Phil, Mini's predated sprites, and a bunch of sprite parts (starting with
the engine) are mini-derived. The transmission parts are essentially identical
to Mini gearbox parts, though the ratios are probably different, and the
case is obviously different. The gears, synchros, layshafts, etc seem to
be identical in desing and manufacture. Read Vizard's book on how to modify
your mini (lots of A-engine info), and check out the transmission chapter.
Just because an ex-dealer believes something doesn't mean it isn't superstition.
I'm sure he believes what he tells you, but he could easily be wrong.
Personally, I trust the factory workshop manual, as verified by things like
Vizard's books, haynes, etc. I also have rebuilt Sprite gearboxes, and
any coating on the synchros would wear off in normal operation within 5-10,000
miles (if that long). I've had sprites with hundreds of thousands of (poorly-
maintained) miles on them (real rust buckets), broken 1st gear teeth, etc, etc
that still had good synchros when I took them apart (original synchros), and
had been run in normal 10w-40 engine oil most of the time.
I agree that detergents probably don't help much, but I really doubt that they
hurt. The viscosity improvers definitely help, since straight 30-weight is
like sludge in cold temps, which can cause synchros to not work properly.
Randell
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