MGExp

MG Midget Forum

Transmission issues

Moss Motors
AutoShrine Sponsor
AutoShrine Sponsor
AutoShrine Sponsor
AutoShrine Sponsor

Topic List Forum List Newer Older Start New Topic
Transmission issues
#1
  This topic is about my 1972 MG Midget MkIII
Upnatem Avatar
Upnatem Rich Pschirrer
New Gloucester, ME, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1972 MG Midget MkIII "Scarlet"
I added DOT 3 brake fluid to fill the brake fluid reservoir as the brake pedal was very soft. This cured the brake pedal issue but suddenly the transmission will not shift properly. Where I think neutral should be is actually reverse and it seems the only other gears I can engage seem to be 3 & 4. I am certain that the reservoir filled is the brake fluid reservoir but I'm at loss beyond that. I have never had any transmission issues prior. Total rookie Midget owner here so please don't assume I know anything. I appreciate any and all suggestions. 72 Midget Mark III



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-26 04:16 PM by Upnatem.

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
. Become a Supporting Member to hide this ad & support a small business
Re: Transmission issues
#2
pbcjr Avatar
pbcjr peter cantamessa
east brunswick, NJ, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1971 MG Midget MkIII
In reply to # 4789640 by Upnatem I added DOT 3 brake fluid to fill the brake fluid reservoir as the brake pedal was very soft. This cured the brake pedal issue but
suddenly the transmission will not shift properly.
Where I think neutral should be is actually reverse and it seems the only other gears I can engage seem to be 3 & 4.
I am certain that the reservoir filled is the brake fluid reservoir but I'm at loss beyond that. I have never had any transmission issues prior.
Total rookie Midget owner here so please don't assume I know anything. I appreciate any and all suggestions. 72 Midget Mark III

Just FYI - The brake master cylinder has the larger of the two reservoirs. It's the one closer to the engine than the other reservoir.
Can you engage all gears - including reverse - if the engine is not running?


In 1974 when I was 18, I passed on buying a running and driving 1966 Jaguar E-Type coupe for $1,500, which is what they were selling for at the time.
Fifty years later, I'm still kicking myself...



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-26 04:26 PM by pbcjr.

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
Re: Transmission issues
#3
Upnatem Avatar
Upnatem Rich Pschirrer
New Gloucester, ME, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1972 MG Midget MkIII "Scarlet"
I can not engage any of the gears purposefully, engine on or off. Reverse is the only gear that I know I am in as engaging the clutch moves the car in reverse.

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
. Become a Supporting Member to hide this ad & support a small business
Re: Transmission issues
#4
Kerr Avatar
Kerr Platinum Member Norm Kerr
Ann Arbor, MI, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1974 MG Midget
Try rolling the car a little bit forward/backward, as that will reposition the gears inside the transmission and see if that helps them align and engage.

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
Re: Transmission issues
#5
ice Avatar
ice Gold Member Larry Ice
Lawrenceville, GA, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1971 MG Midget MkIII
Rich, do you have a manual for your car? Best tool you will ever buy! Have you drained the oil from the tran? Look for small pieces of metal n the oil. Possibly the bushing under the gear shift lever has disintegrated allowing the gear shift to "flop" around and lock up! If you send for a Moss catalog they have it listed on
pg 36-37 as ring, bushing and spring!

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
Re: Transmission issues
#6
Upnatem Avatar
Upnatem Rich Pschirrer
New Gloucester, ME, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1972 MG Midget MkIII "Scarlet"
Good Morning Larry and thanks very much for your response!

I do have the following manuals: MG Midget Mark III, Owner's Workshop Manual Sprite & Midget 1958-1980, Hayne's MG Midget Guide to purchase and DIY restoration, and The Complete Official 1275cc Sprite/Midget 1967-1974. Each of these materials have been great in their own way.

I will be sure to check gear shift lever bushing!

Thanks again!

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
Re: Transmission issues
#7
Upnatem Avatar
Upnatem Rich Pschirrer
New Gloucester, ME, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1972 MG Midget MkIII "Scarlet"
Will do and thank you Norm! I hope it is just that simple.

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
Re: Transmission issues
#8
ice Avatar
ice Gold Member Larry Ice
Lawrenceville, GA, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1971 MG Midget MkIII
Will the clutch pedal move? How old is the throw out bearing?

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
Re: Transmission issues
#9
Upnatem Avatar
Upnatem Rich Pschirrer
New Gloucester, ME, USA   USA
Sign in to contact
1972 MG Midget MkIII "Scarlet"
Thank you all for the replies, I really appreciate the advice.

I took the gear shift lever housing apart and manipulated the fork rod manually. The anti rattle plunger (bolt that goes into the gear shift keyway) seems to have come loose allowing the ball on the shift lever to become loose. All seems to be functioning again. I am going to drain the transmission today and will inspect the fluid for further information.
Thanks again.

Reply
Was this post helpful or interesting?
Yes No Thank
Topic List Forum List Newer Older Start New Topic

To reply or ask your own question:

or

Registration is FREE and takes less than a minute

Forums  

Having trouble posting or changing forum settings?
Read the Forum Help (FAQ) or contact the webmaster





Join The Club
Sign in to ask questions, share photos, and access all website features
Forum List
MGB & GT MG Midget Buy, Sell & Trade Vendor Market MG Performance MG Engine Swaps Factory Correct MGA MGC MG Magnette 1100 & 1300 T-Series & Prewar EV Conversion Modern MG MG Motorsports Events & Meetup MG 2024 Katy Texas Other Vehicles Off Topic Clubs Archived
Your Cars
1976 MG MGB MkIII
Rick & Amy Roller   USA
1976 MGB MkIII
Text Size
Larger Smaller
Reset Save