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MG TD TF 1500 - Sticking in gear

My TF-1500 has an intermittent problem sticking in third gear. When it happens, I can forcibly pull it out of third with considerable effort but then cannot select fourth at all.

When this happens, putting it in neutral, double clutching it, and then back into third usually works.

The clutch, pressure plate and release bearing are nearly new (less than 1,000 miles)and all the bushings in the clutch linkage were replaced at the same time. I suspect the clutch is not releasing properly or completely. Any ideas why this would only occur in third gear, and only intermittently? Could it be a clutch adjustment issue (this car has the Moss adjustable clutch linkage)?
Jack Long

Jack,

Several years ago, I repaired a gearbox for my brother. It would jump out of third gear for a while and then jump out of top for a while. The problem was that one of the screws, which secure the selectors to the shaft, was sheared and the selector was jamming one way or the other on the shaft. I know your symptoms are slightly different but if your shaft is slipping a bit further, it still fits the symptoms.

Especially if the gear lever feels very slightly out of place, it could be your problem. Hopefully that is the problem because it could be fixed without removal of the gearbox. You would have to remove the top plate (and perhaps the lever mechanism) to check all the location screws.

There is another thread which mentions a slightly similar problem ..... possibly on Y-Types. (Same gearbox) I should have noted where it was before typing this but if I do so before submitting this, I will have to type it all again:(

Bob Schapel
R L Schapel

Jack,

It was under "midget and Sprite Technical" with a thread titled "No 4th gear". He has a similar problem. I sometimes look at those threads because I run Spridget diffs in my road TC (4.55) and race TC (4.2 or 3.7).

Good luck fixing your problem.

Bob Schapel
R L Schapel

Also check the front and rear shifter parts inside the aluminum cover, and for a loose selector bolt (at the back end or the 3/4 rail) and the 3/4 shifter inside the tranny. Also, pull the driveshaft and make sure the nut on the end of the mainshaft is really tight. Does it grind when you try to go into 4th or just jam? George
George Butz III

Are you running MT-90 oil inn the gearbox?
If not give it a try.
It makes a big difference.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

This thread was discussed between 23/04/2018 and 25/04/2018

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