Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - Roadster 3.7 propshaft

My recently acquired Roadster has a strange mechanical noise when I push the car out of the garage. It sounds to me like a Universal Joint at the front end where it connects to the gearbox. I know the 3.7 engine is mated to a 6-speed transit box, and it seems the Transit uses a flexible coupling to connect to the propshaft (on a Transit) - does anyone know if this is also used on the Roadster? I've checked the prop shaft connection to the diff and that is all sound, but when I rotate the prop shaft (with the car in gear) I can feel some play at the front end. I'd be surprised if the front UJ has gone as the car has only done just over 10k miles. Is it the sort of thing that could go if the previous owner was a bit heavy with the dropping the clutch when pulling away?

I can't get the car into my local Morgan specialist until the end of April so any advice would be most welcome in the meantime. I'm not sure if I should drive the car in this state?

If you can get the propshaft out, I'd recommend taking it straight to a propshaft specialist.

Had a propshaft rebuilt recently with new uj's and then balanced for less than 60 quid.

Had a new propshaft made up for 150 quid which was less than the 350 plus VAT that the factory wanted!

Arwyn

I found the post. Here you go.
http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthread...-get-access-to-a-3-7l-roadster-front-ujs

I used this Les - click for source - you will need two bottles as despite what manual says mine took 1.6 litres with car level on ramp.



It's suitable for LSD diffs and contains a friction modifier. Been in for a few years now and it cured the clicking I was getting when maneovering on full lock. Likely better than adding pure friction modifier into existing dirty oil. Be aware there is an NS suffix variant for racing which doesn't contain the needed friction modifier.

I used my Draper hand operated gear oil pump from below. This avoids spill when filling from above and has a convenient hook on end of pipe for attachment to filler hole.

replacing the oil is a must at 6 years or 100k miles. Obviously the age is going to arrive before the mileage for most Morgan owners. I had such bad 'clunking' after twelve years that I had to get out the AA to ferry my car to the local dealer. They could find nothing wrong but I suspect that if they had replaced the oil instead of just topping it up when servicing the car I would not have had the problems I faced.

Here you go Les, couple of shots of the 3.7 gearbox from a 2018 build (Dave's photos are from a 3.0)

Access will be difficult to that front output coupling flange / propshaft bolts

It probably doesn't make that much difference Les but I would rather stick with the factory manual stating 75W90 for our Roadsters.

Thanks for that. I never realised the 3.7 was different. Certainly my handbook of 2011 shows the same oils for all models.
Anyway, as I have always said “Any oil is far better than no oil!” 🛢️

Yes the play is not only normal but required for correct meshing of pinion to crown wheel.

As a side note you will notice when both rear wheels off the ground one wheel will turn the other when LSD present. A useful check for maybe Plus 4 owners if they are unsure whether one fitted or not.

If LSD is present it's worth mentioning during MOT. It's not unknown for rear brake test to destroy the clutches!

Well done. Glad we could help.