gearbox failure? help!

[nrxx]

Hi everyone

1987 Autohomes Komet, 1.9 DG, 4 speed manual box

Got back from a trip last week and couldn't get in or out of 3rd gear at bottom of road. Had a fiddle and the slave was wet so changed that but no change. Master seems ok, brakes seem ok. Took it to garage with loads of experience with T25s for a new clucth but they checked out and greased up my new linkage and all seemed good on ramp, then on road tests it just sticks in third. Won't go in or out without a lot of fiddling and Paul, the mechanic says it's not the clutch and suggested I try to get another box.

Two questions; First, has anyone else had this and if so, any ideas on cause and second, there are a couple of boxes on ebay at the moment but I don't know what code I should be looking for as van's not with me. Am I restricted to a particular gearbox type or can I use any petrol 4 speed, i.e. can I use a box from a 1983 1.9 wbx on my 1987 1.9DG?

Thanks
Nick

[kevtherev]

I would be looking at the linkages at either end of the rods from the gearstick box to the gearbox.. could have a knackered bush

[nrxx]

Thanks Kev

All new linkages 6 months ago and all checked and greased this morning!

Nick

[Ian Hulley]

Can you get the gears by hand when underneath with the rod dropped down ? (Engine off obviously ! )

Ian.

[Aidan]

I'd hazard it's a broken 3/4 synchro hub or mainshaft bearing if it's ok on the ramp but not under load
You can use any petrol 4 speed gearbox from 1983 on if you take a look at the codes on here or on brickyard
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... fo/gbx.htm
you can see what's alike
basically ABD or ABB a little quicker, DU or DT 4.83/4.86 or 4.57 final drive with .85 fourth gear
I sold out the one I had earlier in the month, would be 10-14 days at least before I could build one at the mo, lots on

[nrxx]

Thanks Ian. Yes, was engaging ok by hand on the ramp. Under load it locks into 3rd and just doesn't want to come out, even with the engine off.

Aidan, thanks. As it happens I was watching that thread in my more doom laden moments waiting for the garage to start on the clutch! My engine is a 78ps (55kw) and easily cruises at c80 on the motorway (or would if it was a>legal and b>economical). I suspect that means I have the 'faster' box you mentioned. Hopefully I'll get a chance to go check this evening. Assuming that my fairy godmother doen't turn a turnip into a new box for me what would we be looking at to have one built up?

Thanks again everyone.

Nick (fed up, and with a £400 CH boiler bill just to make sure I'm really happy!)

[nrxx]

Sorry for poss. simple question. Given Aidan's advice and the Brickyard gearbox code list would I be right in the following,
ABB or DT boxes with 4.57 final drive ration will cruise c200revs lower for a given road speed than the ABD, DU boxes? And, if so, how much difference will I feel given how close they are? Has anyone experience of both?

Thanks, yet again (and just to top it off our 306 has just died!!! aaaagghhhh!!)
Nick

[ermie571]

Sorry can't help with the gear box techy stuff, but I can sympathise with your baaaaaaaaaaaad week!

take care and keep the faith

Em
x

[nrxx]

Cheers Em

A little bit of sympathy goes a long way, thanks. Hope you avoid one like mine!

Nick