REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (marco mantara) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:59:54 PST

Depends if it's cold or warm weather---if cold will probably run engine for a bit before l start,then welding gloves for the exhaust -------if hot ----perforated open backed driving gloves !

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (Plug) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:18:57 PST

Gloves for you knuckles by the sounds of it

Ian

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (marco mantara) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:54:05 PST

Thanks for the last post . l'm now getting a clearer picture of what the job entails.
Update-l contacted Rory at MHS and as usual he was very helpful. Apparently on the Mantara ,the exhaust needs to be moved out of the way-(drop the headers)---and then presumably propshaft and a few bolts and gearbox out---------? Have l missed anything ?

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (dparslow) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:53:24 PST

I`m not 100% sure on whether or not you can remove the gearbox from a Mantara without engine removal also, maybe someone else on here could help here. Mantula`s have a narrower chassis along the tunnel and the gearbox can`t be removed from the car without taking the engine out at the same time, I know this as I have done it many times. My own chasssis was designed to overcome this problem and allow the gearbox to come out without removing the engine every time you want to do a clutch change.

The interior trim is not a problem if you take off the gear knob and remove the gear lever remote, it will all then pull out from under the car. The exhaust and propshaft need to be removed as does the gearbox crossmember which then allows the remote to come out more easily when the rear of the gearbox is lower. I can replace the clutch/gearbox comfortably in about 4 hours working at a very steady pace, you generally get a much better job if you don`t try and screw the repairer...

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (marco mantara) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:08:26 PST

Ian ,thanks for the "post"
--------l live in Bristol -so Peterborough is not exactly local ! (but maybe there are some other Marcos owners out there who will be able to benefit from your contact ?)
Your comment re "doesn't look to be too difficult a job"-raises my hopes. Has anyone actually had or done the job themselves and found this to be the case?

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (Plug) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:18:44 PST

I have had a good root around under my Mantara and have just replaced the slave cyliner, gearbox removal certainly doesn't look to be too difficult a job, I would hope that the removal of the gear knob may be enough at the top end wishfull thinking maybe ! it certainly doesn't look beyond the capabilities of a half usefull home mechanic, the job would be best done on a lift with a hydraulic gearbox support, I wouldn't fancy it lying on my back with the car on ramps.Ref. getting the right mechanic I agree that the chap used to these type of vehicles tends to be far more sympathetic than a "Mr Clutch" operation. A lot of really good back street garages still only charge £40-£50 an hour which is pretty reasonable nowadays. There is an excellent transmission place in Peterborough is that anywhere near you ?
Trade Transmissions 01733 569026 ask for Neil even if its just for an indication of the price, he has worked on several classics for me in the past.
...

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (marco mantara) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:49:58 PST

Thanks for the comments Martyn- l will follow up your suggestion of contacting MHS., and l take your point re "the high street traders---"
However, l am trying to overcome the "specialist only"repair/servicing mantra associated with classic cars and the Marcos in particular. (l owned a Stag for 15 years and managed to do most jobs myself, including removing the gearbox---the "old dropping down onto your chest and physically shuffling out prone from under the car with it still pinning you down"---fitting was the reverse, but with the addition of using your knees to offer up the gearbox to the shaft).
l'm not so fit now and have found a local garage which rates the Marcos (and carried out a full check of the car ,plus issuing it with an MOT) and has an empathy for working on the more unusual classic cars. l would trust them to do the work, but would appreciate any info to help them/me complete the job

Re: REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (Martyn123) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:25:13 PST

Hi,

Not sure how to do it but i am sure that i would never take such a specialist car of mine to a High Street Clutch/Brake/Exhaust drive in and fit it quick type places, a horror waiting to happen.

Suggest you speak to MHS or one of the companies advertised in the club mags who come with recomendations and understand classic cars,

Hope you get it sorted,

Martyn....

REMOVING GEARBOX FROM MANTULA/MANTARA IN SITU

feeds@kickapps.com (marco mantara) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:53:38 PST

Hi-l put a "thread in the "Mantara" section and so far zero response .
So casting my net wider !
l may have to remove the gearbox to access the clutch. Is it a straightforward easy procedure--are there any snags to overcome? How do you remove/access top of gearbox/ the gearstick from the interior (scared of damaging the leather gaiter/consule--don't fancy going in with a large screwdriver--anyway where do you start to "lever "?)
lf l go to a garage or "specialist " clutch replacement firm ,they are bound to ask the above questions and l would like to be in a position of strength (ie knowledgeable) if the price is negotiable.
"tricky job mate -could take several hours/days- looks like we'll have to drop the back axle and move the engine 3 cm. forward etc. etc.---------