Gearbox seized? What next?

[dadams]

Hi all,

First post on this site so will try not to sound too stupid!

Have had a '66 1098cc minor for a couple of years now. While living in the north of England, it was perfect as only had to drive 15 miles to and from work. A year ago I moved back to Wales and with a new job, the commute of 110 miles a day was obviously killing the poor thing - am amazed it managed so well for the short time I used it for such long distances.

Anyway - had to cover it and put it in the garage. What with work etc, I never got round to fixing it up, cleaning rust etc so just got left there.
Managed to remember to turn it over or take it for a spin once in a while, but that’s about it. It’s been about 6 months since it was last looked at as have been away with work a lot.

Now it seems the gearbox may have seized!

I topped up the oil, used leads to jump it to start, and left it running for a bit. When I then tried to put it in gear with engine on - it wasn’t having any of it.
Nice, pleasant screeching sound - in all gears.

I'm not, in any shape or form, a mechanic - but hoped I would learn some basics with this car - unfortunately lack of time etc

Does this mean the gearbox has indeed seized, and if so, what is the easiest/cheapest solution?

Now have to sell it as it is just sat there with nobody able to look after it, and I hate to see it just rust to death so am looking for the easiest/cheapest option which doesn’t require a new gearbox, letting it slowly die or scrapping it.

Can anyone help as I have an affinity for the thing which makes me want to do alright by the old thing.

Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to educate me.

[bmcecosse]

It means the clutch plate has stuck to the flywheel. Somtimes - the engine heat soaking through the flywheel will release it - so let the engine idle away for 30 mins or so. And then try again. If still no good - push the car out and try starting it in gear (with foot down on clutch) to see if that frees it off. Obviously - you need a clear road ahead since the car may take off on starting! Other method is for someone to tow start the car - again in gear with clutch down. In both cases - make sure the brakes are working before trying! If all fails - you will need to pop the engine out to free the plate from the flywheel.

[MoggyTech]

Yes clutch plate stuck to the flywheel, gearbox will be fine, they don't seize, they usually just break in spectacular fashion. What BMC said to free it off.

[dadams]

Many thanks to MoggyTech and bmcecosse,

Will be trying out your suggestions as soon as i can. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again !

[StaffsMoggie]

A common problem! Strangely, some Minors are more prone to this than others. One of mine would have a stuck clutch if it was parked up for more than a few days. BMCs freeing methods will sort it out.

[bmcecosse]

Hope you get it sorted - let us know progress!

[rayofleamington]

A common problem! Strangely, some Minors are more prone to this than others. One of mine would have a stuck clutch if it was parked up for more than a few days. BMCs freeing methods will sort it out.

If it stick in a few days it is most likely to be covered in sticky burnt oil.

Starting in gear with clutch pressed will cure 95% of them but if that fails then give it a very good heat soak and drive it full throttle over speed bumps.

Also - if you try and start the car in gear with clutch pressed and still get the screeching noise - something different is wrong!