Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi, I've just got a 1971 pickup which I am delighted with. There is a pronounced whining in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. - but not 4th. I have been advised that the layshaft has gone - I'm not so sure. The pickup was standing for 12 months before I drove it for the first time last Sunday. I have driven it every day since, only about 15 miles each day, and I seem to think the whining is less, but still quite noticeable. Also, it seems that, to engage 1st without a bit of a crunch, it is first necessary to put the stick into 2nd gear position, then into 1st - goes in good then. I am considering taking the box out and stripping it. Any ideas? Thanks in anticipation, Cap'n.

There is no synchro on 1st gear so the crunch is normal if you are moving. You have to stop to engage 1st gear smoothly and going from 2nd to 1st makes it easier. Check the oil level first - If its not jumping out of gear or making banging noises then it is probably OK.

Hi, ta for the advice. The box will jump out of gear occasionally if under load, downhill. AND interestingly, the clutch seems to go a bit weird when facing downhill - less pedal. I'll check the gearbox oil level tomorrow. Incidentally, I was the Site Engineer on the Nuneaton inner ring road some 26 (ish) years ago, for Wrekin Construction. Thanks again, Cap'n

I second that line about checking the oil - 20W50 engine oil in that box ! I would drain and refill. But - it does all sound a bit worn - so would be an idea to source another good box asap to have 'in stock'.

capnblack wrote: Incidentally, I was the Site Engineer on the Nuneaton inner ring road some 26 (ish) years ago, for Wrekin Construction.

So, we have you to blame then......

Re Nuneaton IRR - Hardly, I was about 22 years old and was in charge of all the setting out of the works.

Re gearbox - Checked the gearbox oil this moring and had a job to find any! Just touched the end of a screwdriver poked in to the hole in the box. I would assume that it will operate quite a bit better with some oil in!

I'll report back later.

Success! I drained off all the gearbox oil which was in the box, about two eggcups full! Replaced it with 2 1/4 pints of Castrol 20/50 and it sounds fine now. Just need to double de clutch from 3rd - 4th for a smooth change - but that's it. Many thanks. Cap'n

Great ! Just check now that clutch adjustment is correct - It might help with 3-4 change if you are lucky

interestingly, the clutch seems to go a bit weird when facing downhill - less pedal

It sounds like something is moving, so I would suggest that you check both the motor mounts and the transmission mounts, also the clutch linkage.
But then again, it may only be the drivers seat!

Hello Capnblack,

in addition to Katy's advice also check the adjustment of the gearbox restraint cable, this goes from the gearbox crossmember to the gearbox. It could be loose or even detached?

Alec

Thanks for the advice. I have a new gearbox restraint cable here ready to fit. Just got to get on with it!

gearbox restraint cable

Personally, I don' know what that is, I'll have to research it.

Little cable that fits between gearbox tail - and the supporting crossmember. It should be 'nipped up' but not TIGHT. It's there to stop the engine moving when you press the clutch - and to stop the fan hitting the radiator in a hard stop. Early cars didn't have it.

To be on the cautious side, I have also ordered new engine mounts and gearbox mounts so I will fit these along with the restraint cable (as long as its not toooooo difficult a task).

Engine mounts are easy to fit but gearbox mounts are a little more fiddly but not impossible.

Just found out (maybe!) what was causing the clutch to "fade" when facing downhill .................... the clutch adjustment rod just broke at the knuckle of the 90 degree bend ... I think it may have been opening and closing a little as the break in the metal was in two "phases", the last bit, which just broke! and the other 70% of the daimeter of the rod - which appears to have been broken for some time. I am assuming that the movement in the rod was affecting the operation of the clutch. Thanks to my mate who made up a temporary rod and got the truck going so I could get home - within about 15 minutes. Couldn't do that with a modern car.

I checked the manual to see what it's all about, then checked the car and it's definately not there.
I'll have to see about getting all the pieces and installing same.