Technical Down-change gremlins

[Stickman]

Hi everyone!

Cant change down into second gear without almost stopping, at which point it's going too slow for third and very uncomfortable. If I double-declutch then it's fine - but there is no other way. I don't mind doing this too much, but it is rather worrying that this is the only way, and could make it very hard to sell the car. There is some awkardness selecting first from standstill too, but it's ok as long as as you go up-and-inward as you select first.

The clutch was changed a few months ago, and I've checked and adjusted the clutch cable tightness and it's spot on (based on feel and pedal height), with all gears readily selectable crunch-free when standing still. All I can think is that this is possibly a synchro that's gone. I'm not a great whizz with 'boxes but this seems logical.

So do you think this is a correct-sounding diagnosis, and if so which synchro is likely gone to cause this?

Many thanks as ever

 

[rallycinq]

First and second are on the same shaft so it would seem thats a likely cause. Have you changed the oil recently.

Cheers

D

 

[Stickman]

Cheers for the speedy reply!

Yes the oil was changed only a few months ago and the problem has been there since before that, and was still there after the last oil change (as part of the yearly service).

Oh expletives. So if it is likely the synchro, the question begs - is this repairable or is this a gearbox replacement job? Because, with parts and labour, that could actually make the car a write-off

 

[rallycinq]

I was taking about gearbox oil. Its not usually part of the annual service, its at, I think, 3 yearly intervals.

It is repairable. I've just had a gearbox serviced and zero timed for £200, you should be able to pick up a 2nd hand box for half of that.

Cheers

D

 

[randomizered]

What's Zero Timed?

Kristian

 

[rallycinq]

What's Zero Timed?

Kristian

Rebuilt to 'as new' standard with all new bearings, ready for another full life cycle. Comes from the motorsport and avaiation mainbtenance world where components are given a defined life cycle. Allows maintenance to be carried out before failure rather than after. Which is important in an aeroplane. Just ask BA.

Cheers

D

 

[goneleft]

check your inboard drive shaft boots. mine split and let the gearbox oil leak out. you dont want to fill it up with new stuff only to have it **** out the bottom.

 

[rallycinq]

check your inboard drive shaft boots. mine split and let the gearbox oil leak out. you dont want to fill it up with new stuff only to have it **** out the bottom.

Yours would be an 899 then. The sporting box is a different design.

Cheers

D

 

[ronnieronson]

Reading this I think I have another thing to put on the ever growing list of car troubles - not as bad in my case, but do have to double clutch to put her in second if im doing anything more than 20mph...

So - lets see if I've got this right - change gearbag oil (don't think it's been done since the car was new!!!), see how it goes and failing that rape a punto for a box?

 

[fingers99]

So - lets see if I've got this right - change gearbag oil (don't think it's been done since the car was new!!!), see how it goes and failing that rape a punto for a box?

No advantage using a Punto box.

It's still likely to be a clutch issue. Contaminated clutch plates?

 

[ronnieronson]

No advantage using a Punto box.

It's still likely to be a clutch issue. Contaminated clutch plates?

hmmm, thought the mk2 abarths used punto boxes from the 1.2 resulting in the longer FD?

Clutch plates... *scribbles it down on the list of s*** to investigate*

 

[fingers99]

Dunno where they come from, but the Abarth cars actually have shorter gearing (to take the 14" wheels into account). Not sure that it's throughout the box. Somewhere here there are all the gearbox ratios.

 

[ronnieronson]

Dunno where they come from, but the Abarth cars actually have shorter gearing (to take the 14" wheels into account). Not sure that it's throughout the box. Somewhere here there are all the gearbox ratios.

hmmm - always assumed it was a punto box as the ratios are the same (i think)...