Morris Minor Owners Club

My 1098 gearbox very occasionally won’t go into fourth gear. I intend to replace it with one of two reconditioned gearboxes, both have casings 22A 478 on the outside and 22G 121 inside the bell housing. However one has 22G 229 on the shaft, whereas the other has 22G171. One is MG ? The other Minor ? Is this correct please?

I have just found the useful link supplied by Phil a while ago, it gives me the answers I need, thank you, although information on the casing numbers would still be helpful.

22G171 is the 'Shaft - 1st Motion' of the 1098 Minor gearbox.
Looking online, the 22G 229 appears to be 1275 'Spridget' shaft.

Yes thank you. I’ve started to remove the gearbox, hope I don’t regret it.

Les
It does not really matter which gearbox you fit as both will fit.
The only real difference between the two is the release arm and that can be easily overcome.

Thanks Phil, I’m going to find this a struggle, what with the weight and laying under the car, I initially thought it a good plan to leave the engine in place, seeing as I can get to the back plate to sort oil leak, after removing the box, which I wanted to replace soon anyway. Hope I’ve taken the right option!

Not quite at that stage yet but is it strictly necessary to lower the rear of the engine, when removing the gearbox ?

Yes and rotate the gearbox slightly to clear as it is withdrawn.

Will do, thank Phil.

Oh what a struggle, it’s now out, along with the clutch. I didn’t think I’d do it at one point. Sorry to say I’m too old for this ! I’m dreading putting it back. I’ll be removing the flywheel and engine plate next, I’m hoping the gasket between that and the block is the cause of the oil getting by, and not the scroll thingy.

Les
Whilst you have the rear engine plate off check the condition of the core plug in the rear of the block.
If any doubt as to its condition renew.
Phil

Ok, I hadn’t thought of that, I’ll inspect it. Thanks for the tip.——— I turned the gearbox anti-clockwise to remove it, and as mentioned , it was very awkward, is there a favoured direction of rotation ?

Les
If I remember correctly I always used to turn the gearbox anti-clockwise to get it out.
I do admire you for getting that gearbox out via the underside of the vehicle. Old age (76) is against me these days and I have to admit that I could not do that job now. When I was in my 20s the gearbox would be out in under 1 hr or even quicker, happy days back then with less aches and pains
I am now faced with a similar job in that I going to have to get the complete rear axle out of my car and I am not looking forward to that with all the scrabbling about under the car.

Well I ache today, Phil. ‘48 was a good vintage but not when it comes to gearboxes and back axles ! I think I decided that the shape around the starter motor housing might hit the chassis leg if I turned it the other way. Good luck when it’s time for the axle job.

Gearbox now in place, final assembly in progress. Hope the box is good, as I never want that job again.