5-speed synchro

[Peter Cobbold]

Hi all,

Need advice on Isabel's 5-speeder 'box.

The synchro is weak on 3rd - crunching on down changes. She hasn't complained but as the engine has to come out for a piston problem now seems the right time to tackle that 'box. But the box is otherwise quiet, she wont do any great mileage, drives gently, and could probably live with it as it is for years. So is it better to stay with this box, leave well be, or find a recon and fit that? if so from where? Or do recon boxes have their own issues?

cheers

Peter

 

[jemgee]

S+S will no doubt advise. The 5 speed box was supposedly very robust - only query was using oil or ATP.

[Peter Cobbold]

S+S will no doubt advise. The 5 speed box was supposedly very robust - only query was using oil or ATP.

Mike

Car's been off road for years, but think its got oil.

Its only done 90K since new so my concern is that a recon may be mostly older.

Peter

[Alec Pringle]

Robust is a relative term . . . . behind a V8 the LT77 had a fighting chance of lasting one rally before it needed rebuild.

 

Before dismantling the box check the gearlever and selector operation for wear / adjustment.

 

Then drain the box and refill with Motul gear 300 oil. Works better than anything else in the LT77, period.

 

Cheers

 

Alec

[Peter Cobbold]

Robust is a relative term . . . . behind a V8 the LT77 had a fighting chance of lasting one rally before it needed rebuild.

 

Before dismantling the box check the gearlever and selector operation for wear / adjustment.

 

Then drain the box and refill with Motul gear 300 oil. Works better than anything else in the LT77, period.

 

Cheers

 

Alec

Thanks Alec,

I'll try that oil. And maybe live with the devil we know than swap for a recon unit, she not into fast down-changes. The box otherwise seems fine.

Peter

[Alec Pringle]

Hi Peter,

 

the recommendation for Motul came from the late Ken Tomlinson, who knew more about the LT77 in competition than everyone else put together. Having tried quite a variety of gear oils, in cars from 100 to 300+bhp, I wouldn't disagree with him.

 

Cheers

 

Alec

[jemgee]

ATP?? Brain fade again - meant ATF!

[Peter Cobbold]

ATP?? Brain fade again - meant ATF!

Thanks, Mike, I knew what you meant. The Land Rover fora mention ATF and MTF...

Do you know of a transmission specialist who could rebuild our box ( not supply recon) on Merseyside/ North West?

Peter

[Alec Pringle]

The ATF recommendation arose as a result of complaints about stiff gearchange from cold start . . . . the criteria was the easiest gear change for the girls from the typing pool.

 

Engineering didn't come into the equation, it was a marketing decision. The transmission engineers were stupified. As long as the gearbox lasted for the 12 month / 12K miles warranty period, that was enough for marketing. And some folks wonder why BL went down the pan.

 

Cheers

 

Alec

[Peter Cobbold]

Alec,

Motul Gear 300 will be going in. Isabel doesn't type, uses one of those touch screen things, so may not notice.

 

 

Has anyone succeeded in replacing a piston with the engine in situ? The head was off a few hundred miles ago so may come off easily.

 

Peter

[jemgee]

Hi Peter

 

Sorry I don't know of any but there will probably be someone in a little back street in Liverpool and expert in Rover LT77 gearboxes. I know of 3 oily hands guys locally so I will ask around.

 

I seem to remember a Liverpool Clutch and Gearbox Centre but no knowledge or even if they still exist.

[Peter Cobbold]

Hi Peter

 

Sorry I don't know of any but there will probably be someone in a little back street in Liverpool and expert in Rover LT77 gearboxes. I know of 3 oily hands guys locally so I will ask around.

 

I seem to remember a Liverpool Clutch and Gearbox Centre but no knowledge or even if they still exist.

Thanks Mike,

Its 30 years since I lived in Liverpool. Still recall going to Lucas in Edge Lane to ask about calibrating the PI. They had the kit but no-one who knew how to use it.

Peter

[jemgee]

I googled gearbox repairs in Liverpool and quite a few came up. At least 2 were family firms and had been in business 20-30 years. I would suggest a quick call to find out what they do or if they know a man who can!

 

Yes - the good old days of Lucas only matched by Watson's BMC workshop in Oldham Street!

Edited May 17, 2013 by jemgee

[Peter Cobbold]

Thanks Mike.

We used the Shirleys' garage off Wavertree Clock.

They are still there: Arrow Motors Waterloo St.

 

Also used a body specialist who worked behind the Bullring in a shed with a filthy dirt floor. The guard dog was equally filthy until it got stolen and returned home several days later, gleaming and spotless.

 

Peter

Edited May 17, 2013 by Peter Cobbold

[AnthonyF]

Peter, reference the gearbox oil, I can add to Alec's recommendation of Motul 300 from recent personal experience. My TR8 LT77 box has a weak 3rd synchro, similar symptoms to yours.

 

Upon draining the box last year I did find the dirtiest fluid which I suspect was old ATF. I refilled with Motul which improved the gearchange & helped the 3rd gear issue, although still a little notchy. I left that in the box for 1,000 miles then drained again, the first lot of Motul seemed to have acted as a flush because what came out was pretty dirty again. Refilled with Motul for a second time & this really made a difference - it still is baulky from cold & 3rd gear needs a slow shift until warmed up, but after a couple of miles the change is smooth even into 3rd, up or down the box.

[Peter Cobbold]

Peter, reference the gearbox oil, I can add to Alec's recommendation of Motul 300 from recent personal experience. My TR8 LT77 box has a weak 3rd synchro, similar symptoms to yours.

 

Upon draining the box last year I did find the dirtiest fluid which I suspect was old ATF. I refilled with Motul which improved the gearchange & helped the 3rd gear issue, although still a little notchy. I left that in the box for 1,000 miles then drained again, the first lot of Motul seemed to have acted as a flush because what came out was pretty dirty again. Refilled with Motul for a second time & this really made a difference - it still is baulky from cold & 3rd gear needs a slow shift until warmed up, but after a couple of miles the change is smooth even into 3rd, up or down the box.

Thanks Anthony, that's really useful, think I'll go that route. The 3rd gear crunching happened with a cold box, less than 15 miles driving. I would have driven further but the viscous fan started making an unholy racket so...

We're hoping to change a piston ring with the engine in situ, so leaving the box alone is ideal.

cheers

Peter