Morris Minor Owners Club

My Morris 1000 jumped out of second gear going down a hill , whilst using the engine as a brake - going fairly slowly. No problems in second , when going up the hill !!
I'm told by Scott from Australia that a washer between 2 + 3 rd gear is worn and the box would need to be stripped .

How difficult is this job on a DIY basis ? I haven't worked on BMC boxes , only the Ford Prefect .

Thanks for any help

Arfron

Easy enough to strip and rebuild these boxes - but it will be more than just a 'washer' !! Probably needs syncro rings, maybe a new 2nd gear, 1/2nd selector fork, probably bearings too. If it's otherwise ok - just leave it alone - and use the brakes for slowing down in future - not the engine.

Use the engine for braking on hills - otherwise your brakes will fade and you'll crash ;-)
Jumping out of second on engine braking is a very common fault on a Minor gearbox - unfortunately I've never risked trying to repair that (always changed the complete box instead) so can't comment on that other than I'm told it normally relates to the gear not being pushed far enough in to lock in place, so the torque on the helical gears just pushes it out of gear - this is why it only jumps out when braking, not when accelerating. Replacing the selector fork and the thrust washer sounds pretty logical, but as mentioned already you may as well do bearings whilst you are at it (they're not expensive).

or use a bungee like I did

many thanks for the repltes . I think I will leave it for now and see how it goes . As they say " If it 'aint bust -- don't fix it ! "
Regards Arfron

Arfron wrote:My Morris 1000 jumped out of second gear going down a hill , whilst using the engine as a brake - going fairly slowly. No problems in second , when going up the hill !!
I'm told by Scott from Australia that a washer between 2 + 3 rd gear is worn and the box would need to be stripped .

Why the different names on different forums ?
Anyway Arfron/Taffy , that'd be the cause of your problem. Of course, when the box is stripped, any worn parts would be replaced as a matter of course.

and wrote:I think I will leave it for now and see how it goes . As they say " If it 'aint bust -- don't fix it ! "

I guess it's OK if you can live with it, but it's not going to fix itself........

Hi Scott,
Good tohear from you on this forum.

You noticed the change of name on the other forum . Blast and blow --foiled again !!

I have to agree with you " it 'aint gona go away "

I guess it's evening in Aus . ?

Regards Arfron / Taffy

The problem won't get any worse either if you take care when going down into 2nd gear. Using a 'bungee' will only wear the h3ll out of the selector fork and fill the box with brass filings ! Get decent brakes that will stop the car - don't rely on gears. Driving test now you will fail if using the gears to slow down - learners are taught gears for going, brakes for slowing. Meantime - keep an eye open for a spare box at the right price !

Thanks for that Bmcecosse- I wondered about the 'bungee thing' - as it's usually bad news if a driver travels with his mit on the gear lever -- it has the same effect.

I will keep my eyes open for a v.g. box -- you never know ,perhaps someone in Wales ,or very close , might read this post and get in touch ?? ( there's a couple on EBay of unknown quality ??
Cheers Arfron ( or "Taffy " , now that my cover is bust in Aus.. ) Bother and blast !!

Arfron wrote:Cheers Arfron ( or "Taffy " , now that my cover is bust in Aus.. ) Bother and blast !!

Nowhere to hide in Morris Minor land..........we'll find you .

Incidentally, the offending part will probably be #27:

and just to show how friendly us Aussies are, just bring the g'box over & I'll strip it down for you .

Hello BMCE,

I'm not convinced with the modern driving technique you quote. I've known of it for a while but don't like it. The only argument that I have heard for it is " brakes are cheaper than clutches to repair". That may have been true of the older asbestos days but now its pads and discs that need changing regularly.
Funnily, I have also read a comment by a motoring writer that the only time to use gears to slow is in slippery conditions! If you are not practised in synchronising gears, speed and engine speed then that is a sure fire way to go off the road.
I do practise 'heel and toe', again another frowned upon technique, but I find it safer and smoother.
By the way the people responsible for road signs haven't taken the 'Brakes to slow' message as there are still signs saying 'Use low gear'

Oh, and while I'm on a driving subject, the recommendation to use dipped headlights in rain is a terrible idea as all you see is headlights and no background. The best way to be seen, and I appreciate that a lot of cars don't have this feature, is side lights within the headlamp.

Alec

Thanks for the drawing Scott + the other comments etc from the rest of the folk .

Also Scott ,thanks for the offer of friendly mechanical assistance , I'll pop around this afternoon with the box ( I wish !! )

No. 27 looks quite harmless, for so much pain to get at !!

Ah wel at least I know where to aim for starters !

All the best Arfron

Alec

Oh, and while I'm on a driving subject, the recommendation to use dipped headlights in rain is a terrible idea as all you see is headlights and no background. The best way to be seen, and I appreciate that a lot of cars don't have this feature, is side lights within the headlamp

Unfortunately, it's not just advice - the

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

stated dipped headlamps....

I must agree with you, but not at the cost of x points

Colin