Morris Minor Owners Club

I've just driven back from the Bath classic car show and suffered a nasty gearbox problem on the way home.

The car drove there fine, then on the way home suddenly 3rd gear starting clicking/knocking. I can still sort of drive in 3rd, but refused to do so where possible (running 2-4 most the the way home). 3rd will remain selected its not jumping out, burt the knocking is very pronounced and speed dependant. (no amount of playing with the gear lever changed the noise)

Any thought as to what it might be and how serious please advice me ASAP.

3rd gear always did whine a little but but this is rather worrying.

Is there something I can check (selector fork perhaps loose and not fully selecting gear?) or am I looking at rebuild ASAP?

Oh if if any one in my local area (southampton) has a 1098 gear box they could lend me or for sale.... that could be a real help. I think there is a place in Portsmouth that will recon boxes but it would be nice to keep the car on the road in the mean time. I'll be hunting Ebay now.

any ideas folks? or am I looking for a new/recon box?

It sounds as though you have a broken tooth etc on that gear.

I can't find any moggie gearbox on Ebay at the moment (apart from perhaps a scrapper car but can't really do that).

What other direct swap gearbox can i consider? Do some of the MG ones just drop in.

Strange it's only knocking in third gear - and since these gears never actually come out of mesh - it's unlikely to be a tooth failure - although that is what it sounds like. If it's that badly damaged - it won't be worth rebuilding - just pick up another box. Spridget boxes can be used.

Spridget boxes can be used.

Yes and they tend to be more expensive, see if any of the spares places nearest to you happen to have a good 2nd hand one.

I might just have found a box........

box and engine, not used in 3 years, but said to be a runner??? price is low,

should I beware? or risk it? I assume if left filled the gear box cannot have got much worse than being a 'runner'

It's a lottery but, if cheap enough, has got to be worth a try. the box should be in the same condition as when usage stopped but 'runner' could mean anything.

If it's local to you - go for it!

its a good price and local so I think I'm going to chance it.

Whats the weight of a engine and box? could 2 people heave it into an estate car ok?

Two strong people could manage it with a couple of planks a tarpaulin and a rope but the estate would have to have a flat loading area win no tailgate lip. Need a hand?

The 'box is an easy 1 person lift, and the engine an easy lift for two - as are the two combined, just awkward. I'm intrigued by what the tarp and planks are for though

I managed to get an engine and gearbox into the the back footwell of Liz two weeks ago.

Not advisable, but doable. I did need a rest afterwards though!

Only takes a few minutes to pull the box off the engine - and then both parts are much more easily handled.

Onne wrote:I managed to get an engine and gearbox into the the back footwell of Liz two weeks ago.

I have to carry an engine in the next few days, and was planning on placing it in the boot. Reckon this will cause any problems? or should I, like Onne, carry it in the rear footwell (4 door)?

Front footwell will be much better - take passenger seat out. Consider taking the head off too -easier to handle that way.

Thanks BM, seems like a sound plan! I'll plank out the floor first to spread the load

And good stout plastic sheeting to catch any fluids - and an old carpet or rug helps too!

Construct a cradle with two short stout planks and a rope. Lift the engine onto the tarp in the back of the car (keeps oil off upholstery etc) then drag/push the engine right into car with tarp. use the planks to prop the engine up in the car.

Aha! Not used to this 'upholstery in the back' business