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Hello. You have found one of the MF weaknesses. Shift lever wears a bit on the bottom (not surprising after 40 years...!), and can jump out of the socket - often on a quick shift, with a pull-up on the shift lever. We correct the problem by removing the pin under the rubber boot on the left lever - about the size of a 3 1/2" spike (which works well for a punch too.... If you drive it out about 3/4 way, it's easier to drive back home.) Remove spike. The shift lever should lift about a half inch. If it doesn't, drive the pin out a bit further. Lift the shift lever, move it to the reverse position (left and forward) and let it down. It should seat into the hole and allow shifting. Replace pin and boot. Make sure the boot is seated all round - lets water in if you don't get it right. You can see what's going on, if you can't find the hole, by removing the oil fill cover and looking into the transmission. You will see the square sockets for the end of the shift lever alongside one another on the shift castings; in reverse the knob on the end of the shift lever should be in the right rear hole. Make sure the gasket is ok on the oil fill cover before replacing, or seal it with silicone bathtub caulking or equal. Lets water in if this is not checked.
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