Topic: 1970 cl350 shifter problems

[1stgenxxx]

I just picked up a 1970 cl350 and I can't shift it into neutral. The shift lever spins all the way around. I figured the splines were stripped but the whole shaf turns with the arm. Any ideas before I tear it apart?

[grcamna2]

You need to check you're shifter shaft out; pull off the right crankcase/clutch cover and look behind and above the clutch assembly at about the 11 O'clock position, you'll see the end of the shift drum and the actuating arm w/ spring of the shifter shaft assembly.You'll be able to check it by moving the shifter and seeing what takes place at that 11 AM position with the shift drum.The shifter shaft is either snapped at some place where it goes through the engine cases...or the actuating arms and spring are somehow fouled up;I'd vote for the latter. You'll see it, and then the clutch will have to come out to repair or replace those parts;one of the little small dowel pins may have fallen out of the end of the shift drum after the Large phillips  screw holding that "star"looking piece on the end of the shift drum has loosened up...it could be any one of those things.

It's Not a complicated job....Enjoy 

[1stgenxxx]

It was dark the other night and I thought the whole shaft was spinning..... I just messed with it and the splines are pretty much gone. I'm going to try clearancing the gap in the shifter arm so that it will clamp down more (theory sounds good in my head)

[grcamna2]

You need another shift shaft w/ good splines...unless you like messing with that one a lot.