I have a mechanical Penta gearbox on a Ford Escort 1.6 diesel engine, which is making grinding / grating noise when pushing into forward gear and an additional clanging noise when engaging reverse! I think the gearbox has had it, but would be grateful for any advice that might help me fix it. Failing this, could you recommend an equivalent gearbox for the engine (cheapest preferably!), as I am having problems trying to find a replacement. The only number I can find on the chassis, to identify the actual box, is C 682 BB.
I am afraid that this sounds like a “bitsa” to me.
I have never come across a Penta gearbox on anything other than a Volvo Penta engine.
Most boxes on marinised engines (like yours) are driven by a splined input shaft from the gearbox entering a drive plate that is bolted onto the flywheel, a bit like a clutch plate. I think the Penta box (but can not be 100% sure) is driven by a special adaptor bolted to the flywheel.
Some boxes do bang into gear (my ZF box on the Bukh) does, so if its always done it, is not getting worse, and there is no sign of slippage it might be normal for the box.
At least one Penta box in the early 70s used prop thrust to help it into gear, and that could bang a bit.
I fear you need to first find your local Penta agent and get them to test the box (lots and lots of cash) and then decide what to do next.
Nearly any box can be made to fit given enough time or cash for machining parts, but I suspect a repair may be the cheapest and easiest option. Especially if you can remove and replace the box.
