2nd gear rattles and doesn’t catch

As the title says I’m having trouble with 2nd gear rattling and either sticking or not catching at all. Is my transmission on its way out?

 

My best guess would be to first look at the shifter mechanism under the left side cover and make sure all the bits in there are engaging firmly and completely. Those pieces are much more likely to be out of adjustment or dislodged than the much more rugged transmission pieces. After that I would be thinking about a bent shifter fork in the transmission. The gear sets are very rugged for the size of the engine they service. We don't hear much about transmission damage without severe abuse in the XJ series.

 

I’ll check that out. There does seem to be a tick as well. It only happens when I shift to 2nd. It either rattles, catches and sticks, or works just fine. Not sure about how it was treated before I got it about a year and a half ago. But let’s hope for the best.

 

I agree with @Fuller56
best to inspect under the shifter cover 1st as its easily accessible.
But it might be the little engaging dogs for 2nd gear are worn
Common problem but it does require splitting the cases, winter is coming up.

 

@Simmy Splitting a case seems way outside of my realm of knowledge. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with something like that. So is this the end for my bike if that part are worn? I don’t know anyone willing to help me with it either.

 

Definitely go under the left cover to inspect. There seems to be an issue in some of too little Freeplay/clearance between the shift pawls and the cases. Just a little cut/grind of the support bosses will free the shifter pawls up

 

Haven’t had a chance to pull the cover off yet, but I did notice the shifter slides in and out slightly. I assume it should be nice and snug with no wiggle room like that

 

Yes the shifter should have just a little play in it but it's the two internal pawls where the problem lies

 

I’ll be 100%, I’ve never working on a transmission of any kind. Would you happen to have a picture of what I’d be looking for and maybe some kind of instructions? I just don’t wanna messing it up more than it may already be

 

Fortunately what I am discussing is under the left shifter cover.
The symptoms are the internal shift pawls don't return to their normal position and you find there is no gear to select on your next upshift. After a couple attempts it drops back and lets you shift but by then your rpm range is all wrong and you likely misshift.
My ,900 is doing it currently and I intend to fix it when I get home. I can post you the process but it will a couple of weeks

 

If you don’t mind documenting your process I’d appreciate it. I really do like my bike and don’t wanna let it just sit any longer than it has been

 

No problem at all. I get the frustration when they act like up like this.

 

found this YouTube video. Do you think it could be as simple as this?

 

What model do you have?

 

‘86 XJ700xs Maxim X. The water cooled one

 

Sorry then. The 900 is a completely different beast I believe. But I may be able to help yet

 

I understand not wanting to split the cases to access transmission but you should be ok just pulling this cover to inspect.

 

I am not really familiar with 700x directly it seems similar to the video you posted.
I would suggest you get the gasket for the cover ahead of time. Before pulling anything check if the shift shaft has any movement in and out from the engine. There should be a small amount of freeplay/side clearance. Then pull cover and look for broken springs like the video showed. Get a few pics posted before sealing it up and I can point out a few other things to inspect at that time.

 

I’ll look into it

 

This is what I’ve got going on. I was seemingly able to recreate the problem, though I’m not noticing anything real loose or broken.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LyBDgbvWAp37ft1R7

 

Are you turning the back wheel while trying to shift? Usually, not all the gears line up quite right when sitting still and they have to be rotated a little to drop in. When the engine is running it takes care of that, but when off, the wheel will suffice.

 

I am turning the back wheel. Even when I drive the 2nd gear gets stuck like that. All the other ones seem fine though

 

Has the weld let go on the front shifter pawl center shaft?

 

This should all be one welded unit and rotate together. It looks like the shaft is stationary

 

It looks all like one piece to me. I can see th weld toward the bottom of the piece and it looks solid

 

Here’s a better view of the action

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0326eFf5estC0naqFfAXh8prg

 

Also the oil will go back into that side cover once I do an oil change correct?

 

Yes