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MG MGA - Did this just kill my transmission?

I towed my MGA from the shop today (about 20 miles). The transmission (factory racing option) was connected, but I had it in neutral. When I got home, I could smell something burning a little. Not strong, though. Later today I noticed that they had drained the oil from my transmission, but had forgotten to fill it.

I've heard these transmissions are tough, but I'm afraid I just fried it. Unfortunately, I won't be able to tell until my engine is fixed...

Any thoughts would be welcome.
Darian Henderson

PS He claims he test drove it (before the oil was drained), but I didn't see it.
Darian Henderson

I would expect it to survive 20 miles of no load, at towing speeds. If the gearbox had oil in it until recently, not dry for the last 20 years. I think that you said that the car was out of service for 20 years.
While you are at it, check the rear axle (differential) oil. Use engine oil for the gearbox, 90 hypoid for the rear axle.

Mick
Mick Anderson

Put oil in the gearbox, and it will most likely be okay.

Gearbox survives towing indefinitely, as long as it has proper oil level. If the car was driven or towed any significant distance with oil in it before draining, it would have been well lubricated. Then drained and towed, it should (most likely) survive a 20 mile tow in neutral with no load.

The only parts moving in contact during towing are the mainshaft spigot bearing (needle bearing), 2nd and 3rd gear bronze bushings, the center ball bearing, and the tail end bushing (or ball bearing for 1600 models). The sliding hubs also rotate but do not have any force with possible touch on the brass synchro rings.

The problem with towing with no oil in the gearbox would be when the residual oil film in the 2nd & 3rd gear bronze bushings or tail bushing might overheat and break down causing wear on the bushings. If it got extremely hot a bronze bushing might actually melt (but only with a long tow at highway speed). Ball bearings idling dry at moderate speed with no load might last for hours without damage.
Barney Gaylord

Well that's a relief. Thanks.
Darian Henderson

My guess that any burning smell came from the brake shoes rather than the box!
Chris at Octarine Services

This thread was discussed on 17/03/2007

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