Driving in 2nd for extended periods.

[GPT27]

As seen by some of you in my other threard "Gear Linkage Snapped, what to do", my gear linkage has snapped and I have only second gear.

I hope to book it in to Lakeside Engineering ASAP to have it fixed but the problem I have is getting there (AA thinks 25 miles and 40 minutes).

My question is whether it will do the car any damage driving her in second gear for long periods at say 40mph. It's an n/a car if that makes any difference. I could take regular breaks etc.

I think the engine would be ok as surely it would be the same as doing 4-5krpm in 5th on the motorway but I am worried about the gearbox.

If anyone has any input at all I would apreciate it a lot.

Failing that if anyone has a car transporter they wanna lend me please get in touch!

Thanks guys.

[pjohn151]

The biggest differences with driving in second at 4k rpm will be the lower airflow through the radiator, and that the gearbox internals will be rotating faster. As you say, if you take your time in getting there and having a few breaks en route then you should get away with it.

Phil

[chris.t]

Stevo can do a gear linkage overhaul for you in about 40 mins - seen him do it at Donington. trouble is he's in sweaty land. seriously though is a tow out of the question.

[dans]

Drive a mile from your house and call RAC/AA??

[davidjt]

They'd probably offer to get you home!

[GPT27]

I have now booked the car in for a week Wednesday. The guys at Lakeside Engineering said that as long as I keep the revs down to around 3-4k then I should be fine, so that's what I will do.

As for the AA, it did cross my mind but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't go for that firstly because Lakeside is not my 'nearest' garage and secondly because I already called them out once for this problem when it happened so they are under no obligation to help me a second time.

Thanks for all your replys.

[TStevens]

I had the same problem... RAC recovered me to home as basically I didnt know where to have the car sent. But RAC then wouldnt ferry it to the repair place... had to pay £80 for a tow-truck to collect it (was stuck in 4th)