Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello Folks.

My gearbox seems to be growling when accelerating.

It does not jump out of gear and all gears are selectable.

It has been doing it for ages but it is getting worse.

Could worn bearings in the engine also create this noise.

The oil pressure in the engine is good 50 when hot at speed and idle is 25-30

James

Sounds like the input bearing, engine mains would probably show a poor oil pressure by the time they growled.
Have you checked the gearbox oil level (asks he who hasn't but should have!) as it may just be low. Uses same grade oil as engine apparently, not gearbox oil!

Hello Linearaudio

The gearbox oil was changed about a month ago and what came out was very nasty i doubt it had been changed for years it was nearly yellow as in sandy yellow.

Does it look like the box needs a rebuild. will a midget box fit.

James

Could your 'growl' be exhaust rubbing/leaking/rear axle noise? Does it sound different in each gear ? Oil pressure is not too bad -so don't think it will be bearings - and yes - if need be, a Midget box will fit! Just need slight modification to the clutch actuation.

Hello

I have checked the exhaust and its hanging from its hangers freely

I have managed to seal the exhaust as in my other thread.

It happens in all gears. 4th is a little less noisy.

It happens more when the car is hot

Its definitly from around the front of the car i can kind of feel it from the gearstick

James

If you can feel it from the gearstick, chances are its the box!

A midget box is a straight swap (guess what i did recently) although the ratios are slightly different, so you will notice slightly brisker acceleration.

I have experienced this growling on both my fairly recent Moggies, a 1969 Convertible and 1969 Traveller.
I'm sure this is normal when they are pushed hard, and have been told several times that the later gearbox is not as robust as the earlier ones.
Having said that, I have had four Travellers, a 2 Door and a Van (New) over the last 40 years and cannot remember it happening with any of them, but then in those days 60 mph was considered fast.
All I can say is that nothing has fallen apart yet, but there is still time

Leo 69 Traveller

If it's less in 4th gear - which is direct drive - then I'm afraid it will likely be the layshaft and it's bearings that are worn - allowing the laygear to run slightly out of mesh. Start looking for another box!!

Thankyou for your replies.

I will let it growl for a bit longer and if it gets and worse i will change the box.

What gearbox would be the best for robustness and a good life.

James

MG Midget straight swap - as said above

I've got a feeling that the

yellow as in sandy yellow

oil might suggest there was water in it in emulsified with oil form
Not sure how this would effect the box but nothing good I'm afraid.

More likely to be brass from the syncro rings - and various bearings!