Keep getting reverse instead of first!

[onza100]

Am driving the maesty about again, she has been off the road since nov last year. Started first time and still runs sweetly. However sometimes when I go to pull away I get reverse gear instead of first. It didn't do this before so I am asuming that something wants lubing due to the stand time. Any ideas
Thanks
Paul

[E_T_V]

Gear linkage might need adjusting. Also don't press down when you engague first as this can make the problem worse. I've got the opposite problem in that you have to try to engage reverse to get first! Also check that the spring you have to press to engauge reverse hasn't rusted/detached/worn out.

[D87 SMW]

Oh no! Not gear linkages again! :eek:

Will pulling the lever 'up' slightly differenciate 1st gear from reverse? :confused: Just a thought, as if the spring has rusted/detached as Dan says, it may have dropped? :confused:

[Mat_C]

Adjusting the linkage should be the last thing you do, only if all else fails. The linkage beds into itself so when adjusted it all goes pear shaped.

Can you carefully select 1st (by not going over too far), or does 3rd give you 1st?

[talkingcars]

I managed to select first in my lorry yesterday in Aylesbury one way system, I was trying to hid the fact I was on the mobile from the police car next to me errrrrrrr

[onza100]

have found that by going into 2nd first and then pushing it straight forwards I can get first nearly everytime. Also pulling up a bit on the lever seems to help to.