Gearbox issue

[Tiamat]

Suddenly my 229K gearbox is having some issues. I am suspecting its going to synchromesh finally giving up the ghost, but any thoughts please add them.

situation is that every gear is useable except fourth. It will go into fourth, but as soon as the clutch is lifted and the accelerator pressed, it kicks itself our of fourth and makes a nasty grinding noise.

Hasn't been an issue too much for my daily driving in it at the moment, but I suspect that it may be the prelude to a replacement gearbox.

Any thoughts on diagnosis / solution?

I do not really want to be getting another gearbox yet, simply because there are some doubts as to whether the wee beastie will ever pass another MOT.

[PW@Woodsport]

Sounds like synchro.... time to stick a 6 speeder in there!

[Lauren]

Had this on my E51 gearbox with third. The dog teeth were worn so it won't engage and stay in gear. New gearbox is the only viable solution really.

If you leave it, it may get worse, when bits of metal get about they can block other gears too. Mine started with third, then I lost fourth, so had to go from second to fifth all the time. Bit of a pain.

[Tiamat]

Sounds like synchro.... time to stick a 6 speeder in there!

Six speed would be worth more than the rest of the car.

Dammit, looks like it might be gearbox hunting time.

Still 229K without a rebuild is acceptable.

[PW@Woodsport]

Build it yourself, with my help, C60s are cheap as chips.

[mr2magic]

Check your shift linkage and front/rear motor mounts. A worn syncro ring shouldn't cause the gear to pop out - worn syncro teeth on the gear or shift hub are more likely.