Second gear impossible to find!

Just bought a series 3 88, owner said it had a tendancy to occasionally jump out of second under engine breaking but I can't even find the gear, let alone engage it. I appreciate trying to find the gears is like stirring a large bowl of soup, and I will get used to it's driving technique fairly soon, but has anyone else had this problem? There are so many possibilities I don't know where to start, syncro, worn gears etc ???

Thanks in advance

they only get to be like that as pin in ball at pivot and the ball on the end of stick wear easy enough to fix ,in what way cant you get 2nd if stick wont move back to 2nd it could be synchro balls and springs can become dislodged

I had a decent drive today, it seems to sometimes slot less well into second than other gears but then jumps out occasionally, i.e. as if I haven't put it in properly. Possibly detent spring? I'm going to use it mostly offroad so lack of a reliable second gear is going to be a pain.

From research, it seems if the detent spring/ball has moved it is a relatively easy fix. I'll get myself a Haynes manual. Thanks for the input.

Giles

jumping out can be that but also wear on selector fork ,worn dog teeth on gear or excess gear end float ,youd get a good idea with the top off but watch for the 3 detent springs and balls

Thanks James, best to start with the detent springs as these can be done with the box in place I guess. The others will need me to drop the box? Way above my capability!!

its a plan ,gives us a shout if you need any info

Thanks, appreciate the offer.