The Gearbox is of the constant mesh type, having four forward gears and one reverse.

On the 997cc vehicles, synchromesh engagement is on second, third and top gears. 1200cc vehicles have synchromesh on all forward gears.

With the gear lever in the top position, the drive through the gearbox is direct.

 

The clutch is released by an hydraulic system which is actuated by the clutch pedal.
The hydraulic system is fed from a reservoir integral with the master cylinder and, provided this is kept topped up to the correct level with an approved brake fluid, no other attention should be required.
Should air enter the system, as might occur if the fluid level was allowed to fall unduly, your Authorised Ford Dealer will be able to bleed the system for you.

Clutch Linkage Free Travel

Check the amount of free travel on the clutch release arm and adjust as necessary. The correct clutch free movement should be 1/16 in (1.6mm) measured in terms of clearance between the end of the adjusting nut and the clutch release arm.

Clutch “free movement” is indicated by the amount that the pedal can be pressed downwards before the hydraulic pressure commences to operate the release mechanism. The clearance between the clutch release bearing and the clutch fingers must be maintained at all times and is provided by the clearance as described above.

Check the Clutch Adjustment At Operating Cylinder

(1000 Mile Service)

The amount of free travel on the clutch release arm should be checked and adjusted if necessary. The clearance between the end of the clutch operating rod adjusting nut and the clutch release arm should be 1/16 in (1.6mm)
Compensation for wear is easily made by adjusting the length of the clutch operating rod. To obtain the correct clearance, disconnect the release arm return spring, slacken the operating rod locknut and turn the domed adjusting nut at the end of the push rod clockwise to increase the free movement and anti-clockwise to reduce it.After making the adjustment, ensure that the locknut is tightened and the return spring is re-located.

Check the Clutch Fluid Reservoir Level

(Weekly Service)

The brake and clutch fluid reservoirs are located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the car and are integral with their master cylinders. When checking or replenishing the system wipe the sides of the reservoirs and caps with a clean dry cloth to prevent any dirt entering the system. Do not use a cloth that is greasy or has been soaked in petrol or paraffin etc.Remove each cap by unscrewing it and top up if necessary to the level indicated on the reservoir casing (approximately 5/8 in (16mm) from the rim). Use only the correct brake fluid, obtainable from your Authorised Ford Dealer.

Warning – MINERAL OILS MUST NOT BE USED IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR TOPPING UP THE RESERVOIRS.

Insufficient fluid in the reservoir can result in air entering the clutch operating system. This would cause difficulty in disengaging the clutch, necessitating “bleeding” the air from the hydraulic system. This operation, if required at any time, should be carried out by an Authorised Ford Dealer.

Check the Gearbox Oil Level

(1000 Mile Service)

With the car standing on level ground, remove the combined filler and level plug, which is located on the side of the gearbox. Check the oil level, which should be level with the bottom of the filler plug hole. If required, top up with Extreme Pressure Gear Oil. The oil may be added by means of a suitable gun through the combined level and filler plug until the level reaches the bottom of the filler plug hole. Replace the filler plug and tighten securely.The oil in the gearbox should be maintained to the level of the filler plug at all times. Insufficient oil will accelerate wear on the gearbox parts, whilst too high an oil level may result in the oil passing into the clutch housing with consequent ill effects on the clutch facings

Change the Gearbox Oil

(At first 5000 Miles only)

Preferably drain the gearbox when the car has just completed a long run and the oil is warm. Place a suitable container under the gearbox drain plug and remove the drain plug at the bottom of the housing. Replace the plug securely after draining the oil. Remove the filler plug and refill the gearbox with Extreme Pressure gear oil of the correct grade until it reaches the level of the filler plug hole.

 

Information taken from Various Ford Anglia and Ford Prefect Instruction Books and Handbooks.

Warning – The Health and Safety bit

Please note your health may be at risk if you do not take sensible safety precautions. Never work under an unsupported vehicle, do not take shortcuts. If you feel that the task is beyond your capabilities, then employ the services of a trained professional. The Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club nor the author cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injury arising from advice given on this webpage. Safety advice can be obtained from the RoSPA. The advice and opinions given are purely those of the author and not necessarily those of the Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club.