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The
4 speed gearbox "Teach-in" January 2008
by Mike
Davies.
Having missed the first two teach-Ins
on gearboxes I was determined not to miss this one!.
When Geoff and I turned up on the bleak wet day of the “Teach
In” at Higher Polighey Farm, Stithians and were welcomed
with the usual Regi and Andrew hospitality in the form of a hot
cup of tea, I knew it was going to be good day.
The session was run mainly by Malcolm Watts with Andrew Jarmin
in support. Firstly we were shown how to take the gearbox apart.
This was done in great detail and, as many of us had brought gearboxes
with us, it was great to be able to take our own apart using the
training and tooling provided. Malcolm guided us whist we grappled
with this task. I did not feel rushed so we were able to follow
all the instructions given.
Master class !
Part way through we stopped for tea, coffee, doughnuts
and Christmas cake. Then, after the break, Malcolm and Andrew
took us through how the gearbox works, pointing out parts which
are prone to failure and which parts should be replaced.
One important piece of information that Malcolm gave us related
to replacing the small needle roller bearing, located between
second to third gears, deep inside the mainshaft. These bearings
are no longer available but a substitute, in the form of a plain
bronze bearing, is normally used. This bronze bearing is only
lubricated by a small spiral groove and Malcolm showed us how
to add four additional lubrication holes in the centre of the
bronze bush, allowing the oil to enter more easily.
Geoff has an idea.......
Also beneficial to me was how to
detect which of the synchromesh rings are good. It turned out
that of the two gearboxes we have brought with us, one was very
good and the other, well..... Er .. had had a bit of a rough life
one could say. I don’t think I will be rebuilding that one
in a hurry!
Around 17 members took part in the teach in, and I know we all
benefited from it. On the way home, Geoff and I discussed the
information gained during the day, and what we were going to do
with the good gearbox which was now in bits in the back of the
car. ..... and Malcolm, "yes" it is our intention to
rebuild the gearbox and see our excellent training put into action.
We all know these "Teach Ins" require quite a lot of
your time and planning to make them such beneficial events, and
this showed because the event was brilliant.
Thank you so much for putting it on. Rating 10 out of 10!
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