MG Car Repair: 1st gear, gearbox oil, clutch master

Question
Fallow up on my question,,, thanks for your help so far, I have the 73 mg midget, I  did check the gear oil today and it was about 1/2 qt.low, took it for a drive change great , about 4 miles, I  turned around to head home and the grinding sound happened again,,, got home, turned it off about 3 to 5 min. got back in change great again for a few mile same thing again, it can set for a very short period of time and it works great, as I drove it more it did a little better but still grinding when trying to get into first,,,,,,,

Do you think the clutch master is my next job to try and  fix ?Will I need to rebuild or get new ?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Steve.  Half a quart is significant.  Check under the car to see if it is leaking.  You may need a new gearbox oil seal.

First gear (and reverse) do not have any synchromesh on these gearboxes, so you cannot change down into first as you can on a modern box.  It will crunch a bit unless you practice double-declutching - an acquired skill.

If it crunches in any other gear, then the problem probably lies in the master cylinder.  Unless it is badly worn, you will usually get away with a strip, clean and rebuild with fresh seals.  It isn't difficult, and Moss sell a complete kit for a few dollars.