Is this normal?

I have a magic wand gearbox marked 22A1288 in my Moke. When I've taken it for test drives the gearbox is great except for 1st gear. I can intermittently get it into 1st, but mostly it will partially go in, then jump out when I accelerate. Once it's in 1st or if I hold the gearstick whilst accelerating it is fine. Is this normal? If not, what is likely causing it?

Regards,
James

sounds like the linkage. It might be a spline out or worn.

Worn gear teeth on 1st gear and the cluster gear. Common problem with old 3 synchro boxes like yours.
Is 1st gear very noisy?

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks,

Not particularly noisy and it does stick in first gear nicely probably 30% of the time. Does mean my only option is gearbox upgrade or rebuild?

I've read somewhere that I can get the megic wand gear change mechanism to work with a 4 synchro gearbox, is this right? Which gearbox should I be looking for?

Thanks,
James

Yes you can put the magic wand and it's diff housing onto a 22G1128, 4 synchro box. But you need to bolt your diff housing onto it then check diameter and alignment of its 2 bearing bores. Machining of face, or redrilling of stud holes may be needed if misalignment is present.
The 2 dowels may be left out if necessary.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks,

Doesn't sound too difficult. I have a spare gearbox with DAM3220 on the casing which I believe is a 22G1832, obviously won't work for the conversion.

No that won't work. It must be a remote housing not rod change.

_________________
1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

However if you find a 22G1128 remote case, all those rod change gears will fit it. Except the reverse idler gear.

Edit
A 22G846 remote case will work too if you find one. Rarer here.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks for all your help. Are the 22G1128 gearboxes particularly rare?

Nope, they were used in most Minis 1969-1973 approx. From Cooper S to Mini K, Mini Clubman, and Mokes.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.