I'm having some trouble shifting into 1st. I popped off the boot to have a look and realized that there's some play in the shifter now. I'm sure it wasn't like that when I installed it back in December.

I haven't had a chance to tear into it yet to see what might be the problem but I'm wondering if anyone else has had any issues.

Basically, there's a bit of play in the retainer during side to side movement. When pressing the stick to the left for 1st, instead of the stick just pivoting in place causing the lever to press down the side-to-side mechanism, the right side of the ball actually comes up a bit. That means the lever doesn't press down the mechanism as much so I'm not getting all the way over to 1st. I end up between 1st and 3rd and can't push the stick forward.

Now that I see what's happening, I can sort of press down on the stick while making the shift and it will go in just fine.

I'm trying to remember what's involved with keeping that stuff together. I suspect maybe the main pivot housing isn't clamping hard enough around the ball on the stick.

Just wondering, before i have a chance to take it apart, if anyone else has had these issues?

Ok, posting this thread gave me the motivation to go and mess around with it for a bit.

I think I've got it fixed. I believe the top o-ring have worked itself downward, allowing the retainer to have some upward mobility.

I see nothing to prevent the same from happening in the future, so again I wonder if other people are having the same issue now and then.

Permanent solution is probably to use a slightly thicker o-ring. I'll see how long it is before it annoys me again though, before looking into that step.

I had the same thing happen, my o-ring split so I got a larger one 3 months ago and it works perfect. So anyone getting a B&M short throw I recommend getting a slightly bigger o-ring to start so you dont have any issues.

yeah, i have some play in my b&m short throw in my 1996 cavy. can u guys help me as well? would a bigger o-ring be good for me

I've never installed a 95-99 shifter so I honestly haven't a clue whether the same solution might apply.

I guess I'll look into one for mine though.

Chris... having already replaced yours... would you suggest I go with a thicker o-ring or with a flat rubber washer? I was thinking a washer wouldn't be able to roll out of position and would just get squashed under the retainer and held firm.

Thicker o-ring for sure, if you look at the set-up it is intended for a o-ring not a washer. Get it just slightly thicker don't over do it, just make sure the diameter is the same.

By the way this is Chris I just changed to my user name.

It hadn't worked itself loose again since I fixed it last month but a few days ago I got a thicker o-ring for it anyway, just so I don't have to worry about it.

It was actually a bit smaller (fit flush right inside the original one) but a bit thicker. I'll see how it holds up and if all is well in a couple months, I'll sell the other 3 that came iin the pack for a buck a piece.

got a picture of this ? i cant think of what u are talking about ( late at night for me)

It's shown here as "upper o-ring (original)"

<a href="http://www.wildweasel.ca/j-body/HowTo/images/BMShifter/assembly_diagram.gif"><img src="http://www.wildweasel.ca/j-body/HowTo/images/BMShifter/assembly_diagram_t.gif"></a>