Broken Gearbox bellhousing.. Will anywhere do an exchange???

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Fri May 12, 2006 6:32 pm

When we took out the Gearbox from Hebe the bellhousing broke off at the top (near where the two top bolts are for location onto the engine).

Does anyone know if any minor parts places would allow me to exchange for a recon gearbox if the gearbox is broken?

After initailly not planning to use the gearbox in my conversion I'm going to probably stick with the standard minor one as it means I can better control my power consumption and use a DC motor rather than the expensive AC ones (which aren't expensive but the controllers for them are).

Thanks

Nikki

Post by **wanderinstar** » Fri May 12, 2006 7:27 pm

Does this" better control my power consumption and use a DC motor rather than the expensive AC ones (which aren't expensive but the controllers for them are)" mean you are about to create the first electric Minor.
Tell us more.
Ian.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Fri May 12, 2006 7:33 pm

I'm prety sure it's not the first one, but it'll be just as interesting.

As for the gearbox - a broken case shouldn't be acceptable as it's not serviceable, but that's down to the retailer at the end of the day. The top lip of the bellhousing can get cracked in service (I've had this more than once) but it does imply a serious vibration problem at some point.

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Fri May 12, 2006 8:31 pm

Ray, that's interesting because Hebe WAS making some horrid noises while driving.

And yes, an electric morris - but not the first. I know Charles Ware have done one as have several other people

Post by **Onne** » Fri May 12, 2006 10:22 pm

I was going to say No Comment, but it might have been a bit iffy to start with? Could we (you...) not glue it together using ally paste? Not that I would incourage you to bodge a gearbox to get a recon unit of course!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri May 12, 2006 10:33 pm

Weld it !
There was (still is ?) a Canadian Company selling electric Renault Dauphines of all things !
While an electric car can be cobbled together - usually using a fork truck motor - it's the weight of the batteries that is the killer unless a very restricted range (and speed) is acceptable.
With an electric motor there would not normally be a need for a gearbox - just fix it directly to the back axle.
Beauty of leccy motor is fantastic torque at low speed

Post by **Onne** » Fri May 12, 2006 10:42 pm

And the torque would be the same for the whole rev-range would it not?

I do like Nikki's idea with the Minorelectric . Maybe she can put the engine somewhere halfway the car, with batteries up front, in the engine bay? Like two 200Ah marine batteries. That would weigh about 220lbs I guess, so the total would be a bit above normal Minor weight.

Yes Nikki, I have been thinking about it. but batteries, and their lifespan are the biggest disadvantage, as well as the energy it costs to make them.

Does Charlei Ware's not have any pictures of their electric conversion?

Onne

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri May 12, 2006 10:58 pm

Nickel cadmium batteries ex submarine are popular!
Lighter than Lead batteries.

Post by **bigginger** » Fri May 12, 2006 11:02 pm

bmcecosse wrote:Weld it !

What metal is it?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri May 12, 2006 11:09 pm

Aluminium alloy - sorry- don't know what the alloying elements are. But must be about 95% aluminium. Certainly Mini gear cases and gearshift extensions (similar looking alloy) can be very successfully welded.

Post by **bigginger** » Fri May 12, 2006 11:12 pm

That would be interesting. I've never tried welding ally, and I know Nikki's only just started welding - I'd be leaving it to a pro

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri May 12, 2006 11:33 pm

Not done it myself - but I understand TIG is used - with argon shielding gas - usually with about 2% hydrogen to reduce any oxides present.

Post by **paul.kissick** » Fri May 12, 2006 11:42 pm

Speaking as a profesional welder. Aluminium is not like welding mild steel. there is a whole different technique. As for 'glueing' it i wouldn't bother. why not get a g/box out of the breakers?
if its knackered you good switch casings then you will gain knowledge of the gearbox. Although i don't know how hard tis task may be.

Post by **aupickup** » Fri May 12, 2006 11:48 pm

easy getting a gearbox, the hardest bit is finding a scrappy with one

Post by **Cam** » Sat May 13, 2006 12:11 am

I have an empty gearbox casing you can have if you need Nikki. It's sound but it's contents were not!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sat May 13, 2006 12:19 am

Hi Nikki,
I think I've got a box suitable for reconditioning - my biggest problem is remembering which one it is!
Failing that - it can't be too hard to get a complete & dodgy gearbox.

However as you're not using a Minor engine there is no specific 'need' to limit yourself to a minor gearbox...

Post by **bigginger** » Sat May 13, 2006 1:39 am

If youre after a dodgy one just for the casing, I've got one here too

Post by **Alec** » Sat May 13, 2006 8:08 am

Hello all,

aluminium can be welded sucessfully by most types of welding processes, stick (MMA), MIG, TIG or my favourite Oxy\Acetylene.

However surely there is no shortage of second hand gearboxes?

Alec

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat May 13, 2006 8:14 am

Is there no-one in your local branch who is a professional welding expert? for a small fee, they might be able to TIG weld the piece back on.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat May 13, 2006 3:38 pm

But if the car really is going 'electric' - it won't want a gearbox anyway!