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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - gearbox oil

Thanks for the comments.I used the correct oil when refitting the box.Prior to refitting the box I had it checked by several mechanics where I work as I knew once in place it would not be coming out for a long time.Is there any synthetic oil I could use in place of engine oil?
I.M. CHRISTIE

Not sure which other thread this refers to, or what model you have; but if it's an A series ribcase box then don't use synthetics as the additives will attack the phosphor bronze bits and lead to premature wear and possible failure. You need a good quality mineral-based 20/50 engine oil, I use Duckhams or similar in my race box with no problems.
ETA just seen other thread, comments stand!
David Smith

you could use a thicker oil but that might just mask the problem - IIRC some B(?) owners use EP90 (GL-4) successfully in the g/box - but check if this is so for Spridget boxes

you could try using something like MolySlip - some frown upon these products and others say they work, I'd always try a thorough oil change first

Nigel Atkins

What David said x2. If it works in a race box it will be fine in a road box.
Don't use a "thicker"oil. Heavier oils will not lubricate certain bearings in the gearbox sufficiently.
Peter Kavanagh at Classic Gearbox Rebuilds endorses the fact that the best oil for all A series boxes is good quality 20/50 engine oil. He's been rebuilding them for 40 years and several of our local club members have used his services with total satisfaction.

Bernie.
b higginson

a good point was made in the other thread - unless you've recently been out in one or two Spridgets with good gearboxes then you might not know how loud or not your gearbox is

the g/box will sound louder if you're driving with the roof up and if you have grommets missing in the transmission tunnel or the rubber gear lever gaiter missing or torn and/or no sound proofing

if there are any classic car clubs in your area you may be able to compare the noise of your gearbox with similar gearboxes in other models or even another Spridget

as has been put before the gearboxes were not known to be particularly quiet even when new with of course the non-synchro 1st gear being particularly noisy
Nigel Atkins

Road tests published by Autocar and other magazines at the time Midgets were released and road tested all comment on how very noisy the gearbox was. So beware of jumping to conclusions about condition from noise alone.

Chris Hasluck

This thread was discussed between 24/04/2014 and 25/04/2014

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