i have just bought a series 1 3.8 fhc i have a question about the moss gearbox. if i shift it fast like you would a modern car it grinds in second and third, top gear is ok.ive heard thease boxes dont shift well but just how bad are they ? if i shift slowly its ok. also seems kind of noisy in first and reverse. ive read old test reports and they talk of the slow shitihg gearbox,i was wondering if this was normal. the box is quiet otherwise. thank you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/22/2016 - 11:48

Purchased Spring 2016. Would like to replace fluids. Any recommendations for engine oil (presently use Kendalls Titanium 20/50), rear axle and auto fluid.

Submitted by david.longley@… on Sat, 05/28/2005 - 15:27

Congrats on the 'new' acquisition Mark. I also have a 64 S1 3.8 FHC with the ole Moss box and I wouldn't change it for anything. What eveyone is saying about the Red Line MTL is right on the money. Easier shifting, lower operating temperature, quieter...amazing improvement. Good luck with your machine(s). Regards, Dave
(888765 registered on xkedata)

Submitted by mktr@charter.net on Sat, 05/28/2005 - 14:41

hi, i tried the red line mtl and have driven the car about 20 miles and it does seem to be helping.i wanted a series 1 3.8 because its the e type in its purist form and i wouldnt consider changing it. my series 2 fhc is easier to drive and more comfortable and i love that also. thanks again. 1962 fhc 1970 fhc

Submitted by mktr@charter.net on Wed, 05/25/2005 - 18:20

thank you all for the help. i will try the red line oil,i use there racing 2 stroke oil in my drag sleds (snowmobiles) and it works very well and acutaly increases horsepower on the dyno. my jag does have limited slip diff. thanks again. 1962 fhc 1970 fhc

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Wed, 05/25/2005 - 15:52

Mark,

Agree with George and Bob. Redline MTL is the way to go. I've seen a difference using the Redline gear oils in all my cars, and a lot of folks I know have said that using the MTL made their old Moss box feel like new. It is certainly worth giving it a try. While you are at it, consider changing the oil in the differential as well and use the appropriate Redline oil. I don't remember if your car would have a limited slip diff or not, but Redline makes oils either way. Check them out at www.redlineoil.com. (NAYYY, just a very happy customer)

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC
'69 XKE OTS

Submitted by tr_jag@yahoo.com on Wed, 05/25/2005 - 10:57

West Hills, Ca.
'63 E-Type FHC
'00 XK8
Mark, try replacing the gearbox fluid with Redline MTL. It does improve the shifting, doesn't make it like a modern box , but it is noticeably better.
Bob Muzio

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Wed, 05/25/2005 - 06:27

Mark it is part of the experience and I regret so many folks change them. You can help it by making sure the correct oil is in the box and even help it more by replacing the oil with a light weight syn. oil. On the very positive side the gear box is not "bad" it is virturally indestructable. George Camp

Submitted by mktr@charter.net on Tue, 05/24/2005 - 23:51

thank you for the fast response its nice to know its working normaly.i geuss its part of the charm or a series 1 3.8 and thats ok. 1962 fhc 1970 fhc

Submitted by geogheganr@msn.com on Tue, 05/24/2005 - 23:02

Hi Mark, I have 2 cars with that gearbox in them. It is loud in reversr and first,like an old truck gearbox. They all need amost a stop in neutral,then shift into 2nd or 3rd which ever the case may be. I think yours is alright.If I can help you any more,please e-mail me.Dick Geoghegan geogheganratmsn.com 62 MK2 silver, XK140DHC BRG,E-OTS maroonLynchburh,Va