Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Advice needed re-1934 Three Wheeler

Now I have this home I tried a short trip to see how it went:
Engine started and ran really well, however I was surprised at the noise in both 1st and 2nd gear but 3rd was really good.
Is this normal?
What speed would you normally go to in each gear?
Do you need to double de clutch when changing gear?
I'm sure this is just the start of the questions!
But really pleased with it, I think it's going to be great fun getting it sorted and driving around - the finger pointing and smiles as I drove round on Sunday said it all.
Worthers +8

We are talking about an eighty year old car and you are talking abou getting it sorted.

Do you think it will be like say a 30 year old car aftr a few weeks of work.

Sorry cars then were rough and ready then and this is what you have got!

Not sure about the Mog installation, but from memory the 100E gearbox has synchro only on 3rd gear. I'd guess 1st to 2nd at just over walking pace and into top about 20mph. (I'll defer to any more experienced opinions) Gerry.

Thanks Gerry
That is just about what I'd thought.
The noise is probably just the lack of syncro as as soon as you get in 3rd it goes quiet.
It's just that I purchased it blind and have not meet the owner so I just wanted to make certain I wasn't doing it any damage.
It has had a lot of non standard bits added as you would expect for an 80 year old vehicle. Some of these no doubt are for the better but the addition of a brake servo makes driving it a slightly nervy experience, you only need to put your foot near the brake pedal to head towards the windscreen!
Other than that it's great and is to be used and sorted/under go a gradual restoration as time and funds allow.
Worthers +8

Also don't forget that in 1st and 2nd the drive goes on and off the laygear cluster where in 3rd its direct drive so any wear in the laygear bearings or thrusts will show up as will the noise from the gear mesh as there is an axial thrust that is massively reduced if not eliminated in 3rd. From memory, I learnt to drive in an 100E Prefect, there is synchro, of sorts, in 2nd and 3rd, nothing at all in 1st and reverse. As others have said old gearboxes whine, just listen to films of the era of the car, swap out the oil for some fresh EP90 (check I am guessing) and enjoy the thing I am sure it will rattle and whine wonderfully for many a day, long may it do so.

From my -34 F4 I have learned:

Always double de clutch in both up and down gearing.
Every gearbox is an individual in how quick you move the "stick"(can be different going up or down)
Change gear early - no high revs.
Be happy as long as your 3:rd gear is quiet.
Always check the oil level in the gear box.
No modern oils in the gear box - the brass wheels will disintegrate (use Rhino 140)
Have you bought your F4 Handbook yet ??

Stig
Happy F4 owner since 2008

Interesting, I usually can make an upchange on my two speeder with a single clutch press, but it does require careful timing. However should I fail and have to double declutch, it doesn't make hideous noises, it just doesn't go in.

Down changes though, no chance, double declutch ever time.

All I can add to this is that the non-synchro first gear on my MG Midgets were the noisiest things imaginable. Howling and whining, and rattling all in one.

Thanks to all that have responded.
I will hopefully get to drive it again this coming weekend and will double declutch.
It came with 5lts of Silkyn? 140 oil so I now know that's for the gearbox.
It also came with various books and a Morgan Three Wheeler (Ford) A5 manual.
First job is to remove the servo, strip the brakes down and get them to operate on both wheels at the same time!
I'd rather turn right via use of the steering wheel!
Thanks
Worthers +8