If the gears are sometimes hard to change and sometimes 2nd gear pops back to neutral at low revs, is that the sign of an impending gearbox rebuild?

If so how much do you think such a job would cost? Recommendations where in Sydney to get this done?

For the difficult change it might be your clutch: Either needs bleeding, or the slave cylinder is worn out or the clutch push rod is too short - It gets shorter due to rubbing inside the cylinder or whatever. Try extending it or buying a new one (they're about $12 from Karcraft). Also adjust the throw out stop (sometimes leaving it 1-2 turns further away from the clutch cover than the manuals suggest improves shifting) just tighten the retaining nut realy well or both the nuts would fall off. And adjust the release lever stop to 0.02in.

The slipping gears probably mean worn syncros (they usualy wear out on the second and 4th- so if your 4th is crunching.....). I think there is a small chance that something is wrong with the selector mechanism, but otherwise you need a gerbox rebuild for which mini mechanics usualy quote about 2 grand.

Mini Spares and Repairs in Castle Hill are supposed to be pretty good?
Not gonna say anything bad about Padstow for fear of persecution.

Cheers

I'd try Mini Classic at Hope St, Ermington.
They do nice work and they don't see you coming... like some have been known to...

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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.

I was thinking syncros too. J_A_M has something dodgy with the gearbox too, so if you get quotes, let me know how much!



I have shopped there and yes, they are nice to deal with!

ok i don't like the padstow pirates BUT the guy there who dose the gearbox's knows his crap so if you want a good rebuild take it to mini spares at padstow
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

can someone fill me in on what exactly the throw out stop does?

cos the smaller nut on mine came off one day not long ago (heard it shooting around the engine bay while going for a burn ), so i took the bigger nut off too so it wouldn't do the same.Anyway, i was gonna put them both back on but havent really got around to it yet....i haven't had any gearbox problems yet and it's been a while.....am i asking for trouble?

i never ran them but it holds the bearing from memory and well i dunno if anything can happen but it could
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

Aha, the throwout stop!....

Way back before some of you lot were born, the early 850 Minis didn't have one.

In normal operation it does absolutely nothing- I drove a Mini for years without one fitted.

Its purpose is to stop the clutch from throwing in too far and overloading the thrust washers. Without one, this can happen- just imagine what happens if you dump the clutch, then immediately push it in again. If the fluid is a bit sluggish coming back thru the hose, the clutch arm may not come right back- what happens is you are then pumping the clutch, and each successive push of the pedal will stroke the clutch release further in.

It is the LAST thing you should adjust. Loosen the nuts off, make sure the arm stop screw is set where you like it (I don't measure the gap- I just set it to give 20-25mm free play at top of pedal) and THEN have someone push the clutch in once and hold it, screw the nut up finger tight and lock it with the locknut.
Whether you turn it up 1 more flat or undo it 1 flat (as I do) is up to you.
Enjoy!

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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.

Has someone got the address for the place at Castle Hill and the phone numbers for both Castle Hill and the one at Ermington please?

Mini Spares and Repairs
Unit 44/2 Hoyle Ave
CASTLE HILL

Ph: 9659 3314

Make sure you drop into my place on your way there. it's a stone throw away.

Anton.