That time of year again

[stephend]

Ok, it was a couple of weeks ago, but it was MoT time for the Tank.

Just to string this out, my 'modern' (the Mondeo) has recently had a new EGR valve (£££), a new turbo hose (££) and a replacement windscreen.

So when the Volvo was due its MoT, I dragged it out of the garage, evicted one of the resident spiders (I wasn't quite quick enough to catch the other one), and took it to my friendly local garage. And the dread news was...

… straight pass, no advisories!!!


Officially, it's done 0 miles since last year's test. But that's cos the odometer's packed up...

So I really must treat the old girl to a replacement gearbox, so's she can go out places again.

[Laird Scooby]

Congrats on the pass, curious to know how you got it to the MoT if the gearbox isn't working though!

[stephend]

Lol!

Ok, the gearbox bearings have been getting noisier and noisier over several years, and it's now got to the point that there's a lot of vibration from the box as well, so I guess the bearings are now so shot that the shafts can run out of true.

There's a small usable rev range in all gears, and it's fine in 4th, so it's usable round town, but I'm avoiding long trips and high speeds.

In principle I could get the box overhauled, but I don't know of any good gearbox specialists round my neck of the woods, and it may be beyond repair now. So realistically it's a matter of finding a good s/h M47 and getting my local garage to fit it.

They're keeping their ear to the ground for me around the local scrappies, and I keep meaning to contact Lakes to see what they've got (I still volunteer fortnightly at IWM Duxford, so I pass Lakes regularly), but other stuff keeps getting in the way...

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by stephend

Lol!

Ok, the gearbox bearings have been getting noisier and noisier over several years, and it's now got to the point that there's a lot of vibration from the box as well, so I guess the bearings are now so shot that the shafts can run out of true.

There's a small usable rev range in all gears, and it's fine in 4th, so it's usable round town, but I'm avoiding long trips and high speeds.

In principle I could get the box overhauled, but I don't know of any good gearbox specialists round my neck of the woods, and it may be beyond repair now. So realistically it's a matter of finding a good s/h M47 and getting my local garage to fit it.

They're keeping their ear to the ground for me around the local scrappies, and I keep meaning to contact Lakes to see what they've got (I still volunteer fortnightly at IWM Duxford, so I pass Lakes regularly), but other stuff keeps getting in the way...

You could probably fit it yourself but if you're driving from south Wales to Duxford every other week i doubt you've got time!

I know there was a 760 TD being broken in the West Row area a few months back, fairly sure that was manual so would be the M47 box but can't find it on fleabay at the moment.

However :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-240...0/153508664979

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-240...X/163391901971

First one, £80 ex-240 and made in 1991 (date code shown in photos) and removed "kindly".

Second one, £175, not sure what year as can't see the date code, removed with a gas-axe from the look of it!

First in Altrincham, second in Rotherham. Given your location and other factors including price and the fact it was removed "gently" the first one would be a favourite choice i reckon!

[stephend]

Thanks, Dave, that's really helpful!

Fitting myself probably isn't on, much as I'd like to. I've got recurring tendon problems in both shoulders, which I keep setting off by lifting things that I probably shouldn't lift, because I'm too bloody-minded to recognise my limitations.

As I understand it, a gearbox is a two-person job even with the right kit, which I haven't got. And as gearboxes go, I imagine a Volvo one is going to be on the heavy side. So I think this is one for me to man up and pay a professional!

Luckily, my local indie is a good guy, and happy to treat the Tank with the TLC she deserves.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by stephend

Thanks, Dave, that's really helpful!

Fitting myself probably isn't on, much as I'd like to. I've got recurring tendon problems in both shoulders, which I keep setting off by lifting things that I probably shouldn't lift, because I'm too bloody-minded to recognise my limitations.

As I understand it, a gearbox is a two-person job even with the right kit, which I haven't got. And as gearboxes go, I imagine a Volvo one is going to be on the heavy side. So I think this is one for me to man up and pay a professional!

Luckily, my local indie is a good guy, and happy to treat the Tank with the TLC she deserves.

You're preaching to the (semi) converted on knowing your limitations so i get where you're coming from. In my younger days i happily changed gearboxes by myself with only a spare jack as extra support. These days it's a struggle to change the oil at times!

To actually benefit from a second person helping, you need room for both to be under the car which isn't always possible when doing it on your driveway. Also it can be counter-productive, even if both of you know what you're doing.

No idea on the weight of an M47 and gearboxes can vary a lot in weight, even on similar sized units.

Shouldn't be too long a job for your local indie, assuming Volvo haven't done any of their "sneaky little tricks" that might mean bits being swapped from one box to the other e.g. bell housing, output flange or similar. Had a look online for the weight, couldn't find it but did find a lot of references that suggest even on a DIY basis, doing it in a couple or three hours is perfectly possible. With a decent ramp, transmission jacks, someone who knows what they're doing with decent tools and no problems, i see no reason why 2 hours shouldn't be easy enough.