4 replies to this topic

[BEN99W]

Hi

 

We've not long bought an early mk3 mini 850. which originally had a magic wand shift but has at some point been changed to a later remote gearchange. Im still trying to assess exactly what we've got, but one issue which has reared its head is a difficulty going from 4th to 3rd gear. It will go from 2nd to 3rd fine, but crunches unless double declutched coming down to 3rd.

 

Is this likely to be a knackered synchromesh, or are there other possible causes like bushes that might cause similar?  

 

And how easy are such problems to fix?

 

Many thanks

 

Ben

[KTS]

from the symptoms i'd agree, most likely worn synchromesh

 

to fix requires separating the gearbox from the block, so obviously an engine out job

 

how easy/difficult is a bit subjective as it depends on your level of competence (and to an extent having the right workshop equipment), but should be well within the capabilities of most competent enthusiasts

[MrBounce]

I would agree with KTS - unless it graunches in other gears in which case it might be clutch drag. Sounds very like the issue I had on my old GT (which I never fixed...)

[MiniMadRacer]

They called these gearboxes remote, because there was a remote chance you would find the gear you were looking for..I would check the linkage first, as its quite convoluted on a remote box, make sure its all working as expected, its unusual for a syncro to go on 3rd before shagging 2nd first... not impossible though esp if its been hammered (ie revved the granny out of) in 3rd with someone holding the gear lever in 3rd gear ....

[BEN99W]

Thanks for the responses chaps.

 

Love the definition of a remote gearbox 

 

Ill take a closer look at the remote linkage. Is there a possibility that 3rd gear might be easier to find if I converted it back to a magic wand type gearchange (providing of course that synchro hasnt gone)?

 

Otherwise, if it does turn out to be a worn synchro, Ill have to see what getting the engine out involves and what other jobs Im likely to want to do while it is out.

 

Cheers

 

Ben