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MG MGF Technical - Reverse Gear Selection Problem

I have had a problem with my 1997 MGF 1.8i from about 6 months old.
When engine is warm, I have great difficulty selecting reverse gear (doesn't feel very positive and makes grinding gear sound). The dealers had a couple of goes (adjustment they say) and that seemed to improve things but only for a short time. I have learned to live with the problem but would love to get it fixed permenently.
Does anyone know of a solution?

Regards
Chris
C.J. Hall

I believe you need to put it in first and then go straight in to reverse. Mine crunches if you put it in reverse without putting it in first first.
Not sure why - some of the more technical guys may be able to help.

Jeff
J Newman

I find selecting first gear, briefly lift clutch, then select reverse cures the problem, it is just a simple method which stops the gears spinning.

I have similar problems and so do several others, it is well known and solutions are available in the archives.
Chris

Spot on Jeff - this is a well documented quirke of the F. Before selecting reverse, select a forward gear (my preference is third), then go straight to reverse without lifting the clutch. Should help avoid that embarrasing, head turning crunch.

Jim
Jim Hosking

As others have said " a well documented quirk of the F". It's due to there being no synchromesh on reverse. Hence there is really no solution other than the workarounds mentioned. Some cars are worse than others.

Dave
Dave

Thanks everyone.
I had heard about the first gear selection before reverse but didn't have much success.
I am anoyed with myself for not persuing it whilst still under warranty. Lets face it, to select reverse without crunching the gears is a very fundamental requirement for any car.
Chris: Thank you for the advise to look in the archives. I'll try that in case there is a fix.

Regards
Chris
C.J. Hall

Hi Chris, suffered similar problems myself until a posting a couple of weeks ago about oil levels in the gearbox being low from new, checked mine (thanks to Deiter for the pic) topped it up with 3/4 litre of oil, its a different gearbox now.
Mike
M J Gibbens

Pic site enhenced in the meantime regarding soem options on how to get the oil to the subject.
Far below on that site.
http://www.mgfcar.de/gearbox/refill.html

At first the oil level, then look for cable adjustment.
Dieter K.

This problem/feature is covered in the MGF/TF FAQ...

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dotcomoff/
Paul Lathwell

Chris,
It could be true that the gearbox oil level may help. I carefully drained my "F" transmission. The recommended capacity is 2.2L. At the time the car was near new and there was no signs of any fluid leaks from the gearbox. When I measured the oil removed it was 1.75L. I replaced the oil with Castrol synthetic and the result was much better operation. I still have the habit of shifting to a forward gear prior to selecting reverse but the overall selection is much better.
Graham
Graham West

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2003 and 11/04/2003

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