Gearbox oddness

[meehaja]

2.0 A/C 4 speed box (1982 panel van)

Whilst driving from Bradford to Scotland on monday, I noticed that both 2nd and 4th gears were getting a little hard to shift down into (as in it was physically hard to pull the gear lever down into the correct position). Eventually, about 10 miles form my destination the van cut out, and ten would not restart, (would not tick, just made the "flat battery" umph noise). Accepted my lot and began fishing through my wallet for the umber for the AA man to come and tow me home and reflected on the fuel I'd save being towed all that way. Removed the gaitor from the gear stick in absent minded boredom. Tried to start it once more and it started, a bit rough but was moving. From that point on, started fine all week. Gear changes were lighter than ever, but there was some horrible metal clanking when I shifted. However, this horrible metal clanking was present when I bought the van in feb. So, is this clanking normal? How do I check gear box oil? could my shifting problems have been caused by the gaitor "bunching up"? any suggestions appreciated as ever!

[jamesc76]

Could be worn linkage, etc as to why it wouldnt stard it might be selecting 2 gears ??? To check the oil I would change it out, you need a 17mm drain plug spanner/socket can be very hard to get out (on the side to fill near the engine underneath to drain) least then you can see how much fur is on the magnet in the drain

[mike_gee32]

Before you drain the old oil make sure you can undo the filler plug, they can be very very very tight and are a complete pain to get to. If you can't undo it you've got to drop the box to refil the oil..........dont ask me how I know

[CovKid]

And boy is he right. Knackered my drain plug removal tool undoing the filler one....