Man gearbox issue

[Direwolf]

Could l ask if anyone out there has experienced their manual box jumping out of fourth gear without warning, usually on ‘lift-off’,(not as in acceleration from zero! ..but slowing from 4th gear). The car is a S3 1971 2+2 with l believe the original box and 77,500miles on it. It has been running will for three years but jumping out of gear is becoming more frequent.

Would you recommend a gearbox rebuild or 5 speed replacement? Being in France but going to events in UK/Scotland tempts me to go for a 5 speed but not sure yet.

Not sure if l need a new subject but to put a manual override switch on the cooling fans would you bypass the relay or the thermostat fan switch? Just for hot weather in traffic.

Similar issues in other posts on the forum..sorry if l am repeating others but l couldn’t find the answers so thanks if you can give your valuable advice.

Direwolf
S3 2+2
BMW 325t
VW California
Citroen C1 Airscape

[abowie]

Before you get too despondent check that your problem isn't trim or a rubber boot preventing the stick from moving, allowing it to pop out of gear.

The thermo switch; I'd probably connect to the low current side of the relay which is essentially the same as bypassing the actual thermo switch, but probably easier to do a neat job. I have run mine back to a small switch mounted in the under dash covers.

4 speed vs 5 speed vs longer diff.... a lot on the site about this. There is a 5 speed thread going ATM and a 2.88 diff one recently.

Somewhere in my mind there is something about you not being allowed to modify classic cars if they are registered in France? Not sure.

[Direwolf]

Thanks for your reply l will check the trim but l think it may be a bit more involved but good idea to check this first. I had been reading the 4 or 5 speed debate with interest, l am going through the process of registering the car in France after having UK reg before and l will check the regulations regarding originality but l have seen many strange combinations with French reg ie MGA with Jensen engine etc but l do need to check this. Again thanks for your thoughts.

[PeterCrespin]

I would go for selector issues if Andrew’s idea doesn’t fix it. Any selector issues can be sorted by removing just the console and gearbox top. Someone might swap you a top cover to test. That someone might be me if you don’t find one nearer.

[Direwolf]

Thanks Peter l will look into your sugestion when I get time on the car and thanks for your generous offer.