QuestionI have a 1973 MG Midget. I recently noticed a noise that appears to be coming from the transmission. When the engine is revving between 3000 and 3500 and I release the throttle, I hear what sounds like a loose spinning noise coming from the transmission. If I shift into neutral, the noise disappears immediately. For the most part, the noise does not occur during acceleration. Any idea what I might be looking at here? Thank you!
AnswerHi Gabriel. This could be many things. It is good that you can tune in to such sounds.
My immediate reaction was that you have a broken or missing return spring on the clutch pedal. This would allow the release bearing to lie lightly on the clutch cover. However, the noise disappears in neutral, so it probably isn't that. It is worth inspecting anyway.
Have you checked the level of oil in the gearbox lately? Apart from its lubricating quality, the oil also acts as a noise suppressor. If you have lost some oil, it could be the beginnings of a problem due to a worn oil seal - not an easy thing to get at on a Midget.
Another possibility is that the large rubber grommet is missing from the gear lever. You should have a vinyl gaiter around the gear lever, held in place by a chrome ring and 4 screws. Take these off and look underneath. There should be a large rubber grommet sealing the gear lever to the metal cover. If this is missing or split, it will allow noise to enter the driving compartment.
Apart from these items, it could be that the bearings inside the gearbox are just starting to wear. In this case, I would live with it unless it gets a lot louder. You could add a tube of Molyslip to quieten it down and reduce the rate of wear.
