wr 250 gear lever play .. approx 40 mm no spring back

just rebuilt complete engine. and having problems with gearlever play. and doesent seem to spring back. please help

i just got a wr 250.it is a1981.the gear shift lever goes up close to a half inch from center before it starts to grab a gear in either direction.i have a 1980 390 and it has even more play in the shifting mechanism from neutral.both bikes do grab gears tho.i think the wr 250 needs a rod as she makes knocking noises.how much of your 1983engine did you rebuild?dan

i have rebuilt every single bit of engine and complete bike nut and bolt everything replaced. i just found out that its the spring that needs renewing so should be out at weekend running it in! yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee