The engine should climb to well above 4K rpm...you may have some carburetor or ignition issues to check in to.

As for the transmission noise, I think you'll find yourself needing another soon. Noise from these boxes is never good. The reason there is no noise in 4th is because of the direct lock up between engine and output shaft (1:1 gear) and no sychros have to move.

Sorry if this is not what you want to hear. I have to replace the transmission in my Riader, too. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

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