I have a 1974 xke ots that I recently purchased and it feels like the synchronizer is bad on third gear. The car has 34,000 miles and slightly grinds as I go into third, but if you take your time and let the rpm's drop, it goes in with very little grinding. I assume you have to drop the transmission to overhaul it, and would appreciate any help on how to go about it. I have several old corvettes that I have restored and work on but this is my first Jaguar.

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Tue, 08/02/2005 - 12:43

As a follow-up to what George wrote, I'd suggest a gear oil change also. Consider using Red Line MT-90 or 75W90NS gear oil. The Red Line oils seem to work wonders with these transmissions. I was having trouble with grinding with my '70 FHC and the Red Line cleared it up mostly. Then a proper adjustment of the piston free-play on the slave cylinder took car of the rest of the problem. Now the tranny is smooth as butter.

Steve Weinstein
'70 XKE FHC, 69 XKE OTS

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sat, 07/30/2005 - 19:22

Sounds like the problem but how many miles on this car. It is a great box and properly maintained it will go forever. Before i pulled the box I would try draining the oil and refilling with the proper oil or try a synthetic gear oil. It would be unusual for 3rd syncro to go before 1-2. Good luck. George Camp