Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all,

First post on this site so will try not to sound too stupid!

Have had a '66 1098cc minor for a couple of years now. While living in the north of England, it was perfect as only had to drive 15 miles to and from work. A year ago I moved back to Wales and with a new job, the commute of 110 miles a day was obviously killing the poor thing - am amazed it managed so well for the short time I used it for such long distances.

Anyway - had to cover it and put it in the garage. What with work etc, I never got round to fixing it up, cleaning rust etc so just got left there.
Managed to remember to turn it over or take it for a spin once in a while, but that’s about it. It’s been about 6 months since it was last looked at as have been away with work a lot.

Now it seems the gearbox may have seized!

I topped up the oil, used leads to jump it to start, and left it running for a bit. When I then tried to put it in gear with engine on - it wasn’t having any of it.
Nice, pleasant screeching sound - in all gears.

I'm not, in any shape or form, a mechanic - but hoped I would learn some basics with this car - unfortunately lack of time etc

Does this mean the gearbox has indeed seized, and if so, what is the easiest/cheapest solution?

Now have to sell it as it is just sat there with nobody able to look after it, and I hate to see it just rust to death so am looking for the easiest/cheapest option which doesn’t require a new gearbox, letting it slowly die or scrapping it.

Can anyone help as I have an affinity for the thing which makes me want to do alright by the old thing.

Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to educate me.

It means the clutch plate has stuck to the flywheel. Somtimes - the engine heat soaking through the flywheel will release it - so let the engine idle away for 30 mins or so. And then try again. If still no good - push the car out and try starting it in gear (with foot down on clutch) to see if that frees it off. Obviously - you need a clear road ahead since the car may take off on starting! Other method is for someone to tow start the car - again in gear with clutch down. In both cases - make sure the brakes are working before trying! If all fails - you will need to pop the engine out to free the plate from the flywheel.

Yes clutch plate stuck to the flywheel, gearbox will be fine, they don't seize, they usually just break in spectacular fashion. What BMC said to free it off.

Many thanks to MoggyTech and bmcecosse,

Will be trying out your suggestions as soon as i can. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again !

A common problem! Strangely, some Minors are more prone to this than others. One of mine would have a stuck clutch if it was parked up for more than a few days. BMCs freeing methods will sort it out.

Hope you get it sorted - let us know progress!

A common problem! Strangely, some Minors are more prone to this than others. One of mine would have a stuck clutch if it was parked up for more than a few days. BMCs freeing methods will sort it out.

If it stick in a few days it is most likely to be covered in sticky burnt oil.

Starting in gear with clutch pressed will cure 95% of them but if that fails then give it a very good heat soak and drive it full throttle over speed bumps.

Also - if you try and start the car in gear with clutch pressed and still get the screeching noise - something different is wrong!