Whine from clutch/ gearbox when clutch not engaged

[Flyingchunk]

Ok here's the deal.....

If you've been following my dramas (which you probably haven't), my van is going tomorrow for a new engine and clutch.

Started it tonight, it eventually fired up by had a whining / grinding noise when the clutch was not depressed. Depress the clutch, noise gone (all in neutral).

I noticed when I drove it home from the garage last week the gears were a bit difficult to select, and then this noise.

Anyway after a chat with father in law, he said it sounds like the gears are slightly engaged. So went out again, started it, wiggled the stick fwd, sure enough noise gone. But I'm sure it wasn't like that previously.

Like I said clutch is being changed, and I'd like to think this may be part if the problem.

However thought I'd check on here first to see if its....

a) Sonething else

b) Something that can be done while the clutch is out

c) Sonething that involves selling off some of my internal organs to fund

A search on here suggests.....

Thrust bearing or spigot bearing? But I have no idea if they are replaced as part of a clutch replacement or will be looked at the same time etc etc.

Thank you in advance.

P.s. you wouldn't want my liver.

[Oldiebut goodie]

My thrust bearing did that for ages - just changed it when I replaced the engine and clutch.
I would double check that they intend to change it when they do the clutch. Cheaper than having to have the lot out again in the near future. Get them to check the spigot bearing in the crankshaft also whilst they are there. Maybe get them to change it anyway. (don't just leave it to them to decide - tell them that's what you want them to do) The two bearings are cheap enough especially considering the arm and a leg for getting in there.

[Aidan]

release bearing is part of clutch kit and spigot bearing under a tenner so fit a new one whilst you are there and change the gearbox oil if not done in last few years, observe the drainplug magnet and decide whether to start saving for a rebuild or not worry about it till next oil change (3years/20k miles max)

[Flyingchunk]

Thanks guys.

Drove it in this morning.

Whining now constant in 1st and 2nd until you get up to speed. Fine in 3rd and 4th.

Couldn't select anything at a couple of junctions but managed to get in into 1st and was ok until next time I stopped.

Think it even jumped out of 3rd at one point, but that may be me being a bit gentle with it.

To deteriorate that quickly over litterally a few miles seems bizzare.

[Flyingchunk]

Just got the call.....

No oil in the gearbox!

What the hell. Where's it all gone?? Puddles of oils on the drive I thought were from the pushrods and head gaskets.

Gearbox is thus....knackered.

What do I do?? I'm at the end of my tether with this bloody thing!

Where do I get a new / second / reconditioned gearbox from?

[jason k]

Andy has a box, I've replied on your other post.
Me? I'd fill this one with oil and go on holiday and change it when I got back! You can't do any more harm to it!!

[AdrianC]

Me? I'd fill this one with oil and go on holiday and change it when I got back!

Indeed.

You can't do any more harm to it!!

I'm sure you _could_, but it's probably unlikely.

Given that the engine's going to be out before holidays anyway, it's worth grabbing a box if there's one available - but, otherwise, I'd be with you on the "fill oil, close ears" theory.