My wife reports that there are occasions when, once Hilda's (1980 244 w/manual) tranny is put into reverse, it cannot reasonably be pulled out of reverse unless the engine is stopped. I have only seen this once but the wife says it has happened several times and possibly with increasing frequency. I try not to drive Hilda so it has never happened to me personally.

Hilda has long required care in order to get the tranny into reverse in the first place. Typically, one must, with the clutch held down constantly, shift into/thru at least some forward gears starting with first before it can be slid into reverse without grinding. This is becoming the case on my 183 242 as well.

We checked Hilda's records and she was given a new clutch, etc in 1996 at 103K miles. The current mileage is about 230K. But the clutch operation seems fine overall. The clutch cable was replaced several years ago. It may need to be adjusted. I don't know. It feels ok to the foot.

I have no idea what might cause Hilda's current issue. Possible: (a) clutch needed, (b) cable adjustment, (c) low tranny fluid, (d) something with the reverse "lockout", (e) issue with the lever linkage? It is a mystery to me. And I have not seen this discussed elsewhere.

Thanks for any tips in diagnosing this problem.