Morris Minor Owners Club

Bit of a strange one, or so I think. I recently had a recon gearbox fitted, along with new clutch linkage kit, new clutch, release bearing etc.

When I collected the car the first thing I noticed is when it’s sitting in neutral it makes a whirring noise, which increases in speed with the engine revs. Like something is spinning. When the clutch is depressed the noise stops, starting again when it’s let back out.

I’m not overly concerned because I have heard this same noise on another car, which had come from Charles Ware, that had the same work carried out. It’s been running about for a year without any problems.

The noise doesn’t really annoy me but I’d like to know what it is in case it does need addressed.

You think it is the clutch? My initial thought, when you say the noise stops when the clutch is depressed, would be the gearbox.

Perhaps it is, I really don’t know.

John, your post suggests you had work carried out on the car. If so, take it back to the garage and ask their opinion.....be interesting to hear what they have to say.

Yep. I did ask. The (very experienced) mechanic doesn’t know why. He said he double checked everything and is certain it’s all correct. It’s just curious that my friend’s Charles Ware car sounds exactly the same.

The whirring is characteristic of mixing old and new parts. When rebuilding a gearbox, everything is not necessarily replaced. Components will be examined for wear and damage and sometimes only the defective parts are replaced. Hence, with the engine turning the input shaft (clutch engaged) you hear the noise of components which haven’t worn together equally. Usually nothing to worry about.

That clears that up! Thank you

I agree with jj, if gears of different amounts of wear mesh together, a whine to some degree is likely.

les wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 12:28 pm I agree with jj, if gears of different amounts of wear mesh together, a whine to some degree is likely.

Thanks Les. When driving I actually love the sound of gearbox whine! I can’t be the only one to think it enhances the old car experience.