The circlip actually WAS about a half inch up the shaft,and I was able to pull it towards me that much.or 'maybe' possibly the circlip slipped out,the shaft moved inward,and the gear caught the spring and either broke it,or popped it off.Now that's what I'm thinking happened.I mean,they don't just pop off.That circlip I believe is the culprit.
Yeah, that sounds like what probably happened.
The New Vortex shift lever did not easily slide on to the splines of the shift shaft and the fricking c-clip kept popping off with almost no pressure. I was sure I was going to have the drain the oil and pull the clutch but somehow got her done. I ended up clamping a good vice grip on the shift shaft up against the case so I could tap the vortex shift lever on.
I also had trouble with my Vortex shift knuckle fitting the splines on the shaft. I believe I used a screwdriver to spread the clamp on the shift knuckle open. Also, I never did get the clamp to go on flush to the end of the shaft. That would have required hammering.
Far as the vise grips on the shift shaft, I used a rag and vise grips over that. I still managed to make just a few tiny gouges in the shaft. It would not pull through when I disassembled for inspection. I had to file the rough spot just a touch. That tunnel the shaft goes through is tight. So remember that if you ever need to take that shaft out.
Thread with photos:
Looking at the photo of the spline end of my shift shaft, I would say it's better to put the flat sharp side of the circlip toward the engine. If the circlip chews away at the inside edge of the groove it sits in, that's not as bad as chewing away at the outside edge of the groove. If it wears inward toward the engine, it will get bumped back in place by the washer it rests against.
* Last updated by: Rook on 5/21/2019 @ 6:58 AM *
'08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE Now Deceased
