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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - gear selection a little tricky

Hi all
Just fitted a gold seal gear box (still wearing the original sticker) with one of Alans roller bearings.
The gear box was an unknown but has proved nice and quiet and the clutch action, bite, etc is spot on with the new bearing.
I just have a bit of an issue when shifting from second to third then fourth and back to third. I strugggle to place the gearlever first time every time - meaning i have to have a few jabs sometimes to find the third gear slot - same on fourth but getting it wrong here also results in a nasty crunch. I dont remember having this sort of issue with any other box.
Is it just me - do i need to just get used to the box, or is there something up with the selector.
Thanks
Stuart

S G Macfarlane

Do you have the correct gear lever for the remote? Does it feel sloppy when gears are engaged?
Dave O'Neill 2

Hi Dave
I dont think its sloppy but ill check
I hadnt thought about it being the wrong lever
The gear lever was previously in use on a smooth case - so i guess it could be wrong (could also have been wrong in that box as well)
How do i tell
Thanks
Stuart
S G Macfarlane

Im using the lever without the damper, and a single plate.
How can i check its not a lever for an earlier box - would this be the possible cause. Also dont recall an o ring - need to check this as well.
S G Macfarlane

the 1275 gear lever (whether damped or not)has a greater distance between the two balls and the lever is cranked, the earlier lever has a lesser distance between the two balls and the lever is straight - is this correct.
S G Macfarlane

I expect lots of us have got spare gear levers, Stuart. In a minute someone will tell you which is the right one for you. I've got these three, and I think I'm about to use the middle one in my smoothcase. The one on the right could be suitable.

Nick and Cherry Scoop

its funny that, most gear boxes you see for sale dont come with a gear lever, that means all the levers must be piled up in someones garage somewhere.
Anyway - ive just got hold of a late damped version with the two plates so ill stick this in at the weekend and see what happens
S G Macfarlane

I'm pretty sure David Smith done a post and photos on this subject but can't find it on a quick search. The subject of which gear lever has definitely been covered and I think quite recently (within the last year or so(?)) as well as previously (possibly under anti-rattle (tizz) kits(?)).
Nigel Atkins

yes thanks - read all that - know what I need now - cheers
S G Macfarlane

and have just posted Stuart a late gear lever, first class as requested :-)
David Smith

Ahh, yes - excellent service at sensible prices - thanks again Dave.
S G Macfarlane

SG
Sounds like the issue I had with my gearbox.
A gave the gearbox to a friend. He discovered a major wear in the upper part, the remote housing.
He had another remote and fitted it, believing that has cured the issue.
Maybe a clue.....
Jan Kruber

Hi Jan
Trying a number of different gear levers made no difference to the problem.
Im now used to it so can change into third and fourth without a problem, as long as im not hanging on in a corner, but ultimately the issue still needs addressing at some point.
When going from second into third there seems to be no resistance to stop you moving the lever too far to the right. and when going from third to fourth, again if you stray right rather than pulling the lever straight back you can cause a nasty grind (reverse?).
Taking the remote off and getting it checked just means taking the engine and gear box out the car again......
Regards
Stuart

S G Macfarlane

Stuart I think you can check / replace the reverse selector spring & ball with hte box in the car. You may need to release the 4 bolts holding the mount to the tunnel and jack up the back of the box a bit.
Parts 105, 106 & 107.
https://tinyurl.com/y8t5ga3s

Also you can check out the bits included in #137 while you're at it, if not done already.
David Smith

Hi Dave
Ill check the reverse selector spring as you suggest.
Would this cause it if the spring or ball is missing
(105 is labelled as a plunger on the drawing but listed as a ball)
Can this spring and ball / plunger just drop out like the anti rattle plunger can
The plug is wired in and doesn't look like its been disturbed
What about 112 / 113 - any reason to suspect these

All the 137 bits were checked before i put the box in

Sorry for all the questions but its all theoretical during the week - i only get home at weekends to do any physical checks

Regards
Stuart


S G Macfarlane

It's possible the reverse plunger is jammed in the 'up' position.

If you remove the gear-lever retainer, you can see the plunger in one of the holes which will now be visible. Poor some penetrating oil down the hole and try tapping the top of the plunger.

When the plunger drops, pull the gear-lever to the right and it will come back up. Rinse and repeat.
Dave O'Neill 2

Yes, 112/113 seem to be relevant, on further looking, also 100 & 101. Dave O has far more hands-on experience than me, so go with his checks!
David Smith

100, the reverse protection plunger, is the likely culprit.
Dave O'Neill 2

As a matter of interest, is 101 a plain spring and, if so, what does it bear upon?
Nick and Cherry Scoop

great - thanks - fingers crossed
S G Macfarlane

is this the offending item?

S G Macfarlane

Yes, that's it.
Dave O'Neill 2

Well, thanks very much chaps for all your assistance.
Dave Smith for the replacement lever and Dave O'Neil for the advice ref the reverse plunger
The plunger was as advised, entirely gummed up and inoperative - no doubt due to the years the gearbox was sat around before fitting.
Not knowing much about gear boxes i would never have traced this fault on my own.
I drilled an extra hole in the lever retaining plate to coincide with the plunger to make it easier to add release fluid whilst agitating the mechanism - and to add a drop of oil in the future.
It now shifts as it should so thanks all. And whilst i was waiting for the release fluid to do its stuff i fitted some cross drilled front discs - which will probably only add about half of one percent to the braking efficiency - but thats not the point is it.....
Regards
Stuart





S G Macfarlane

Well done Stuart.

. . . and think of all the weight saving you've achieved with all those holes drilled in the lever retaining plate and brake dics.
Nigel Atkins

exactly!
S G Macfarlane

This thread was discussed between 17/04/2018 and 28/04/2018

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