I've had my £600 from eBay pick-up for nearly three years now with no particular issues.

Suddenly, on the way to Calais this Wednesday (pre-christmas booze dash) it developed a whine that is a passable imitation of an F16 jet fighter

Definitely gearbox related. Fifth gear only, under power, not on the overrun.

Any thoughts?

R

The old "nuts have come undone on 5th" routine. There are plenty of threads on here, it's a simple enough fix -providing- no other damage has been done.

Agreed.

It the 5th gear retaining nuts that have worked their way loose.

Is an easy fix.

You just take the gearbox end-cap off (after draining the oil of course) and remove the old retaining nuts and replace with new ones (few quid from dealers). You then need to key them with a screwdriver or similar to prevent rotation.

Phil

P.s. Avoid 5th gear until it's fixed... if they come completely off then it's likey a new box or strip down and rebuild job!

Thank you all for your help.

Far too cold and miserable for me to go grovelling under the car, so booked in to my friendly local spannerman next week.

I am not here a great deal, but am so glad the site exists.

Rob

Sorted.

My local guy charged me fifty quid all-in.

Thanks everybody