Eric,
two lessons out of this.
1. It's the little things that you forget that will get you at the end. I don't know what system you used to manage all the bits and pieces during the teardown but the so called "pile on the floor" method might have just claimed another victim. In the age of digital photography its so easy to document every step and every nut and bolt taken off, and plastic ice cream containers make great temporary storage. I was caught once when a bolt was lost in the head - at least yours didn't make a noise like someone firing a machine gun in the engine bay which then exploded.
2. Essdub comes from South Australia. Wait a few days he won't remember anything about this. It comes from drinking Southwark the local beer, or is that just a nickname for the Adelaide tap water? I lived at Klemzig for a few years so I know.
More seriously its a great example of how the MR2 Forum works and top marks to Essdub and others for helping out.
Tralfaz
 

Eric

Okay so the mystery is solved! turns out it was the C clip that was missing. just checked it out and it works great now!

Also rotated that block, one side was a bit worn down so the shifting feels better

Thanks everyone!

So, what prize should I get Essdub? :P 

LOL no worries - happy to help! :P
 
Funny thing is how I knew about that issue - When I was building the wife's auto SW20 in NZ, I remember dropping down to L to get a good launch and when I went for D, nothing happened!  The shifter went slack... Thought WTF have I done?
 
Got it home, found the C-clip on the garage floor under the gearbox end! XD
 

We used the organized piles method :P 

It worked, but as you said, its the little things that kill you.
 
I hope it never has to come out again XD 
 

tralfaz

Eric,
two lessons out of this.
1. It's the little things that you forget that will get you at the end. I don't know what system you used to manage all the bits and pieces during the teardown but the so called "pile on the floor" method might have just claimed another victim. In the age of digital photography its so easy to document every step and every nut and bolt taken off, and plastic ice cream containers make great temporary storage. I was caught once when a bolt was lost in the head - at least yours didn't make a noise like someone firing a machine gun in the engine bay which then exploded.
2. Essdub comes from South Australia. Wait a few days he won't remember anything about this. It comes from drinking Southwark the local beer, or is that just a nickname for the Adelaide tap water? I lived at Klemzig for a few years so I know.
More seriously its a great example of how the MR2 Forum works and top marks to Essdub and others for helping out.
Tralfaz

Eric

Okay so the mystery is solved! turns out it was the C clip that was missing. just checked it out and it works great now!

Also rotated that block, one side was a bit worn down so the shifting feels better

Thanks everyone!

So, what prize should I get Essdub? :P 

You have learnt a good lesson, just as all we amatuer mechanics have done at some time. I find with the used white plastic ice cream containers that you can label them with a Sharpie marker and it makes it so much easier.
Don't discount the digital photography either. Its a clever use of the technology which costs nothing and so much easier when you come to put things back.
Sorry you aren't coming in the morning. At least from this thread we have all now seen a picture of you and the myths have been shattered about you being a Net phantom.
Tralfaz
 
 

Eric

We used the organized piles method :P 

It worked, but as you said, its the little things that kill you.

I hope it never has to come out again XD 

tralfaz

Eric,
two lessons out of this.
1. It's the little things that you forget that will get you at the end. I don't know what system you used to manage all the bits and pieces during the teardown but the so called "pile on the floor" method might have just claimed another victim. In the age of digital photography its so easy to document every step and every nut and bolt taken off, and plastic ice cream containers make great temporary storage. I was caught once when a bolt was lost in the head - at least yours didn't make a noise like someone firing a machine gun in the engine bay which then exploded.
2. Essdub comes from South Australia. Wait a few days he won't remember anything about this. It comes from drinking Southwark the local beer, or is that just a nickname for the Adelaide tap water? I lived at Klemzig for a few years so I know.
More seriously its a great example of how the MR2 Forum works and top marks to Essdub and others for helping out.
Tralfaz

Eric

Okay so the mystery is solved! turns out it was the C clip that was missing. just checked it out and it works great now!

Also rotated that block, one side was a bit worn down so the shifting feels better

Thanks everyone!

So, what prize should I get Essdub? :P 

I just saw your SW20 on the other topic about the car. It looks really very nice. Slightly modded but still retaining the original design, plus the white really sets it off. Well done. Excellent!
My '89 AW11 S/C is all original with only 122k on the clock and I took the decision to keep it that way because I feel that genuine S/C Adub's with low k's and in excellent condition are getting quite scarce. I have done some hidden mechanical improvements (better brakes, all new suspension, etc;) but I just cannot bring myself to do anything else except maintain it to a high standard and enjoy it. Your Sdub seems the same.
 
I have just acquired an SW20 (black) G Limited with only 78k's on the speedo in all original condition, right down to the 14 inch wheels. I am of two minds what to do with this because I do enjoy modding. Its a hard decision to make but since seeing your car I have been thinking that I will go the route you have taken.
 

EssDub

LOL no worries - happy to help! :P

Funny thing is how I knew about that issue - When I was building the wife's auto SW20 in NZ, I remember dropping down to L to get a good launch and when I went for D, nothing happened!  The shifter went slack... Thought WTF have I done?

Got it home, found the C-clip on the garage floor under the gearbox end! XD

Eric, what exactly is a "motor out service"??

Thats when you drop the whole engine out to work on it.