Section : Gearbox

Clutch, gearbox, overdrive, propeller shaft.

Loss of 2nd gear

Posted By : Matthew Fox, 24-Sep-2003, 01:32pm

Hi

I am not the most technically minded so need some quick help with a query about my MkIV Spit

On the way back from the Norfolk MoT event I found it almost impossible to change down from third to second (ok to change up from 1st to 2nd) if I did get it in it apeared to "pop" out easily.

Would I be correct in thinking its the syncromesh that has gone or some thing else?

As I would have to get a garage to help me what sort of cost to get it fixed or would a new gearbox be cheaper?

Followups :

Loss of 2nd gear

Posted By : Roger Smith, 24-Sep-2003, 09:25pm

Hi Matthew,

It could be that one or more of the 1st/2nd gear synchro hub springs have failed, but as 1st is OK and you can select 2nd when changing up, this does not sound very likely. It could also be a loose bolt in the selector fork, but again I would expect it to affect both 1st & 2nd gear.

How does the gear lever feel? Is it positive in it's action, or is it a bit like stirring a rice pudding? The gear selector mechanism has a series of bushes and washers in the remote change levers which wear, and finally fail. This could easily stop you finding the gear, and very likely stop you selecting 2ng gear fully, and if the synchro hub does not fully locate, then it will pop out of gear as you describe.

Even if it is the gear box that is faulty, you will want to change these bushes when you replace it (boxes don't come with a new gear lever mechanism). The bush kits are a very reasonable price and easy to fit so I would do this first anyway

Regards

Roger
- Loss of 2nd gear
  
  Posted By : Matthew Fox, 25-Sep-2003, 09:38am
  
  its not like stiring rice pudding its still positive in finding where the gear should be its just hard / impossible to engage with some grinding if un sucssesful.
  - Loss of 2nd gear
    
    Posted By : Roger Smith, 25-Sep-2003, 10:39am
    
    Hi Matthew,
    
    Sorry I insulted your gearchange!
    
    The crunching noise suggests two things to me, either the clutch is on the way out, or the synchro is failing, as you suggest. Since you say it comes out of gear very easily when it does engage this again points to the gearbox itself.
    
    It's a pity the gearchange is not an option, since this this would have been a quick and easy fix.
    
    Good luck,
    
    Roger
    - Loss of 2nd gear
      
      Posted By : Matthew Fox, 25-Sep-2003, 12:59pm
      
      the cluch was replaced in may so it looks as its the gearbox
      
      cheers for the help
      - Loss of 2nd gear
        
        Posted By : Daniel James, 26-Sep-2003, 12:53pm
        
        I assume you have plenty of clutch fluid (sorry if that's a bit obvious, just trying to help)? maybe it's the clutch cylinder? my friend had a similr problem on his herald and it tuned out a seal was leaking....
        
        Loss of 2nd gear
        
        Posted By : Matthew Fox, 26-Sep-2003, 01:27pm
        
        not being very technical nothing is obvious i will have to check
        
        cheers
        
        mf