I have had two wishes recently. One is to get myself fit, and the other is to get my gearbox rebuilt. Indirectly both may be granted - just not the way I want
Last night driving home, the beast started making awful noises and acting really strangely. In gear it would suddenly gain revs, and then nearly stop dead. If I try and start the car in neutral it wont do anything. It will start with the clutch in, but I can't get gears. Something in the clutch has definitely collapsed as I only adjusted it on Tuesday and now there's about half inch to an inch free play. I was only around the corner from home and just had to limp it up one hill. I'm hoping it's nothing too major internal in the greabox, as it rolls no problems.
When the car was put together (by previous owner), he did a fair bit of engine work, but only ever put a 2nd hand gearbox in. It has always crunched 2nd unless I double clutch or change down at a very low speed so the gearbox has always been on my "to do" list, I just wanted to choose when to do it - time and money is at a premium at the moment.
I am going to bite the bullet and just rip the engine out and strip the box. I don't want anymore band-aids on this car so I'm going to do it properly. I have my mate who will help me checking the gearbox out and re-building it. I have also had my eye on a Limited Slip Diff. I don't have the money to buy it right now, but I don't wanna do the gearbox twice so I may just beg borrow and steal to get it. Is there any other mods (within a reasonably tight budget) to do to it while it's out??
Talk about the ups and downs of Mini ownership!! Looks like I may have to get fit - Riding my bike and walking while the beast's off the road
