gear box racket!!

[mickm]

I have just taken a 1968 tourer for a test ride. Not a bad car BUT the gear box was very noisy in second and third,also seemd to be holding back in 2nd & 3rd. Once in top all seemed fine. First is good also. Is this one for a rebuild or do they all do that in time? All coments welcome. Mick

[PSL184]

First step would be to check the oil level. If you don't know the history I would drain the box and refill with normal 20/50 engine oil. Don't use any other type of oil esp hypoid as it will attack the internals.

[mickm]

I havn't brought it,just need some advice to see if it's worth spending nearly £5,000 on.

[PSL184]

I'd use it as a bargaining point to get the price down then. You can pick up a decent used box for less than £50 so it's not the end of the world if it needs changing....

[linearaudio]

They aren't usually noisy in second or third, only the whiney first gear. Shouldn't feel like its holding back either, sounds like it could be a seriously bad bearing if its causing power loss, very good bargaining point and easily fixed/ replaced. The lads down behind the football stadium would give you a fair price to swap a box and may even know where there is one locally!

[mike.perry]

It is normally 1st gear that sound like a bag of spanners. If the box is as noisy as you say then it must have had a fair bit of use and I would also check the engine for excess wear. For £5000 I would not expect any major mechanical problems and I would expect the bodywork to be in very good condition.

[bmcecosse]

Noise in 2nd/3rd indicates the layshaft and/or it's bearings have failed - and the gears have been running out of mesh. The gears will be ruined - plan for a new box. £5000 is a LOT to pay - unless the car is in absolutely tip-top Concours condition!
Are you buying it from a dealer - or a private sale ?

[alzax3]

We paid a lot less than that for one in very good condition - the gearbox was a bit noisy and the gear stick very much so (as it was missing its support spring.... ) but the owner threw in a good condition gearbox as part of the deal. For £5k I wouldn't want to be having to play around with anything major for a good long while!

[mickm]

Thanks for all of the input, Ill not be putting in an offer. Just keep on looking!! mick

[bmcecosse]

If they agree to fit a new gearbox first - and the car is otherwise 'perfect' - and you negotiate the right price - go for it!
You don't say if the car is at a Dealer - or private sale ?

[mickm]

Hi it is a private sale. Local to me. I am quite capable of doing the remedial work on the car BUT at £5000; don't think that Ill be interested. As this is for the Mrs (my toys are motorbikes) I want it to right out of the box. No messing or problems. I expect and will do a full service myself, but that's all I want to do it. Mick

[bmcecosse]

Wise choice! Certainly VERY expensive for a 'private' sale.