Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi
I’m going to look at a 2 door saloon on Friday that the seller has said is noisy in First and Reverse, and has been told it’s the lay shaft. I’ll try it out when I go but I’m told it doesn’t jump out of gear at all.
I’m going to use this as my daily runabout so what do I need to watch out for regarding the gearbox. It’s still got it’s standard 948 engine and gearbox I believe.

Thanks for any comments

Brian

britab1967 wrote:Hi
I’m going to look at a 2 door saloon on Friday that the seller has said is noisy in First and Reverse, and has been told it’s the lay shaft. I’ll try it out when I go but I’m told it doesn’t jump out of gear at all.
I’m going to use this as my daily runabout so what do I need to watch out for regarding the gearbox. It’s still got it’s standard 948 engine and gearbox I believe.

Thanks for any comments

Brian

Due to the lack of synchro in first and reverse it sounds like seller ignorance you can exploit. If it's just a whine in those gears and the action is good. Layshaft bearings tend to rattle when the car is out of gear. Tell them it's terminal and go for max discount. I would take a long extension,17mm socket and a torch and check the oil level (make sure it's not hypoid) if you get the chance.

Thanks Arnie.

Now showing my ignorance, how do you tell if it's hypoid?

Brian

britab1967 wrote:Thanks Arnie.

Now showing my ignorance, how do you tell if it's hypoid?

Brian

Rather tham smelling slightly clean like engine oil its a strong smell that lingers if you get it on your hands or clothing. Its also thick oil that will cling to rather than drip off the finger you have just dipped in the filler hole.

by the smell

Hypoid gear oil has a very high shear factor so will be very stringy if you pull it between your fingers. Most 1st and reverse gears are noisy, as said, due to lack of synchro. If it doesn't jump out of gear on hard accel and over-run then it'll be fine.....

In any case - 948 boxes are plentiful. Just don't 'rag' it in first gear - and a slong as it's not jumping out of the other gears - it will run for many a mile !

Hi all

Thanks for all those, very helpful replies, I had already guessed the smell.

Why should hypoid oil not be used in the minor box though?

Not doubting that you're right, just interested in the reason.

Brian

Because it's too thick - and will in time dissolve the bronze parts !! But this is sometimes done (possibly with sawdust or even banana skins! ) to quieten down a dodgy box before sale!