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Re: TR3 Transmission Problems

To: Dennis & Bridget Lambert <blambert@socal.rr.com>
Subject: Re: TR3 Transmission Problems
From: Bob Labuz <yellowtr@borg.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 21:09:54 -0500
Cc: triumphs@autox.team.net
Organization: Adirondack Minerals
References: <3A69B8B3.C6A8999B@socal.rr.com>
Dennis,

I had this same problem with a old TR4 I had back in the 70's. I never did
figure out what the problem was, however I did just complete the rebuilding
of a TR3 transmission complete with a total dismantling of the top cover in
order to convert a TR4 to a TR3 top cover. Let me give you my observations.

1. The shafts in the cover are designed so that if you select 2nd for
example, the shaft for 3/4th gear will remain in neutral and cannot be moved
forward or reverse. I am guessing that the ball bearings that make the
double selection (i.e. selecting 2nd and 3rd) are worn somehow. With the
cover off, you cannot attempt to move both shaft 3/4 and 1/2 forward or
backward, the ball bearings prevent this.

2. The reverse selector just engages the reverse gear with 1/2 shifter in
the neutral position. The reverse gear just connects first gear main shaft
to first gear conntershaft to turn the tail shaft in reverse. It should not
move the 1/2 gear selector at all it is on the opposite side of the top
case.

3. If you see no damage, you may try to lubricate the shafts at the point
where the meet the shifter, maybe there is some friction there.

4. For 2nd gear to engage, the 1st syncro sleeve must be engaging 2nd gear.
You may want to check to see that this sleeve moves from 1st to 2nd with
noticeable click and some resistance caused by the springs and ball bearings
contained in the hub. This part may be moving on its own, if so the 1st
syncro sleeve and hub must be rebuilt, thus a total transmission rebuild.

Good Luck,

Bob Labuz

1958 TR3A
1974 T140V

Dennis & Bridget Lambert wrote:

> A few weeks ago, after stopping for gas, I put my TR-3A in gear to
> leave, and the transmission acted like it was frozen; the engine just
> died, as if I had the brakes on.   After experimenting, I found that if
> I put the shift lever in the reverse position, it engaged second gear,
> and I got the car home that way.  At home, I popped the trans cover off,
> but could not see any obvious damage.  I replaced the top, making sure
> to engage the forks properly, and the car seemed to drive OK for a
> while.  Yesterday, the same thing happened: reverse is now second, and
> any other selection freezes the trans.
>
> Any ideas?  Is there anything I can check while the trans is still in
> the car?  Do these symptoms seem typical of a specific, known problem?
>
> The transmission # is TS28xxx, apparently from a pre 50000 TR3.
>
> Thanks,
> Dennis

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