If I understand what you're describing, it shouldn't really be possible.
isearch_start (called when you start typing a new search) calls isearch_entry_changed which unselects everything via nautilus_view_set_selection (slot->details->content_view, NULL);
Can you try something similar to the above procedures and see if it's still reproducible?
@Adam: Still not able to reproduce. I did the following:
1) Fresh install of 14.04, fully updated, GTK 3.10.6 nautilus. preferences enable- interactive- search true
2) sudo apt-get build-dep nautilus && sudo apt-get install bzr
3) bzr branch lp:~daniel-wyatt/nautilus/fix-bug1164016_2 && cd fix-bug1164016_2
4) dh_autoreconf && dpkg-buildpackage -uc -b
5) sudo dpkg -i ../*.deb
6) nautilus -q
7) gsettings set org.gnome.
8) nautilus
If I understand what you're describing, it shouldn't really be possible. entry_changed which unselects everything via nautilus_ view_set_ selection (slot-> details- >content_ view, NULL);
isearch_start (called when you start typing a new search) calls isearch_
Can you try something similar to the above procedures and see if it's still reproducible?