Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 12:12:55 +0100 (MET)
From: Gary and Carol Henderson
Subject: Reverse gear

Hi all

This might reduce consumption of scarce cogwheels:

Reverse pinion and idler were known to be a bit fragile. (Husky had hardened ones, also later service replacements may have been also.)

I think one reason for early wear of these was that, from standing for a few days, the reverse-gear train is stationary in the end-cover, away from oil-splash of the constant-mesh gears' rotation. This leaves the smallest pinions dry, until the car has moved a few revolutions of the final drive. Therefore, it is best to park so that the first move is forwards; if you must reverse straight away, be VERY gentle until you have travelled at least one car-length.

Cheers

GaryH