I used the 2CV to drive to work yesterday, it doesnt get used every day but about once or twice a week. On the way in I had trouble going into 4th, at first I thought it was me and the vagiaries of the gear box , but after the third time of trying realised that I might have a problem.When moving from 3rd to 4th the gear doesnt engage easily, its almost like pushing against a giant rubber band and the car ends up in neutral. After a few attempts with the revs a bit higher it can engage just but with a good shove. I dont think its the clutch as all other gears incl reverse engage nicely, could it be a linkage problem?
I'm still learning about this car!
many thanks

Colin

Hi!
First thing to do is to make sure that the drivers side heater tube isn't confounding your efforts to select 4th gear. It can sometimes be a little too far over to the left and create resistance. Hopefully it's something that simple!

Matthew.

While you're checking the heater tube make sure the pinch bolt on top of the box is tight and the gearlever isn't spinning on the splined bit.

... and while you're there check that the rubber bushes in the connector between the gear shift lever and the selector lever on top of the box are not too raggety.

It was the heater tube , it must have moved or something however have checked all the linkage and gear change is now as it should be


thanks again

Colin

Now that's a good news/ very silly story.

(Delete as applicable... )

Well I suppose that depends whether you're brand new to 2Cv's or not, people with a vast amount of experience with a certain make know what the quirks/pitfalls/design errors are, its the same with any car. Untill I gain that experience then I shall probably be asking silly questions and remember the answers and gain experience and will be gratefull for the answers that solve my cars problems.
So yes good news

Colin

there is no such thing as a silly question (generally), you do get some silly answers though

if i were you colin i'd tie wrap or fasten by some other means the heater tubes to something in the engine bay so they can't fall off and come to rest on the exhaust pipes which are conveniently lurking directly beneath This is how several 2cvs have met an early grave by serious engine compartment fire.

Heater tube flambe has always been one of my worries since I watched a mates Dyane nearly meet its maker about twenty years ago.

This is what I did to put my mind at rest: