Moss Motors, Ltd

Ribcase gearbox, bought rebuilt (I think) about 1973.  Car has been parked for 18 or so years.  Just got it running about a month or so ago.  Once it warms up I hear what I thought was a rod knock at about 2500 RPM.  Depressing.  Engine had been rebuilt about same time as gearbox.  Not losing any oil.  On further listening today, I believe the noise is from the gearbox.  Also noticed that it is relatively difficult to shift, although it seems to have loosened up after a few times on the road.

The reason I think the noise is in the gearbox is that some jackass put 11.5:1 compression pistons in this thing (948cc) when the engine was rebuilt (that jackass would be me).  So I am always listening for preignition knock.  Today I did notice some pinging while accelerating uphill, and it sounded like it was much further forward that the other noise.  Not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.  

 Any comments or suggestions would be welcome.

 Jeff

Hoo boy. That's a bunch of compression for today's fuel!

 

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Bayless
Never express yourself more clearly than you can think
'48 Prefect
'67 Sprite (project)

Jeff,

If the noise is always at 2500 RPM regardless of which gear is selected, it's possible you have an engine problem. Noises in these cars "telegraph" all over the place. So, is the noise most pronounced under load? Regardless of load? Does it do it in neutral? Can you feel the knock through the shift lever? your feet?

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

Motorbill:

The noise seems to come on around 2500 RPM and is most noticeable when "cruising", not under load; constant speed/RPM.  However, if I accelerate, say to 3500 RPM, the noise is still there.  Just seems to drop off when accelerating and when backing off the gas.  Can't feel anything through shift lever or clutch pedal.   I do notice it in all gears, though.  Also, I noticed yesterday afternoon that once it gets warmed up the oil pressure seems to drop off to about 30 psi or less.  While parked in neutral when I goose her I don't hear the knock. 

 Jeff