit and the lever went into
neutral with the gear still fully engaged. :)

G.

"Livolsi, Stephane" wrote:
>
> The shift lever on my 86 5ktq (5 spd) suddenly got very sloppy yesterday.
> Ever since the clutch job last fall it hasn't been very precise, but
> suddenly I can move it around about 3 inches while in gear, especially 1st
> and 2nd.
> Anyone else experienced this?  Is it likely to be the tranny itself or the
> linkages?  Any info/advice greatly appreciated.
>
> Stephane