Morris Minor Owners Club

Hiya.While descending from a slope of 45 degrees,i engaged first gear becos my brakes aren't efficient enough.Unfortunately,the gear got stuck.I cannot change gears.So,I drove for about 5 miles to my mechanic's workshop but before I reached the workshop it became free again.I can change gear!
Everything back to normal.Please tell me what actually happened. Thanks.

The severe backlash pressure you place on first gear going down a hill probably jammed the selector fork. It will be fine, but 2nd gear would have been my choice (or better brakes), 1st is really only for getting moving.

MoggyTech wrote:It will be fine, but 2nd gear would have been my choice (or better brakes), 1st is really only for getting moving.

I disagree, you really need first for very steep hills. Would you try to climb a 45 degree slope in 2nd too?

But would YOU change down into 1st while still moving? Not a clever idea
a

Who said anything about changing down while moving? You stop first, obviously.

Ah, I see the original post could be read that way. If you're already descending on the 45 degree slope, you're not in first, and your brakes aren't able to bring you to a stop, then you're in trouble.

teohenghooi wrote:Hiya.While descending from a slope of 45 degrees,i engaged first gear becos my brakes aren't efficient enough.

The OP did. My italics
a

EDIT - ah, you spotted that too

I change down to 1st on the move. Its no big deal just double de clutch (but yes easier said than done going downhill etc)

Easy enough to get into first on the move - double-de-clutch!
It does sound like your box has some wear - and fortunately it's come out, this time! Be wary of 1st gear from now on - and start looking for another gearbox!

forever the optimist !!!!!!!

Matt wrote:I change down to 1st on the move.

bmcecosse wrote:Easy enough to get into first on the move - double-de-clutch!

...and at no point did I say that it wasn't possible or "easy", just that it wasn't a good idea, owing to the strains it puts on mechanical components. All clear now?

It's a bl%$£y good idea if the car is running away down a hill and the brakes aren't holding it!

I guess it's just a question of foresight, but do feel free to carry on trying to show how clever you are/stupid I am, it's no skin off my nose.

a

That's not the idea at all Andrew - it's just a bit of fun. Don't take it all so personally!
What's happened to your picture at the base of your posts ? Was there a minute or two ago!

r

Once again, if you say so.
a

I disagree, you really need first for very steep hills. Would you try to climb a 45 degree slope in 2nd too?

Considering Ffordd Penllech is the steepest road in the UK @ 34% or 2.91 to 1, 2nd would be fine

MoggyTech wrote:The severe backlash pressure you place on first gear going down a hill probably jammed the selector fork. It will be fine, but 2nd gear would have been my choice (or better brakes), 1st is really only for getting moving.

thanks very much moggytech for the info.i will consider the experience as a lesson and i will not use 1st down hill again,ever.

http://www.spritespot.com/gallery/tooma ... ets?page=6

2 Shots of the lever moving too far aft and allowing the detent balls/springs to 'pop out' beyond their normal position. A hard!!! shove whilst not moving will often release 1st gear. Driving like this will wear the box out. Drilling an tapping the tailshaft casing for a bolt will allow an adjustment to prevent the long rod from going too far back. Adding a weld to the top cover that holds the gearstick in the hole (3 x 7/16 AF bolts) might also keep the lever from moving too far?

thanks rob

RobThomas wrote:http://www.spritespot.com/gallery/tooma ... ets?page=6

2 Shots of the lever moving too far aft and allowing the detent balls/springs to 'pop out' beyond their normal position. A hard!!! shove whilst not moving will often release 1st gear. Driving like this will wear the box out. Drilling an tapping the tailshaft casing for a bolt will allow an adjustment to prevent the long rod from going too far back. Adding a weld to the top cover that holds the gearstick in the hole (3 x 7/16 AF bolts) might also keep the lever from moving too far?