Strange noise in first gear

[Mike]

I am experiencing a humming type singing noise in first gear when accelerating. Noise stops when I let off the gas. Noise does not appear in 2nd-4th gear. I have a ribbed transmission with a 1275 in my 58 BugEye. Any ideas what this noise could be?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[aeronca65t]

First gear uses straight cut gears that can be noisy normally. But when worn (or chipped), they can be really noisey.

I'd suggest you drain the trans oil right away and look for any metallic pieces. If you find big chunks, you've got real trouble. If there's just some grit, but not big metal chunks, you may be able to change the trans oil a few times (to flush it out) and see if that helps.
It may not make it any quieter, but fresh oil may keeps thing going a bit longer.
Also, you might try Red-Line sythetic oil....makes shifting in my race car noticably better.
There no real easy fix here (a trans rebuild is the correct thing to do), but I've seen these things run for a long time with noisy first gears if they have clean oil in them.

 

[bgbassplyr]

Worn brgs or bushing will cause gears to sing. I agree with aeronca65t.