Test a 5-Speed prior to installation - what to do?

[lbc_newbie]

Is there ANY way to test a 5-Speed prior to installation? Can I get an old clutch disk and turn it in each gear? What do you look for prior to installing a 5-speed without knowing that it's a good tranny?

 

[RickB]

As a first step (don't ask me how I gained this experience) I'd make sure there's no (or very little) side to side play in the shafts at either end...

Then put it in a gear and turn the front and make sure the back shaft also turns, repeat for all gears. Listen for any bad sounds while doing this.

Look at any oil that's in there now, make sure it's not all full of metal shavings or grit.

 

[lbc_newbie]

Do I need to remove those electrical sending units on the side of the transmission?

 

[RickB]

In my experience they don't get in the way.
Do you have your speedometer working with your 4 speed datto tranny?

 

[lbc_newbie]

I might pull them and plug the holes rather than have them cause any problems during installation.

I do have the speedo working on my 4 speed. It should just move right over.

I pulled the plug on it and it looks pretty good. Nothing but very fine, graphite-like stuff on the magnet. No lateral slop and all gears seem to turn freely. I think I got a winner...

Thanks, Rick.

 

[Nelson]

Your speedo will not read correctly unless you change the gearing in its drive. I bought my 5-speed from Paul A. and he set the gearing for the speedo to match my rear end ratio and tire size.

 

[lbc_newbie]

Thanks, Nelson... I'm checking with him now.

 

[RichBall]

Ed

Remember that you should have a 3.7 rear end in yours since it is a '78. Paul will need to know that. He is probable more used to dealing with the 4.22's and 3.9's that came in cars with tha A series engine. The '78-'79's came with the 3.7's. You should be able to chech the diff housing to make sure. I don't rember where to find the marks, but some one here will be able tell you. It's on the top somewhere.

Rich Ball
'76 Midget
Everett, WA

 

[lbc_newbie]

Unfortunately, when I bought the car, the 3:7 was blown... I replaced it with a 3:9. More readily available than the 3:7 and more affordable at the time. I'll let him know. Thanks, Rich.

 

[RichBall]

I am begining to think that there is nothing on your car that is "Correct" except the MG badge, and I'm starting to doubt that now too.

Rich Ball
'76 Midget
Everett, Wa

 

[RickB]

Well for not being "Correct" I'll bet he's going to have a fine car when he's done!

 

[lbc_newbie]

Well for not being "Correct" I'll bet he's going to have a fine car when he's done!

You mean there is an end to all of this?? Surely, you jest!

 

[Pythias]

Paul A. will also want to know the size of the tires you're using.

 

[JPSmit]

Well for not being "Correct" I'll bet he's going to have a fine car when he's done!

You mean there is an end to all of this?? Surely, you jest!

Yeah he's just messing with you.

FWIW, like your car, I have an original hammer from the middle ages, the head has been replaced 6 times and the handle 14 - but it's "correct" :banana: