Sudden transmission whine developed

[100DashSix]

I finished replacing the clutch on my MG, and now the car has developed a very loud whine in the transmission. It only happens under load (not while decelerating), and only in second and third. It seems to match the speed of the engine, not the wheels. (When I shift from second to third there's a drop in the intensity of the whine, even though the speed of my car hasn't dropped.)

The transmission has always made a soft whine, but this is very loud. Chattering, almost. The shifting is still smooth, and the gears don't pop out.

Any idea what it could be? What's the easiest way to check and fill the oil?

 

[100DashSix]

Here's an update, cross-posted from the MG Experience forums. (They seem to be more populated than good ol' British Car Forum these days. What's up?)

I'm reluctant to admit to it, as it's incredibly, incredibly stupid.

A year ago, before the clutch project, I had emptied the gearbox. After reinstalling everything I forgot to check the gearbox oil level, and, guess what? I was driving with no oil in the gearbox. For thirty miles.

I paid for this mistake, in part, by having to scrounge motor oil and a funnel that I fashioned out of a thin straw, duct tape, and a friction fit with a socket. Forty five minutes of kneeling and trickling oil into my half-sideways, makeshift funnel and I feel I've somewhat atoned for my sinful oversight. It allowed me to get home from work, and the transmission sounded like its old self.

However, have I seriously damaged my transmission? Are the bearings shot? Perhaps prematurely worn bushings? Have I overheated it and melted everything?

I'm clearly not a smart MG owner.

 

[JPSmit]

It allowed me to get home from work, and the transmission sounded like its old self.



I'm clearly not a smart MG owner.

actually from where I sit you are a pretty typical MG owner. If it sounds like its old self, don't worry. maybe add some Lucas transmission wonderfulness but if it sounds fine and it shifts fine, don't worry. It'll wear out when it does and you can worry then.

 

[drooartz]

I'm with JP -- we've all done that sort of thing...

Fill it up, drive it, if all works fine then no harm done.

 

[100DashSix]

Here's hoping!

Now let me run the engine for 30 miles without oil, and see if it's as sturdy as the gearbox.

 

[DrEntropy]

I'll tell ya now, THAT won't end well.

My sage ol' Grandad told me when I was six or so: "Ya can run 'em all day without gas... but ya can't even start 'em without oil."


Wiley ol' coot.