Dave - this will probably be difficult with the engine in the car but are you able to get a clear view of the state of the plunger hole bore? If you push the plunger down to its limit is the bore above clean and clear? If not you may be able to clean up any obstructions, perhaps with emery paper around a wooden dowel, or something similar.

One of those miniature lit cameras on a stalk, along the lines of what the sewer and drain specialists use would be a godsend for this application.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Sorry My post was about the original post,
I did not read this as I can't move the gearstick to the right, so my comments relate to cannot get the thing into reverse
Which could mean a number of things Toggles included
This is what I read
Hi Guys
I've just bought a Morris Mini Deluxe with a worked 1100 motor and 4 synchro remote shift gearbox and I just cannot get the thing into reverse.

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" A Hundred Years From Now It will not Matter what my Bank Acount Was,
The Sort Of House I Lived in, Or The Kind Of Car I drove ... But The World May Be A Better Place
Because I was Once Important In The Life Of A Child"

John - please don't apologise. I reckon if the car was sitting in your workshop you would identify the culprit in a few minutes. I have the luxury of time in retirement to read a lot of posts two or three times before deciding if I can add something useful to the discussion. My hands-on experience and knowledge will never approach yours. I think I speak on behalf of a lot of forum members in saying any contribution by you, however brief, is extremely valuable.

Now get back to writing your autobiography so the next generation of Mini and BMC enthusiasts have something worthwhile and enjoyable to read.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Could be the reverse gear bush has walked out of the gear and not letting the gear slide fully to one side just a thought

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66 Van 1275
69 K Sedan
69 K Van Teabag
66 austin Countryman
68van

The problem is now fixed and Greenie is up and running again.
With a lot of swearing, cursing and degreaser, I managed to move the reverse detent bit by bit.
I ended up using an easyout (the type you usually use to remove broken bolts with) and pliers to get the thing to turn as it was seriously bound up.
I did end up breaking off the end of the easyout in the hole at the top but immediately after this managed to pull the detent out. The reason it was so stuck was that a small chunk had broken off at the bottom end of the detent (inside gearbox) and burred the bottom edge. I haven't worked out how to add photos yet so the photo of the problem detent is at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/93611554@N04/ if you're interested.
The burr was binding the detent up and also holding it in but I eventually worked enough of it off to get the detent out. I used a spare detent from my other gearbox and was able to immediately select reverse-what a bloody relief!! Thank you greatly everyone for all your helpful advice (which I most likely will need again one day soon ).

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Your imagination is only limited by the size of your wallet
"61 850 original and crusty (Mavis)
"64 Smooth Roof Van (Colin)
"67 Deluxe resto project (Monty)

DSC_0003 by captainwaldopepper, on Flickr.

Just click on the 'share' button above the image, then select 'grab the BBCode' copy and paste. like above.

Good work on getting it out, good thing you've got a spare.. makes checking it's fixed that little bit quicker too.

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So what's the last thing you remember...

I'm pretty sure you were..

WRONG ANSWER!!!

Thanks Raisto2, I'll make a note of this for next time

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Your imagination is only limited by the size of your wallet
"61 850 original and crusty (Mavis)
"64 Smooth Roof Van (Colin)
"67 Deluxe resto project (Monty)

No worries, also if you have any further Q's about it, there's this thread in the how to section. http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10405

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So what's the last thing you remember...

I'm pretty sure you were..

WRONG ANSWER!!!

Never seen a chunk worn out like that one..
And I run a red die spring in mine, as there's nothing worse than getting the R gate on a quick 2-3 shift.

A blue 3/8 OD die spring cut to length fits straight in and can be used with the Reverse lamp switch.
But a red one needs its bore enlarged @ 1 end to fit over the detent pin's nipple, and a smaller pin then made to work the switch (if used)..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I was wrong

It's not the reverse detent plunger that I used this technique on but a jammed oil pressure relief valve.

Thank you Doc and others for not embarrassing me by pointing this out. It was only when I saw the picture of the offending part that I realised my mistake.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

There is an easier way with the oil pressure relief- slip a 10mm dynabolt in there and tighten the nut with your fingers. Instant handle for the use of.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I don't think they had dynabolts when I was doing this back in the 1960's, but great idea.

What is the BMC service tool number?

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43