Morris Minor Owners Club

Drove my car for the first time in a while to test the brakes etc and noticed that when I clutch to change from first to second it's a little hard to change gear and there is a little crunching where the gear is obviously still partially engaged. All other fears are fine and the car drives fine in all gears.

I obviously have an issue, but how bad ??? Is it a clutch issue or a problem with 1st gear ? New box needed ?

Have you checked clutch pedal clearance? You should be able to press the clutch pedal with a finger for at least 3/4" before resistance is felt.

How are you changing gear? Ham-handed drivers will get crunches, but take your time changing gear (but not sloppy - snap in, snap out, pause in neutral then snap in).

Also gearbox oil level checked or renewed?

As a postscript, it may be due to lack of use and things beginning to seize up or fall out of adjustment. Use it more often!

Yeah I thought that too about quick fear change so I tried to slowly pausing in between. What I noticed was that with the pedal depressed/neutral there was still a whirring sound from the gearbox suggesting the gear was still engaged ?? It could be poor use all right (hopefully) as it has not been driven in a while. I must check oil level later.

I think you're worrying a bit too much, first gear is usually louder than the others. As long as they engage and all stay engaged it should be ok.

Just give the car a long run as we have told you in the past!