9 replies to this topic

[DanJones96]

So, im picking up a mini on friday, It's a '74 in decent condition, its had a 1275cc transplant but upon test driving it found that it crunch/grinds a tad when down shifting into 2nd from 3rd. Is this a common thing? I've been told that on some old cars you have to clutch into Neutral then re clutch into 2nd on downshifts, thinking worse case scenario is a gearbox change or is it likely to be something more simple? clutch adjustment maybe? 

[RooBoonix]

Pretty common, try easing it in slower or slowing down a bit more before you try and put it into second. It's due to wear on the components in the gearbox, my car does the same (80k miles) and I found that a bit of use (so getting used to the car and gearbox) and changing to a good oil (I used Valvoline VR1 20w50) helped alot. It only grinds when downshifting too quickly or when cold it is a bit more prone to doing it (but that might just be me).

 

Double clutching like you have described can help as you described can help but I find it difficult and don't have a problem when I take my time and slow down enough.

 

Hope that helps, 

Cam.

[DanJones96]

Okay thank you, I'll give it a good service, oil change ect when i get it.. i mean if i have to change the gearbox its no prob, looks so easy on the mini's 

[Cooperman]

If you had owned an early 850 Mini you would have learned to double de-clutch as the syncros lasted a very short time. That is the way to change gear without any 'graunching' if the syncros are a bit worn. It's a skill all competent drivers should have. Once you can do it, then it becomes second nature and always works.

[RooBoonix]

Okay thank you, I'll give it a good service, oil change ect when i get it.. i mean if i have to change the gearbox its no prob, looks so easy on the mini's 

 

It's an engine out job to change the gearbox, but it's not too bad to do. I suspect that some good oil and a bit of patience when shifting down will sort you out for a good while. A bit of pre planning while driving and you'll get used to it in no time.

[RooBoonix]

If you had owned an early 850 Mini you would have learned to double de-clutch as the syncros lasted a very short time. That is the way to change gear without any 'graunching' if the syncros are a bit worn. It's a skill all competent drivers should have. Once you can do it, then it becomes second nature and always works.

 

I think I might start practising, doesn't hurt to learn. I've tried it a few times and couldn't get the hang of it, but practise makes perfect I guess.

[Cooperman]

In a lot of manual cars I tend to change gear without depressing the clutch. Just slip it into neutral as you lift off when down-shifting, add a few revs and slip it into the next gear down. You can change up by lifting off, slipping it into neutral, then smoothly into the next gear as the revs drop.

Double de-clutching either when changing up or down is really quite simple, just push the clutch down, put it into neutral, add a few revs and de-clutch and slip it into the next gear down. Changing up just de-clutch, move the lever into neutral, let the clutch up, then down again and into the next gear up.

Just practice.

[Daz1968]

My early cone synchro box on my 1962 850 is prone to this and double clutching soon becomes easy after a little practice,

[David128]

coming down the box is hardest. It's a pain driving with no clutch but can be done!

[Cooperman]

I once drove from Halifax to Hitchin with the clutch hydraulics not working. Every change was made with no clutch at all. It's just a matter of practice. If I had to stop I would flick it into neutral, then when it was time to start again I switched it off, put it into 1st and used the starter motor to get it moving, then it fired and I just changed up without the clutch again.

But I learned to drive in an RAF Austin 1-ton truck which had crash gears with no syncromesh at all, so after that everything else was simple.