Engine rattle, stops when gearstick is held.

[hanvyj]

Pretty much as the title describes. Getting a rattle, it sounds like it's coming from the engine (rather than the box) but it's hard to tell. No affects on anything else as far as I can tell (power etc) and it's been there for a while now.

It only manifests itself on the motorway, when the engine is under load (trying to keep speed on hills, or accelerating on teh flat etc) and completley ceases when the gearstick is held against the side. I've tried retarding the ignition, so I don't think it's pinking, and the gearstick thing suggests it's not too.

Gave the car it's holday oil-change and service, checked the engine steady was tight - rattle is still there. Wondered if anyone had any ideas?

(Still haven't fixed the rattle on the other car , but it's not on the road at the moment)

[bmcecosse]

Probably just the gear lever - take it out and see if the rubber O ring is present in the base.

[philthehill]

Also check that the anti-rattle plunger (item no: 37) and anti rattle plunger spring (item no: 38) are in place. The item bmc refers to is item no: 49.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

I may be thinking back to Mini now, rather than Minor - but a 'cure' used to be to slide a rubber sleeve down over the gearlever - if everything else is as it should be.

[hanvyj]

Glad that it sounds like nothing! I'll pull it apart and see if anything is missing.

"anti-rattle plunger" I honestly thought you were pulling my leg untill I saw the diagram.