Technical Gearbox

[RogerV]

I'm living in a 2002 Ducato motorhome and the gearbox has given up. It's refusing to go into third and first isn't being helpful.

I'm stuck in Weston-super-Mare at the moment and if anyone can point me at a replacement gearbox I'd be grateful.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Is it a manual or auto ?

Also these issues can be caused by cables from the gearstick to the gearbox, especially as it’s 1st and 3rd (how is 5th)

Will the gears go in with the engine off ? Are there any issues with the clutch? Don’t right off the whole gearbox just yet

 

[RogerV]

Thanks for quick response.

It's manual, five speed.
First is rough but goes in, second and fourth less bad. Fifth is OK.
Engine off, third still not going in.
Clutch is OK.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Thanks for quick response.

It's manual, five speed.
First is rough but goes in, second and fourth less bad. Fifth is OK.
Engine off, third still not going in.
Clutch is OK.

I’d check the action directly on the selector on the gearbox but I have to agree it does sound a bit terminal for the gearbox.

Have you checked eBay? 2002 there are not going to be too many vans of that era still around so breakers and scrap yards are likely to be your only option unless you want to buy a fully reconditioned gearbox

 

[RogerV]

OK, thanks for the help.

 

[RogerV]

I've been given a contact, GEARS, Southport. He's given me a good price and can arrange collection and return.

GEARS · 13B Cypress Rd, Southport PR8 6HE

★★★★★ · Mechanical Engineering

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[bugsymike]

As @AndyRKett suggest, it may be worth contacting breakers yards etc. They are often quite experienced in knowing if a gearbox from a similar "Badge Engineered" version would fit.
You didn't mention the engine size etc. but often Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay and maybe Renault Master have used the same running gear , so it is worth asking scrapyards.
Alternatively Gearbox reconditioners though probably a more expensive alternative.

 

[RogerV]

As @AndyRKett suggest, it may be worth contacting breakers yards etc. They are often quite experienced in knowing if a gearbox from a similar "Badge Engineered" version would fit.
You didn't mention the engine size etc. but often Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay and maybe Renault Master have used the same running gear , so it is worth asking scrapyards.
Alternatively Gearbox reconditioners though probably a more expensive alternative.

Thanks for the thought but I'm more inclined to get it repaired rather than risk the possibility of a dud from the scrappy.

 

[bugsymike]

Thanks for the thought but I'm more inclined to get it repaired rather than risk the possibility of a dud from the scrappy.

A good repair from a reputable specialist with a warranty is always the preferred option, however as the vehicles get older not always possible. Also many "specialists" use parts from second hand gearboxes as more profit in it for them, which was why I would never recommend any when in the motor trade.

 

[Communicator]

I cannot see any mention of the Ducato model, either x230 or x244. 2002 was the changeover year. x230 has reverse selection to the right, and forward, while on the x244, reverse is to the left alongside first.
The linked post by @Crossingkeeper refers to the x244. Gear linkage lubrication. On an earlier model, I found it useful to observe the linkage as the gears were engaged. Extra movement was detected as first was engaged. Aminor adjustment to the appropriate link, resulted inconsiderable improvement.

With fifth gear being splash lubricated from the main housing, I always try to follow the advice of not using it for the first mile, but I appreciate that it is more than fifth gear in this instance.

 

[RogerV]

I wasn't aware there was a difference in the gearbox. Both of the Ducatos I've had (first was 2003, this early 2002) have had the reverse right and forward.

Thanks for the pointer re linkage. I'll get the garage to check before going too far.

 

[Communicator]

I wasn't aware there was a difference in the gearbox. Both of the Ducatos I've had (first was 2003, this early 2002) have had the reverse right and forward.

Thanks for the pointer re linkage. I'll get the garage to check before going too far.

So both were x230 models. See VIN for confirmation ZFA230........... or ZFA244..........

 

[RogerV]

Good tip. Thanks.