Lost Low Gear With Brake Lever Forward

[Tadpole]

Climbed a long winding hill yesterday in the T, dropped into low gear when it got too steep and kept chugging right along. I had a good firm grip on the low drum before my pedal began to sink further down and I lost low gear. I pulled the brake lever back to the neutral position and the pedal shot back up and my grip on low gear was just fine.

I’ve yet to encounter something like that, seems like it could be a small adjustment issue? I’m taking to the forum to gather knowledge before I begin experimenting.

[Moxie26]

After you take the transmission trap door off take a picture of your transmission drums and bands and post here..... Problems could be that you just simply need an adjustment on the low band because of wear,. Questions that may come up is how long have those band linings been in the car? Could be the woven linings have disintegrated because of age and tear out when in use , metal bands possibly are not as perfectly round in reference to the drum diameter and have to be fitted to the drum.... For your peace of mind and safety all three bands may have to be relined with the material of your choice. My choice for 25 years has been with the wood liners.

[John kuehn]

Also check to see if your low speed pedal went over the limit on the cam in the transmission cover. And as noted take off the cover and then press on the low speed pedal and see what’s happening with it. Hope the drum isn’t cracked.

A look inside the transmission may tell you the issue as stated above in the first post.

[Moxie26]

This is a picture of old and worn linings.. any similarities with your transmission? ...... Good suggestion John !