I have a fiat 500f with the non synchromesh gear box. With the clutch engaged it grinds going into first gear. So I started to blip the throttle a little first before engaging first gear and this seems to help. Is this normal? Looking for any advice on how to drive a non-syncrhomesh gear box. Thanks.

None of the gear-boxes fitted to either the 500or 126 have synchromesh on 1st gear, therefore unless you are VERY good at double-de-clutching, I always recommend that 1st gear is NOT selected unless the vehicle is stationary, (but still with the engine running). I also suggest that when you are stationary (at traffic lights etc) before you select 1st gear you briefly select 2nd gear---this helps align the relevant bits in the gearbox--you only have to put the gear-lever into the 2nd gear position very briefly and then move it into the 1st gear position ready to pull away.

Helpful advice Tom. I still haven't taught myself to double-declutch and rely on engine noise and sometimes blipping the revs to change.

I know there was a video on the forum that covered double-declutching. Any idea where it is?

timgarman said:

Helpful advice Tom. I still haven't taught myself to double-declutch and rely on engine noise and sometimes blipping the revs to change.

I know there was a video on the forum that covered double-declutching. Any idea where it is?

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I think it might be this one. It's very good

Thanks Andrew.

Monacovjm said:

I have a fiat 500f with the non synchromesh gear box. With the clutch engaged it grinds going into first gear. So I started to blip the throttle a little first before engaging first gear and this seems to help. Is this normal? Looking for any advice on how to drive a non-syncrhomesh gear box. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Because 1st gear is so low, it should not normally be necessary to shift to it on the move, unless approaching or climbing a very steep hill.

As suggested above, moving the lever towards 2nd will stop the gearbox internals spinning, allowing the straight gears to engage. No need to actually select 2nd, just a brief touch should do the job.

If 1st gear crunches, this suggests that the gearbox internals are still spinning, or the clutch is dragging. Does it also crunch into reverse? If it crunches into both, the clutch may be dragging, (not properly disengaging). Usually with a non-synchro 1st, you should press the clutch down, then count to two before engaging the gear. Same with reverse on any vehicle. (unless it is one of the expensive things with synchro on reverse)

Thank you all for the help. The crunching only seems to be with the first gear. Going into reverse there is no issue.

Remember you are not actually moving the gear, its the hub that moves.

Stopping the hub by briefly engaging second before 1st is the best option when at a standstill.

If you really must engage first on the move, learn to double de-clutch.

Cheers

D