QuestionI have a 1966 mgb which does not do many miles in actual fact it comes out of the garage on the occasional sunny day which is not that often here in the uk !!
the car takes a while to start but once it does fire up it will start one each turn of the key if i use regularly.
my main problem is that once the car is running at normal temperature and i work my way through the gears it becomes very stiff to put into 4th. to try explain how it feels the best i can come up with is that its like dragging a dead weight through water, i know its going to go into gear but it is slow and stiff.
once the car has cooled it goes through the gears perfectly again until the running temperature rises again.
i have been told its because its not used enough but would appreciate your opinion.
Regards Kenny
AnswerHi Kenny. Are you sure that there is enough oil in the gearbox? Check the little dipstick hidden beneath an access hole under the carpet behind the centre console. Low oil would cause the gearbox to get stiff as it heats up, and if you persist in driving it like that the gearbox could seize solid and be permanently damaged.
I would drain the gearbox and refill with the same oil that you use for the engine. Depending on whether you have an overdrive or not, you will need at least 2 quarts, possibly more. You will also need a small funnel to pour the oil in. Do NOT use gearbox oil, it is not recommended for a 1966 MGB gearbox.
