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MOTRS

E-Type

1961-1975 / Coupe / Roadster / 2+2 / United Kingdom

All E-Type problems All workshop issues
Minor Transmission and Drivetrain

Moss gearbox issues (early 3.8 cars)

Symptoms

No synchromesh on first gear (by design), crunching into second, difficulty selecting gears when cold. General agricultural feel.

Cause

The Moss box is an old design. First gear was never synchromeshed. The synchros on second and third wear over time. The gearbox oil must be correct grade, too thick and it won't shift, too thin and the synchros suffer.

Fix

Learn to double-declutch into first.

If synchros are worn, the box needs a rebuild, $3,000-5,000 AUD.

Some owners fit the later all-synchro box, but this requires a different bellhousing and is a significant conversion.

Cost mentioned in fix
$3,000-5,000

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// More E-Type problems

Other known issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Rear differential and hub bearing wear

Whining from the rear end, clunking on direction changes, vibration at speed. In extreme cases, the output shaft bearings fail and the halfshaft comes loose.
Critical Transmission and Drivetrain

Clutch hydraulics failure

Clutch pedal goes to the floor, won't return. Difficulty engaging gears or car creeps in gear with the clutch pressed.
Minor Bodywork and Rust

Structural floor pan corrosion

Floor pans rot through, usually starting from the inside where moisture sits under the carpet and sound deadening. The car loses rigidity, doors stop closing properly, scuttle shake increases, the windscreen cracks.
Minor Bodywork and Rust

Sill corrosion (inner and outer)

Sills collapse, doors sag, the car visibly droops in the middle. Outer sills may look fine while the inner sections are completely gone.
Minor Bodywork and Rust

Bonnet corrosion and distortion

The enormous forward-hinged bonnet develops rust in its seams, inner structure, and around the headlight openings. It can also distort if the car has been jacked incorrectly or been in a minor shunt.
Common Bodywork and Rust

Boot floor and rear end corrosion

The boot floor rots, the spare wheel well fills with water, and corrosion spreads to the rear inner wings and battery tray area.
View all 24 E-Type problems