How does reverse work? Mine goes forward!

Hi,
I recently aquired a Fiat X1/9 that has been modified with a Mazda rotary engine. It has the original transmission, however, just recently I was having trouble getting it into reverse. Now I can't get it to go at all, it seems to go into 4th instead. I don't really understand the inner workings of the transmission, and would really appreciate an overview or advice on the problem. What does pushing down on the stick accomplish? When I watch the linkage underneath, it doesn't seem to do anything substantial. I will be needing to fix this myself (along with the original owner/builder's help) and would like to know what to expect. Thanks for any advice.
Nick

Hi, I know this may sound a little obvious, but have you tried double de-clutching? This generally works on an older gearbox. Also you need to bring the stick around towards you in a bit of a sweep/arc when putting in reverse .... give it a try

good luck djonne.

ps. also try these guys, they do spares for X1/9's and offer great advise over the phone
Tel: 01245 460301

Just like to point out that 01245 is a UK area code, I take it N Parish is an American.

Thanks guys,
I've tried all kinds of clutching and things. I'll definitely try to shift like you suggest, but I'm not very hopefull. I am in the US, so that does complicate things a bit. Any other suggestions or insight on the workings of the tranny would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Nick

The trouble is in the coupler that comes out of the car body and just before it goes into the transmission. The symptoms you describe are the classic symptoms when this coupler is misaligned. This coupler has to be adjusted exactly right in order for reverse to work correctly. I had the same problem and after adjusting the coupler, it now shifts into reverse with no probem. It takes a bit of playing with that coupler to get it exactly right. I did a trial and error adjustment and after trying settings for about a half hour, I got it right.

Hey guys, got reverse fixed. Thought I'd follow up and let you know what was happening. I don't have the standard linkage because of how the rotary fits in the car, but the concept is the same. When you move the stick left and right, it rotates the rod that enters the transmission. This rotation is what tells it whether to go to 1st or 3rd. Mine had a loose nut on the linkage, which created play that didn't allow the rod to rotate far enough to get reverse, which is why it was going into 4th. Easy fix. Then I was out driving and enjoying having the car work, and it suddenly wouldn't go into 3rd. Someone shoot me in the face. I guess it's just a snap ring that needs to be reset...we'll see. Thanks for the input.
Nick