Just cracked the box from the engine finally everything looked ok but after fiddling a bit found large play in 1st gear end of layshaft. So ripped box apart and found that when laygear was replaced with a donor from an A+ box, they forgot to put the matching stepped laygear shaft in. Hence there was nothing left of the roller bearing, luckily though the thrust bearing had held this inside the recess left inside the laygear. LUCKY!!
Time to clear out the whole box to ensure no residue escaped and that everything else is tight and put together properly. I'll do this myself to ensure it is done properly, can't trust anyone else....
Clutch has been slipping badly, so I'll have to get rid of my blue diaphram spring to get either orange or grey, may get flywheel lightened at the same time
Have to replace clutch plate also.
Maybe a central oil pickup may be on the cards while I have the chance, not sure if I'll do the gearboox bearings though, didn't do them with the engine rebuild earlier this year... we'll see.
Still not sure if this was the cause of my chirping bird under the bonnet, but soon to find out.
Ciao Ray.
_________________
--------------------------------------------
1972 Mini Clubman 1380
previously 1330 85 bhp @ 6000 rpm new engine no idea?
My00 WRX
190 bhp @ 5800 rpm
But oh well.....I still love my car 
