Ducato Gear problems 1988

[Robhymer]

Hi all
i have a lovely Fiat Ducato Hymer E reg that was not loved until we bought her, we have had a lot done mechanically already but are having a problem with the gears they are i think chain link on a column change? And it crunches from 1st to 2nd does anyone know where we can get this fixed or buy a reconditioned gear unit?? Thanks all help gratefully recieved!

 

[FreeSpirit]

Hi
Welcome to the forum, have a look at this site -
http://www.jktowers.co.uk/page/gearbox_linkage it has a lot of info, as well as some parts etc on the early Ducatos
There is also the associated Talbot EXPRESS Campervan/Motorhome Owners Club & Forum (Peugeot J5, Citroen C25 & Fiat Ducato models)
http://www.talbotoc.com/portal.php
Cheers

 

[rolandbrindley]

These gear change linkages are a real pain, they wear out and break as they are overstressed, and there are many different types depending on RHD or LHD and some have cables, some have rods, some 4-speed, some 5-speed, it's a minefield.

I stripped mine right down, it's somewhat simpler as its LHD, cleaned all parts up and reassembled with grease everywhere and put duck oil down the one cable it has. The selector rod coming up out of the gearbox slides through some rubber rings, if worn there will be oil and filth everywhere besides excess play, all you can do is clean it all up and replace the rubbers which is tricky and for which you will need a big long spanner to unscrew the supporting bush.

All in all that gearbox and linkage is not a credit to Fiat and it needs some care in use and maintenance. Look at my guide regarding removal and replacement of the gearbox, it may help a bit.