5 replies to this topic

[Kyeeto]

I have a 1989 Mayfair Rover, with an automatic gearbox that is having issue going through the gears, and has to be shift manually. When in the D gear it shift through the gears to first and a severe lost of power. When I shift from 1st to 3rd the car responds well but when I shift into D gear it’s seem like it’s still in 3rd gear and idles high . If anyone have an idea of what can be causing this issue please help. Thank you

[mab01uk]

Also worth asking on the 'Automatic Mini Register' forum (see link below) :-

http://autominiregister.proboards.com/

 

[Wim Fournier]

Well Kyeeto, most of the time this problem is originated by using the wrong engine oil and / or not following the right procedure for checking the oil level.

Here we go.

The right oil is qualificated 10W40 and not 20W50. The letter is too thick for the plate clutches to do their work properly.

Oil level check. You have to understand that in the torque converter there goes almost a litre oil when it is turning when you drive te car at speed.

When the car has rested overnight about two therds of the oil in the torque converter has 'come out' into the sump.

So British Leyland had to choose the right instruction for checking the oil level.

And they have choosen the moment -ten minutes after you have shut down the ingnition after a ride of a few miles (engine on 'working' temperature)-.

When the level is 'right' at the mark on the dipstick it's all right.

When you do the check earlier then there is still too much oil tripped in the converter and you reed 'below the mark'. So you think to do good by adding some oil. Your car won't like that. On the other hand, when you check the level in the morning after that the car has stood several hours; much oil has come out off the torque converter, so you reed 'a bit above' the dipstick mark and you think 'taht's right'. But it isn't. it's not enough.

And finaly. Users of Mini Matic's have learned over time that there is made progression, in the sence that we have in nowadays motorcycles with 'wet' clutches. And when you have the problems you have and use the right oil and do the checks the right way and still you have the problmes. Well they change the oil in their car with that particular oil for motorbikes with wet clutches. Yes 10W40.

Good luck.

[MikeRotherham]

If you are experiencing drive problems the first thing to check is the oil level.

 

In addition to Wim's info above this is how I check my oil level.

 

To check the level in your automatic transmission follow the info below..............

1) make sure vehicle is on a level surface

2) run the engine for 1 to 2 mins

3) stop and wait for 1 min

4) then check the dipstick

The oil level and correct oil grade is vital.

 

Earlier autos used 20w50 but for later ones Rover specified 10w40.

 

Wim also mentioned about using oil designed for motor cycle wet clutches. Some owners have used this with some success. But it must be JASO MA2 spec.

 

How old is the oil has it been changed recently?

 

If it's not been done for a while I'd do an oil and filter change.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 27 December 2019 - 12:39 PM.

[Wim Fournier]

Were the answers that you got any help Kyeeto? Or don't you bother responding?

[Kyeeto]

Hey Wim Fournier
Sorry for the late response. I have driven the car all winter so she was parked in the garage, and I was traveling so I took a mini break. However summer is here now and I pulled her out of the garage, but still experiencing the same issues. Changed the oil using 10W40 check the oil level as suggested, but with no luck. I am purchasing a new gearbox, so the issue should be fixed I hope. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my tread.