Gearbox noise

[bill griffiths]

I recently rebuilt the four speed gearbox in my Plus 2.
On starting there was an unexpected harsh rat tat tat noise.
The gearbox rebuilder is experienced but removal again seems likely.
Engine compression is perfect.
Flywheel is clear of bell housing.
Clutch works perfectly-although only tested for a moment as the noise demands immediate attention!
No obvious cause for the noise when lower flywheel cove is removed.
Sandwich plate is correctly in position.
Gear stick selects all gears.
Any thoughts before I reverse the full weekends work?
Regards
Bill

[promotor]

I recently rebuilt the four speed gearbox in my Plus 2.
On starting there was an unexpected harsh rat tat tat noise.
The gearbox rebuilder is experienced but removal again seems likely.
Engine compression is perfect.
Flywheel is clear of bell housing.
Clutch works perfectly-although only tested for a moment as the noise demands immediate attention!
No obvious cause for the noise when lower flywheel cove is removed.
Sandwich plate is correctly in position.
Gear stick selects all gears.
Any thoughts before I reverse the full weekends work?
Regards
Bill

Loose flywheel bolts?

[Andy8421]

Did the noise stop when you depressed the clutch?

[bill griffiths]

Flywheel bolts all to correct tension.
Clutch operates smoothly without increasing or reducing harsh and unpleasant noise.

[gjz30075]

"on starting...." Does this mean taking off in first gear? Noise happens on clutch engagement?

[Andy8421]

Flywheel bolts all to correct tension.
Clutch operates smoothly without increasing or reducing harsh and unpleasant noise.

Bill,

I principle, when you depress the clutch, there should be nothing turning in the gearbox, so your problems are elsewhere if the noise persists. It is possible that the clutch drags a bit, particularly if new, so just depressing the clutch may still leave the input shaft into the gearbox turning.

Just to be sure, depress the clutch and select a gear - if the noise persists, then it is nothing to do with the gearbox or input shaft.

[bill griffiths]

The clutch pressure plate with anulus connecting the inner ends of the fingers is bigger in depth than the one it replaced.
It was offered up to the bell housing while the engine was out and there appeared to be clearance.
Now, with the starter motor removed, I could see signs of abrasion around its perimeter so I expect the bell housing requires relieving.
Will know soon because engine ready for removal again.
Regards
Bill

[2cams70]

The Anglia 105E bellhousing used in Twin Cam Escorts with the 2000E 4 speed gearbox was relieved at the factory slightly internally for more clearance with the Twin Cam clutch. I assume gearboxes going into Elans had the bellhousing similarly relieved but don't know for certain - or it may have been done on later post '68-69 models only (to line up with Ford LTC models). The bellhousing for LTC may look like a standard 105E Anglia part but it isn't as it has been slightly modified.

[bill griffiths]

bellh.jpg (112.05 KiB) Viewed 607 times

Many thanks for your help.
The new clutch was "fatter" than the old one and as it was sold as a Lotus clutch I did not bother to take the care I should have!
The new clutch required a shorter fitment for the throw out bearing, but that was easily done.
But, when installed with a rebuilt gearbox (the old one having been carelessly assembled by a PO) I was a little unsettled when, upon starting, there was a noise as if the bearing shells in one of the big ends had been left out!
I initially discounted the possibility that the bell housing was having difficulty in accomodating the fatter clutch, mainly because the noise was not a scraping one as may have been expected!
So, out came the engine and sure enough marks within the bell housing explained the problem.
I shall attach a photo of the bell housing following some machining.
All is now reinstalled, and peace returns to the engine bay!
Regards,
Bill

[2cams70]

See previous topic discussion and pictures in link below

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=38616&start=