Gearbox noise - engine & box now removed

[mrbenn]

Evening folks.

Slight issue with my '66 saloon (1275 engine but standard 1098 gearbox).

It has developed a brief whirring noise that occurs after changing gear when the power is being re-applied. It doesn't last long, maybe 2 or so seconds, and doesn't do it on every change. 1st and reverse are the worst offenders. It has been happening sporadically for a while but seems to be getting worse and more frequent. Clutch is not slipping, selects gears fine. Dumping the clutch and then releasing seems to stop it, until the next time it happens.

Any thought on a possible cause?

Many thanks!

[minor65]

Sounds like the release bearing

[mrbenn]

Thanks for that, thought that was a possiblity.

[bmcecosse]

I would change the oil and see what falls out the drain plug........

[KoppaK]

Sounds like spigot bearing to me

[mrbenn]

Thanks for the other ideas. I did change the gearbox oil not long ago and what came out was clean with no bits, it was making the noise then but very rarely. May well be worth another look now things are getting worse.

Its a bit of an odd one, I'll try to get the noise on video next time I take the car out.

Cheers.

[mrbenn]

No luck on the video, the noise wasn't picked up.

However, two things have happened. First, the car has passed its MOT so I'm a bit happier taking it to bits with out a deadline, and second, the noise is getting worse so something needs to be done.

My plan is this:

1) buy engine crane
2) remove radiator and front panels
3) remove engine and gearbox complete
4) replace whatever is causing the noise (and clutch, while I'm in there)

Any better ideas re the above? Have I missed something incredibly obvious?!

I'm also considering removing the hydraulic clutch setup and putting it back to standard. What parts would I need to do this?

For info the car is a 1966 1000 with a 1275cc Midget engine and standard 1098 gearbox.

Many thanks in advance.

[bmcecosse]

You really don't need an engine crane !

[mrbenn]

Really? Not sure I'm that strong!

Should have mentioned I want to give the engine and bay a bit of a paint and tidy up while I'm at it so want to remove the lump completely.

[bmcecosse]

Just slide the engine out the front on a trolley jack - then drop the box from below. Simples !

[mrbenn]

Thanks for the info.

[philthehill]

I for one would not want to be lugging an engine or engine /gearbox out of a Minor by hand with or without a jack.
For the price of an engine crane (£179 from Machine Mart or cheaper on 'e' bay) you can save your back and possibly fingers. It also makes the job more enjoyable.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-TON-FOLDING ... 588dd1f889

You may even find that your local Minor club has an engine crane that can be hired for a small fee so alleviating the capital outlay.
You may even find a good S/H one on 'e' bay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/folding-engin ... 1ea1e70e01
There are plenty to hire on 'e' bay from £15 so there is no need to struggle.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

It really is easy on the trolley jack..no back or fingers involved.. But of course - if doing it regularly then equipment aways helps.

[mrbenn]

I for one would not want to be lugging an engine or engine /gearbox out of a Minor by hand with or without a jack.
For the price of an engine crane (£179 from Machine Mart or cheaper on 'e' bay) you can save your back and possibly fingers. It also makes the job more enjoyable.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-TON-FOLDING ... 588dd1f889

You may even find that your local Minor club has an engine crane that can be hired for a small fee so alleviating the capital outlay.
You may even find a good S/H one on 'e' bay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/folding-engin ... 1ea1e70e01
There are plenty to hire on 'e' bay from £15 so there is no need to struggle.
Phil

Thanks for those links, funnily enough the first crane is on my ebay watch list, think I'm going to press the go button on that. I'm likely to be doing the job solo so it'll be a good thing to have I can always sell it on afterwards if I don't want to store it.

[mrbenn]

Well, the engine and gearbox are now out. To be honest, I can't really see anything much wrong except the release bearing looks to be breaking up and appears a bit glazed to me but certainly doesn't massively worn.

Please could you kind folks have a look at these pics and tell me what you think:

















Thanks!

[mogbob]

The major bits all look sound to me. Ring gear, flywheel , clutch still good to go. It all needs a good clean and the friction plate deglazing.
The release fork ... difficult to tell from a photo but is the release bearing " free to rotate " ? The wear pattern on the back of the clutch seems to suggest uneven wear, contact on the " Shiny " half, unless it's a trick of the light.
I'd go for a new release bearing and two bronze bushes. Given the relatively small cost of a second hand or new release fork
I'd replace that whilst you have it apart. If the one you have fitted is slightly distorted ,it might explain the uneven wear ?
See what others think.

I'd coat the spline and the bushes on the release bearing with copaslip after cleaning.
Don't go overboard but neither seem to have had any attention for some considerable time.
Bob

[mrbenn]

Bob - many thanks for your helpful reply, much appreciated.

I think you're right about the uneven wear to the clutch, the release bearing is a little sticky in one direction.

I've ordered some new bits from ESM, including a release bearing and fork plus bush. I'm going to try to tidy up the engine and bay somewhat then will put it all back together and see how we go.

Thanks again.

[amgrave]

That release bearing face looks like it's metal to me, should it not be carbon?

[liammonty]

That release bearing face looks like it's metal to me, should it not be carbon?

Agreed - it looks about cream crackered to me!

[bmcecosse]

Looks like it has been rubbing constantly against the clutch -ie no free play, and hence the overheated 'blue' appearance of the pressure pad face.