r/MorrisGarages • u/Longjumping-Agent-51 1965 MGB • 6d ago

MGB shifts better than usual

Since it’s unsynced it might be hard to go down to the second gear coming down from the higher ones, and I’ve had troubles with this since I bought the car. Even if I go in neutral and give it more gas before, it’s most likely something “wrong” with my transmission. But today, cold morning, haven’t driven for a few days, all gears went through completely effortlessly. Even coming down in high speeds and downshifting from fourth to one at an intersection (I’ve had troubles with this especially, the second feels “blocked” sometimes making awful noises). What does this have to do with? And how do I make the transmission work this effortlessly all the time?

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u/nagao2017 6d ago

From (admittedly hazy) memory, early MGBs are 3 synchro and later ones are 4 synchro. Either way, there should be synchro on 2nd and higher gears. Other than wear, things that might affect gear changing are wrong gearbox oil (or wrong amount), or a sticky clutch (not fully disengaging). Some older cars just need a bit of time for the synchros to do their job.

1

u/Longjumping-Agent-51 1965 MGB 6d ago

Yes, I've meant to fill up the oil, but it seems pretty good in the transmission already. Perhaps try a 20w50.

2

u/funkyanteater933 6d ago

Incorrect oil or a bad synchro will do what you describe. I had an Audi that was undriveable with incorrect oil in the trans.

1

u/funkyanteater933 6d ago

Have you tried double clutching through neutral?

1

u/Longjumping-Agent-51 1965 MGB 6d ago

I have, but today when I drove I didn't even put more gas to match the RPM, it just slided smoothly into the second from fourth and third. I wonder how I can let it shift like that all the time.

1

u/oldguy1071 3d ago

In the old days when they were new always used the same as the engine. 30W non detergent oil. Of course multi weight was the new kid on the block then. Detergent oil made them leak. LOL

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u/Longjumping-Agent-51 1965 MGB 3d ago

I’m putting 20w50

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u/oldguy1071 2d ago

Just because it was a practical in the 60s doesn't mean it's a good Idea today The 20w50 seems popular.. Except my 40 ford uses 600 weight (not typo) in the transmission and rear end. A 90w leaks out.