Problem with Bridgeport backgear

[navets]

This is not I CNC machine so let me know if it's off-topic for this forum.

Not really sure what model the mill is but from what I've read it is a 2J head.
The problem is the backgear won't engage. The mill seems to run fine in high but won't switch back to neutral or low. I know I'll probably have to disassemble to top part of the machine to find out why but I wanted to ask if anyone has any info on this problem or advice for what parts I need to remove to gain access to the backgear. Or if anyone could point me to a descent diagram of the head.

Thanks,

Steve

[machintek]

A 2J head is the type that has the vari drive in it and only one lever to go between back gear and high gear. I would remove this lever and shaft first and make sure none of the splines are broken.
Second would be to remove the entire belt housing off the back gear casting and see if the springs for the back gear are bent over. I had a customer fire up his EZTRAK in 20 degree weather in his out building. Yes the machine was at about 20 degrees also. The grease was so thick that the springs bent over and prevented the bull gear from moving down into back gear.
If this is not the problem then at least you are to the point where you can disassemble the entire back gear drive and determine what the problem is.
How long have you had this machine?

George