[Healeys] Transmission troubles

[Healey Bruce]

I need some input on transmission problems.  First gear started to exhibit 
what I'll call a rattlely sort of growl, or a chatter.  This quickly got 
worse and while first will easily engage, as soon as I let out the clutch, 
it will throw itself out of gear, and rather violently at that.  I had to 
limp home from Ventura yesterday starting in second.  Not a lot of fun in 
Sunday afternoon beach traffic.

Secondly, there has developed something of a clunking sound when reverse is 
engaged, whether the clutch is in or out.  No sound when coasing backward in 
neutral.  Don't know if these are related or not.

Can anyone diagnosis this--or at least give some educated guesses?  I'll be 
pulling the transmission out ASAP, but wanted to get any input the list 
might have.

Thanks.

Bruce Steele
1960 BN7
Brea, CA