trans buying advice

E

earbleeder

Senior Member
What are the things to look for when buying a trans out of the car to tell if there is any damage? Last running history is unknown and I want to make sure not to miss something obvious.
Thanks
 
Where the teeth engage the other gear they should be a little pointy, not flat.

The teeth were broached and would have straight lines across the face front to rear. If they are shiny and smooth then they are worn.

On the sliding shaft move the gear fore and aft and feel for lip at the edge of the gear travel. That would indicate wear on the shaft.

Shine a light on the oil and look for reflections from metal pieces.

Look at the forks for wear.

As a general rule you buy cheap expecting to replace a lot.
 
It's a 30-31 model A, and that kind of advice is what I'm looking for. I am just starting to learn about my A and saw a trans for sale for 150, no clutch but had a u joint and the shifter cover. I don't know what they are going for but was looking for some spare parts. What do they usually go for? Is there a place to look for cracks and such?
 
The casings are bulletproof- it's the gear surfaces as well as the roller bearing surfaces that need to be OK. You can definitely check the front end of the input shaft (that goes into the flywheel pilot bearing). If that is beat up, it is a sign that the internals may be worn, too. If you can get the lid off, you can easily check the gear teeth for pitting or chips.

Remember, that people tend to keep the good stuff and sell the rest. So don't pay too much, hoping for the best. (That was not meant to rhyme...)

Doug
 
Thanks guys. So now that I have a better idea about what to look for, is $150 even in the ballpark if everything else looks good?
 
If you plan to use it, now would be a good time to replace the U-joint. Ask a Model A club member to check the U-joint for you. I'd say $150 is on the high side of a $50 to $200 range. If you had heard it run in a car the upper range could be justified.
 
At that price I would ask to flush it out with solvent for a close inspection. filter the solvent through a cloth to see what was in the gear oil. Check all the above as well as for pitting, and without lube turn it in all gears. It should turn smoothly and not make strange noises.
 
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