Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Gearbox noise, heavy clutch...

Hi all, I picked up a Series 3 Aero 8 at the weekend, and whilst I absolutely adore the car, the transmission has me worried.

There is considerable noise when engaging first gear (and occasionally second) - a real mechanical clank from the front left. In addition, the clutch is exceptionally heavy, although I don't know if this is a feature of the car.

The car is on a 57 plate, and had only driven 1000 miles when I picked her up - I've so far driven 500, and the noise appears to be getting louder (could be paranoia though) and I'm sure I could smell clutch when parking her up this evening.

Is this at all normal, am I doing something wrong (I've tried just about everything including double de-clutching with similar results), or do I just have new car paranoia?

Having read other posts on here, people have commented about transmission noise, but I fear (or rather my warranty company fear) this could be something else.

Congratulations on the car. I'm sure you'll have many miles of fun with it

I'm certainly no expert but the gearbox doesn't sound normal to me clutch is relatively light and gearbox is very smooth

Where did you buy the car from. What do they say? Are they a Morgan dealer? Whereabouts in the country are you?

Sorry for all the questions but if we are to be able to point you in the right direction then we need a bit of guidance.

Welcome to TM by the way (appreciate you've been lurking a while )

Doesn't sound right to me.
I expect Cerealsurfer will be along shortly with some more definitive answers...

Congrats on the new motor!

Cheers,

Stephen

Likewise welcome to Aero 8 ownership.

Best bet is drive another car to compare, or get another S3 owner to drive your car, hence as said previously advise where you are and there will no doubt be volunteers.

Cheers

Welcome Stephen.

As the others have said give us some details of where you are, where the car was purchased from and I'm sure we can help you get to the bottom of this.

For reference, there can be a small lurch in drivetrain from 1st into 2nd but this shouldn't be so harsh that it rattles the car (it can be overcome with knowing the car and getting used to a certain driving style).

There will always be noise from the transmission because due to the tightness of the transmission tunnel, Morgan were not able to put the same level of sound deadening in place that you would find on a larger (heavier) sports car; however, as mentioned above, it shouldn't be so intrusive that it detracts from the enjoyment on the car.

Congratulations on your car and, again, welcome to Talk Morgan.

Thank you for all your comments!

I purchased the monster from Berry Brook in Exminster, and I'm based in Chelmsford, Essex - and there's quite a drive between the two! Melvyn Rutter is just down the road, so I might pop by there later today to ask his opinion as the car's likely to be serviced there anyway.

To clarify (more meat on the bone etc), the noise occurs when engaging first, either up or down the box (usually down), when I bring up the clutch pedal (however I do it). The clutch is significantly heavier than I've experienced in other cars (including cars with racing clutches) and very much on/off.

Hi Stephen and welcome.

Is it possible that the issue you have is simply one of lack of use. 3 years and 1000 miles, that's probably only enough mileage to get it back and forth to a dealer for servicing.

Was is services when you bought the car?

Yes, I believe she was serviced when we bought the car. She's off to Mr Rutter on Monday, and I'm confident he'll be able to diagnose the problem (whether car, or useless driver!).

We've just been out to lunch in the thing, and this time with the girlfriend driving (she's also on here BTW) I could hear the noise up/down the box in the first three gears when she brought up the clutch pedal. Interestingly, aside from the smell of clutch again, we heard a clonk following an emergency stop which could be connected.

All fun and games!

I had a quick look at the car during my recent search, its A cracking looking car.

I’m sure Mr Rutter will sort your issue.

Enjoy!

Mine is also S3 and at just under 2yrs has done 13k miles. From day 1 there was noise changing up/down in 1st and 2nd and in both these gears with clutch depressed and coasting to a stop a lot more "rotating" noise. A lot more of this is discussed in the following thread:

http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/33510/transmission_noise_aero_8_seri#Post33510

1st and reverse chatter at low speeds appears to be acceptable in the Morgan Aero8, but as mine is now chattering in Reverse, 1st 2nd 3rd 4th and the fault is diagnosed as the dual mass flywheel , the poor car returns to Malvern in 2 weeks time for a replacement.
As far as I know this is only the 2nd time in the +/-600 4.4l/gearbox configs that this has happened.
When 'motoring' the g/box is generally quiet, only at low speeds can it be heard due to the lack of insulation as previously mentioned.
I also agree with the comment that the clutch is either 'on' or 'off' and it does have a long travel but I am used to this and have no problems with it.
I would also recommend contacting cerealsurfer as his garage in High Wycombe were instrumental in my diagnosis

I shall be interested to hear what you find out - at least it is not fatal (like a 20amp fuse )and I shall enjoy driving the Aero until it is trailored away