Morris Minor Owners Club

I have just taken a 1968 tourer for a test ride. Not a bad car BUT the gear box was very noisy in second and third,also seemd to be holding back in 2nd & 3rd. Once in top all seemed fine. First is good also. Is this one for a rebuild or do they all do that in time? All coments welcome. Mick

First step would be to check the oil level. If you don't know the history I would drain the box and refill with normal 20/50 engine oil. Don't use any other type of oil esp hypoid as it will attack the internals.

I havn't brought it,just need some advice to see if it's worth spending nearly £5,000 on.

I'd use it as a bargaining point to get the price down then. You can pick up a decent used box for less than £50 so it's not the end of the world if it needs changing....

They aren't usually noisy in second or third, only the whiney first gear. Shouldn't feel like its holding back either, sounds like it could be a seriously bad bearing if its causing power loss, very good bargaining point and easily fixed/ replaced. The lads down behind the football stadium would give you a fair price to swap a box and may even know where there is one locally!

It is normally 1st gear that sound like a bag of spanners. If the box is as noisy as you say then it must have had a fair bit of use and I would also check the engine for excess wear. For £5000 I would not expect any major mechanical problems and I would expect the bodywork to be in very good condition.

Noise in 2nd/3rd indicates the layshaft and/or it's bearings have failed - and the gears have been running out of mesh. The gears will be ruined - plan for a new box. £5000 is a LOT to pay - unless the car is in absolutely tip-top Concours condition!
Are you buying it from a dealer - or a private sale ?

We paid a lot less than that for one in very good condition - the gearbox was a bit noisy and the gear stick very much so (as it was missing its support spring.... ) but the owner threw in a good condition gearbox as part of the deal. For £5k I wouldn't want to be having to play around with anything major for a good long while!

Thanks for all of the input, Ill not be putting in an offer. Just keep on looking!! mick

If they agree to fit a new gearbox first - and the car is otherwise 'perfect' - and you negotiate the right price - go for it!
You don't say if the car is at a Dealer - or private sale ?

Hi it is a private sale. Local to me. I am quite capable of doing the remedial work on the car BUT at £5000; don't think that Ill be interested. As this is for the Mrs (my toys are motorbikes) I want it to right out of the box. No messing or problems. I expect and will do a full service myself, but that's all I want to do it. Mick

Wise choice! Certainly VERY expensive for a 'private' sale.