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Q & A: 1960 MGA

Hello John

I have rebuilt the engine of my 1960 MGA. In the
process I replaced the clutch plate, release bearing,
and front and rear transmission seals. The flywheel
was also refaced.
I installed the engine and transmission and the engine
runs perfectly, but the transmission jams so I can't
shift. When the motor is shut off the stickshift will
go into all gears. When the motor is running the only
gear I can shift into is 2nd, and then there's a
rumbling sound from the transmission. The other gears
grind if I try to shift. I think the clutch is
engaging properly because the pushrod at the clutch
slave extends and the motor rpm's drop about 100rpm
when the clutch pedal is depressed. If the motor is
shut off and the shifter is put into 1st gear, and the
motor is restarted with the clutch depressed, a
rumbling sound is heard from the transmission but it
won't shift out of 1st gear.
Can any adjustments be made without having to pull the
engine and transmission out again? It's a big pain in
the butt reinstalling the transmission.
Is it possible to remove the plate on the side of the
transmission and make adjustments if possible.
Cold weather has come and it's difficult to pull the
car outside to remove the engine/transmission.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Bob!
Judging from your descriptions, you've still got the car on
jackstands. Put it on the ground and go out and drive it around the block a
couple of times. Depress the clutch frequently, just to exercise the
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