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Spitfire 1500 Gearbox dilemma


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Hello, newbie poster here. My 1980 1500 non-overdrive has a worn syncro on 2nd gear, and is pretty noisy in neutral until you depress the clutch. I think it's a combination of gearbox bearings and clutch release bearing 

I'm reasonably proficient with the spanners, but have never attempted a gearbox overhaul - so here's my dilemma; should get an overhaul kit for £166 and try and sort it out myself, or should I bite the bullet and buy an exchange box for nearer £500.

In fact, how likely is it that an overhaul kit would cure the problems I have without further replacement bits? 

Any help, advice or opinions welcome!

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a bit noisy in Neutral, will quite likely be the main shaft tip which would mean a new main shaft or some engineering work or if you are luckier the input bearing. The other option is to take it apart and look at the situation and then decide. Also the good reconditioners will have stacks of parts and will spend time finding good fitting synchro rings, rather than just what you get in the kit. If you have time I recommend Mike Papworth

Edited by DanMi
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yes youve got the large mainshaft tip which should last better so hopefully the noise is only coming from the layshaft and its bearings. This is a simpler repair and will come in the overhaul kit.

Why not dismantle it (workshop manual very helpful here) for inspection and then decide. Even in bits it can be shipped to a repairer or possibly could still be used for exchange...   

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Yes I stripped my MK4 overdrive box found the mainshaft tip knackered so sent it to Mr. Papworth in bits, but he rebuilds your box rather than exchange it, but it would be easy enough to put back together. Yes any wear should be obvious. You can always post a pic here if not sure. The other issue with DIY is parts quality, the reconditioners have all the good new old stock and used parts

Edited by DanMi
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1 minute ago, GetPaulCarter said:

Thanks very much for the advice folks, v helpful. 
Will any shaft issues be reasonably obvious from a visual inspection? That’s the part where I don’t have any experience. 

yes not difficult to spot and theres photos of previous fails on here plus plenty of people to give tips...

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On 30/09/2024 at 21:19, Josef said:

@GetPaulCarter I think we’ve met at the NE area meeting? Are you able to come this coming Sunday? I’m very happy to help / advise on a gearbox rebuild, and Geoff has an accumulation of parts as well as plenty of knowledge! A few local members have used EasyGears who are nearby too.

Hi Josef,

Yes I remember!

will try and get along to Durham this Sunday - thanks so much for the message and offer. Will be attacking the job in November, so expect a message or two then!

cheers Paul. 

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Be careful, especially if £166 rebuild kit comes from a particular source.

Inhave heard the parts may not always be better than what you are removing, there used to be lots of terrible synchro rings about. Hopefully the kit doesn’t include them.

you may be better buying another single rail box and making 2 into 1. Or 3 into 1.

Non OD boxes can be had fairly chepaly.

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