Triumph Repair: GT6 Gearbox, GT6, trans

Question
Hi Jim,

You've helped me before with some 1500 advice but I have now moved on to a new GT6 MK3 1971 project.
The car is tidy but there is quite a bit of noise coming from the gearbox (sounds quite agricultural and is much noisier than my 1500). It makes a loud whirring sound in first second and third but is quiet in 4th.
Occasionally it is a bit difficult to get it to go into gear. It doesn't move well from 2nd to 4th (I gather it perhaps shouldn't because of synchros?) There also seem to be quite a lot of play in the gear lever (bit wobbly - much more so than the 1500 I had).

Anyway, I thought I had best pull the transmission and take a look inside but before I do could it just be that the gear lever bushing has gone?

Also, do you think there is anything I should be aware of before I take the box out?  Last time (with 1500) I did it in car and it was ok.

Thanks,
Jamie

Answer
Jamie,

The GT6 gearbox is based off the original Spitfire/Herald unit with the "3 rail" shifter mechanism.

It's not unusual for the plastic pieces that hold the shift lever in place to crack, allowing a bit of free play in the shift lever.   The Triumph specialists should have the repair kit.

And you're correct, the synchro shouldn't be causing noise in the gearbox.   Sounds more like either the bearings are beginning to go or there's been wear on the gear teeth.  More likely bearings though.

Just keep in mind that if you try to stand up in the GT6 with the trans in hand you'll get a rude surprise.  


Cheers,

Jim