1983 Mk1 only first and reverse gears operative

[DotMatrix]

Its not easy to know exactly what is wrong with your box, but IT doesnt Sound like the clutch. The grinding Sound could be worn synchromeshes which is quite Common but IT could also be something more serious. Can you skip second gear and go directly to third or Forth without grinding noise? I think you should find a mini specialist and get a diagnose from him.

[ptmt]

Thank you- I had no connection to the internet, therefore my late response.

I'll try, car on stands, to go from first to third while wheels are turning, and see if there is a grinding noise.

[Re-Carbed]

I once "lost" third, fourth and reverse on a Proton Wira gearbox by replacing the reverse light switch without fitting the washer between it and the casing. Put the washer back on and it was back to normal. Have you done anything to your gearbox - however small - before this problem occurred? Same box - Proton Wira 1.6 - changed the oil to a slightly thicker grade and would not shift from 1st to second on cold days until it had warmed up - odd things, gearboxes, especially Mitsubishi ones.

[etrebus]

Probably the 1/4 bolt come loose on the 3rd/4th selector shaft , there was a fix by drilling a hole in the casing doing up the bolt then fitting a dump plug to the hole ,