Hi So went down garage and had a rummage in my big box of spares and found a spare gear leaver and selector block.
I thought that before I take out box for the spare, maybe a good idea to have a looksee in the top, managed to get the lever off and the selector block with it (eventually) as being stuck in first meant that the lever was tight up to the shelf and bottom of dash, managed to wiggle lever round once the securing bolts removed and squeeze it past the dash (scraped knuckles and bashed myself in the head pulling it). The actual thingy the selector forks fit moved back into neutral very easily so hopefully not the box itself (touch wood, cross fingers, rub a pixie(not sure if that is legal)).
Anyway had a look at both the spare all nicely wrapped up in greased paper and the current one it seems that the current one was moving the selector to far forward compared to the spare, the spare was also easier to slip back and fore, maybe it was just worn out. Gave the spare a quick lube, very smooth movement, cut a new gasket, stick it back on, 3 securing bolts on the selector block and gave it a try, blimey all good, much smoother movement, easier to select reverse, all good. The old one must have been worse than I realised, sometimes you just don't notice the deterioration over time. So bolt it all up, tunnel and carpets back in. Test drive (as they say in East Enders 'Sorted') much smoother selecting gears.
Upward and onward my daughter will be taken to her wedding in the 'Ol Girl after all(she would looked bloody silly hitch hiking there).
Cheers all those who came up with ideas.
G
