Can't get it in gear after a long run

I've just bought a Disco TDi 300 from my brother, a trust worthy source?? its a 1994 with 105000 on the clock. Very happy and had much fun in the snow...

I took it for a short run from bucks to manchester and on my return I had trouble getting it into gear (1st, 2nd and 3rd). Also, it was making a nasty noise when in neutral which goes when I put the clutch down (gearbox input shaft maybe). What's this "cross drilled (or not) transfer shaft" thing? Is it something to do with that?

I've been reading the forum stuff about the gearbox thing...Can anyone diagnose my problem? Do I need to get and new gearbox? Will I also need a transfer box? Should I smack my brother?

Oh yes and it does make lots of clunking noises...

Lastly, how much should I have paid for it? I'd say it was in average condition, its got sunroofs, no air con, electric windows and mirrors which actually work.

Please help, and thanks

Pop the top of the shift lever off and check to see if the clip on the button is intact. They have been know to come off and not lift the rod in the handle.

If you're experiencing excessive vibration when accelerating or under load, the problem is often linked to the rubber coupling or 'donut' at the end of your driveshaft. Atlantic British has a replacement driveshaft and rear universal coupling that eliminates the noisy rubber coupling and the annoying vibration that comes with it. If that vibration goes away the instant you lay off the gas, this is your problem
http://www.roverparts.com/ProductList.asp?vehicle=All&category=ALL&Search=&PartNumber=9300&x=9&y=10

Hi sounds more like that your clutch is going the noise sounds like your thrust bearing rattling thats why the noise stops when you press the clutch the release arms have a tendancy to crack at the ball causing it hard to get gears. you pay what you yhink the car is worth and the saying dont sell or buy cars from family and friends come to mind.

Thanks guys.

I've looked at the top of the lever but I think I've got an R380 gear box because there's no lever to pull for reverse.

Is there anyway of checking the release arm without splitting the housing? Could that explain some nasty graunching noises I expereinced today while I was reversing?

Hi sorry to say that you cant see release lever without splitting the box how loud are these noises have you tried draining the gearbox oil out to see how many bits filter out sorry not funny but good place to look i know the main shaft breaks in the gearbox but then you would loose drive.

I had the window down today and it was loud enough to make me wince, it would certainly cause a by stander to look.

Drained the gearbox oil today and there were some nice pieces of steel in there, the magnet was covered and the oil had a twinkle, my daughter thought is was pretty, which seemed to be tiny brass particles.

I couldn't get the right oil but thought any clean oil would be better than a grinding compound...Do you know what type should be in there? I used EP80 but the oil which came out looked like ATF

Hi the gearbox fault sounds terminal im afraid the oil user for years in 300 tdis is atf so yes you are right,L/R have just changed it to an oil called mtf 94,i just put this in mine and know stiff gears in morning,best change your oil as there is a oil pump in the gearbox and it wont like sucking on syrup sorry about the box.

Oh yes I forgot. Its seems to do the noise thing when going down to 2nd and going into reverse, but its not consistant

sorry cant help much more dont do internals sorry

Try new oil (ATF) but looking at what has been said before i would say your box is f**ked. There is no way of checking the clutch fork without taking out the box.
Myself and accywingy changed a R380 box the other week on Roys 90 because of a loud knocking from the gearbox when ticking over and driving until the clutch was pressed, think he payed about £300 for a second hand unit, dont think you will need to replace the transfer box though as long as it is working ok (you can select high and low and diff lock)
Graham

Can get it in high, low and diff lock OK. Since I changed the oil it now sounds as though the shaft is spinning when it goes into second. I'll change the oil back to ATF and look for another box.

Thanks to all for your help