"notchy" gearchange

[Stan]

I just acquired a Mk2. The gearchange seems "notchy" to me. Any advice on how to smooth it out, please?
Thanks!

[SLYDIT]

5 speed or 6 speed?
the mx5 has always been blessed with a tight gearbox action.
i see you are in Hamilton...the man to see is Don Mclean at Autoway services in frankton. he is an mx5 specialist and will tell you if theres anything amiss with the gearbox.

the oil used makes a big difference. The BEST gearbox oil to use is motorcraft fully synthetic manual transmission fluid from ford. it aint cheap but it is becoming the oil of choice

[WideOpenThrottle]

First & cheapest is to check the fluid level & colour then maybe do an oil change.

Sometimes the notchiness could be clutch fluid & seals...especially if the fluid is dark in the reservoir...may need a look at too!

And the oil in the turret is worth checking.

[Kieran]

1. Fluid change
2. Gearshift bushing change

or just get a shifter rebuild kit this is the one I have its awesome
http://www.miataroadster.com/miataroads ... 63251.aspx

[Timmo]

If by Mk2 you mean NB (98-2004, fixed head light model) then the 6-speeds don't have a separate fluid reservoir like the NA.

Changing the fluid will help as will ensuring the top and bottom dust seals (top one is called an insulator) aren't cracked. If they are, it's likely that junk has entered in and is clogging the gearstick 'ball' and bush which will make it notchy.