gearbox dramas

[stevethedent]

Hello,

My series 3 has given me some grief recently. The trouble started when Number one injector pipe fractured and I had to get towed home by a mate. I put the landy in nuetral and also the transfer box. about a mile into the tow he came on the radio (I carry 2 way radios on board) and asked me to check the brake wasn't on as he was finding the tow heavy. The hand brake was not on but a little later there was a burning smell and a vibration almost like the transmission hand brake was slowly being applied. I again checked the brake which was still off I then checked i was still in neutral, I was. In desperation I then checked the transfer box and found as I moved it slightly forward and back to check for neutral on the slight forward motion the vibration stopped. and the burning smell subsided. When I fixed the injector pipe I took it out for a test and found the only gears I can get are 1 2 & reverse this is in both high & low ratio and 4 wheel drive. the gearstick moves across but refuses to go forward to select 3 or to the rear to select 4. I haven't checked the linkages as we are under a foot of snow at the minute. I really don't think it is a linkage problem anyway.
Has anybody got any ideas out there please?

[Amma]

I have read about similar problems with the Series III gearbox related to the syncromesh and some little spring that wears down and pops out to cause selection of those gears to not be possible.

Don't know personally how hard it is to fix though as it's never happened to me.

 :?

I'll try and find where I read it and stick a link on here for you.

 ;)

[Amma]

This is where I read about someone having the same probelms.

http://www.series2club.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=27614.0

Even though it's on the Series 2 forum the problems are actually with a Series III gearbox and it seems that it could be a 'common' problem. I've only had my 109" for four years but had no problems with it and also no problems in the 88" that my wife owns.

Just realised that you are in Oldham. If I can be of any help, let me know and I'll see if I can pop over.

[bogie]

I doute very much that the burning smell was coming from your box,just because the hand brake lever is down will not mean it is properly released,the bar linkage could be fouled by dirt or the drum mechanism could be seizeing up and not releasing properly.

[bob86]

Dont know what the problem is, sorry. But when you put the red lever into neutral the box goes into 4wd. You should just put the main gear lever in neutral and the transfer box in high when you tow.

[stevethedent]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Has anyone out there renewed these springs? Can I do the job in situ with the floor removed?

[bogie]

Thats common sence really,if your being towed you leave the vehicle how it should be driven on the road in normal situation or you just wind the thing up if using low or 4wd.

[Lucy1978]

you can replace the three detent springs in situ but it's a PITA doing it with the box removed would be a doddle, and you get to check on the condition of the rest of the gearbox.

[Lucy1978]

have a look here for some photos of what's in store...

http://ollr.10.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=3133&highlight=bit+gearbox

[stevethedent]

Thanks again for your help. I will let you know how I get on. I have drained the gearbox oil and it is as clean as a whisle!! no debris at all!

[stevethedent]

Just a quick update, Floor up, top of gearbox, off selectors lifted, only one spring clip in situ. next stage gearbox out to find the rascals!!!

[Lucy1978]

they're not caught up in the drain plug are they?

[stevethedent]

No, They are not anywhere in the gear box sump, I have sent a camera up the drain/ filler holes but they are not there. they must be higher up jamming the gears on the shaft :'(

[stevethedent]

Latest on the gearbox.........it's now out and striped. the syncro clips have come adrift and bent the syncro cage they sit in blocking the free movement of 3rd & 4th.
New cage costs about £50 on the plus side the rest of the gearbox is in really good order. The clutch looks about half way through it's life so i am biting the bullet and putting all new bits in, another £ioo hundred of my ill gottens, stay tuned for the next installment [-o<

[stevethedent]

Back on the road. A lot of time and expense caused by a 39 pence clip. see the photos for the ammount of damage these clips can cause when they fall out into the wrong place!

[bogie]

Well done mate,nice to see someone do a good job themselfs and not get ripped off by some wana be garage!