Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,391 Threads: 106
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Location: Darkest Bedfordshire
I wouldn't worry too much about a hiss from the release bearing when you depress the clutch pedal. But having got as far as you have, Jamie sells nice new ones.
As for the crash box, the ratios are slightly lower than in the synchro box - which you might view as a curse or a blessing depending on how you use the car; but it is also massively robust by comparison. Worth thinking about before you toss it aside.
Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,566 Threads: 20
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Location: Bala North Wales
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
I agree with Chris. I am so grateful that my own car has a crash box!
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 557 Threads: 89
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Location: Deepest darkest Kent
Ivor,
with the thrust race if you dismantle it, then check the condition of the balls and tracks.
If the balls are pitted replace them and if the tracks are pitted you will need a new race.
Re the whizzing remove the clutch centre plate and check to see if the rivets holding the spline on are tight. My RP had the same issue and was traced to the spline rivets being loose.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,400 Threads: 33
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Location: Deepest Frogland 30960
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
+1 from me too as regards the 4 speed crash box. Very simple, but robust.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,642 Threads: 23
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Location: The village of Evenley
Car type: 1934 Austin Seven RP Deluxe
Thanks chaps you are all gentlemen and scholars!
I shall pull the bearing to bits and have a look, but is quite a loud whizzing sound so will check the clutch as well.
As to the box, I won’t change it, but should I have to double de clutch up from third to top? Never had to with crash boxes in the past, usually just a steady slow change was fine…
Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,566 Threads: 20
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Location: Bala North Wales
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
Ivor, I think the answer is probably ‘yes’. Third and top are actually engaged via a dog clutch, rather than by sliding pinions.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,400 Threads: 33
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Location: Deepest Frogland 30960
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
I always double the changes, both up & down. Slowly is the way. especially when the engine/gearbox is cold.
Something else to check while you've got it to bits - the oiler. Make sure that it isn't blocked, within the casting that holds the bearing. Mine was. Sorting the lubrication solved my whizzy release.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,642 Threads: 23
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Location: The village of Evenley
Car type: 1934 Austin Seven RP Deluxe
David and Bruce, I’m sold! I’ll put the crash box back in (despite the fact it should be a synchro) and double de clutch up and down it’s no real problem apart from losing speed between third and top going up hills.
I shall report back with progress!
Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,566 Threads: 20
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Location: Bala North Wales
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
Its actually a very cleverly designed box. Somewhere in these annals there is a cutaway view of its internals. Briefly, though, third gear cluster moves on both the layshaft and the mainshaft to engage third and fourth.
