MG Car Repair: midget 1500 1st gear tranny noises, gear teeth, hi john

Question
My 76 midget makes rattling noises in 1st gear while moving with the clutch engaged or disengaged. I read that you recommend engine oil in the gearboxes of MGBs, would this possibly help, or am I doomed to rebuild the tranny soon? It shifts fine with no noise in any other gear.

Answer
Hi John,
Noise in 1st gear is not going to be cured by any kind of oil. The noise (if abnormal) is either worn gear teeth or a bearing problem. Most likely a bearing problem. As for how long it may last, there is no way to know and it partly depends on the use and load applied.
Howard