Gearbox.

[Philip]

Ho, how much generally does a good second hand 1.3 gearbox go for? Mine has no definition between third and reverse. It also chatters a bit, not a lot in first and reverse. I have read about a rebuild kit too. Is that relatively easy to do? I've rebuilt dozens of fwd boxes. How much is the repair kit and how easy is it to get a marina box out on your drive?

[MarinaCoupe]

There's a complete 1.3 rebuilt gearbox on Ebay at the moment £295 or Make an Offer.

Linky

Also on Ebay - Autogear are offering a range of gearbox parts and rebuild kits

Linky2

[Philip]

Thanks mate, its a bit out of budget really a new box. Is my symptom common and does it mean immenant failure? Or do they normally last for ages like that? If it is common has anyone managed to repair it themselves and what parts did they change? If I were to hazard a guess I would say the reverse idler fork is allowing reverse gear to rub on first and third. Its not what I would call bad at all at the moment.

[MarinaCoupe]

I've never done a Marina gearbox - yet. But the weekend after next I am stripping an 1800 gearbox down to assess the condition (I know that it howls in third)and then buy the bits I need off AutoGear, thankfully I took it out some years ago, so no need to strip the car down.

All Marina engines and gearboxes are supported by two front engine mounts and one rear gearbox mount in a tripod arrangement. It is possible to take the gearbox out on it's own, but it's a bi*ch as you have to support the rear of the engine and undo the bellhousing bolts at the same time and there's not al lot of room. The simplest way is to put the front of the car up on ramps and then disconnect the propshaft, electrics, fuel lines, lift the carpet to remove the gearstick etc. and using an engine hoist drop the complete engine/gearbox down onto a steel plate or low truck and draw it out from underneath the front valance. Dismantling is then very easy and it gives you the chance to clean around the engine compartment into the bargain. The Haynes manual is fairly helpful to this point.

I have had practice now and can get one out in under an hour on my own, although putting it back in is slower as you have to reconnect everything. Working weekends only I'd say; 1/2 day to remove engine gearbox and then searate the gearbox. 1/2 day to strip the gearbox and work out what needs replacing. 1/2 day to clean out engine compartment. One week to buy parts, wait for postman etc.. 1/2 day to rebuild the box. 1/2 day to remount gearbox to engine and refit. 1/2 day buggeration factors, so two weekends if everything goes to plan.

Alternatively turn the radio up.

Quick joke that you will have heard before - definition of an engine crane - "a machine for testing the breaking strain of everything that you forgot to disconnect".

[snowy]

Where are you? I'm in North Wales and i have a 1275 a series gearbox for sale. £25.

It changed fine but didn't like to be rushed from 3rd to 2nd on the change down.

[Philip]

Hi I'm in Swindon but if you aren't in a rush to get rid I am interested as I could rebuild it without taking my marina off the road.