Technical Help please!! Gearbox problem

[Teedeeaitch]

Hello,

Ten minutes off the ferry at Dunkirque my Ducato based Tabbert motor home stuck in fourth gear.

Our breakdown insurance cover had it trailered to a garage where the guy wiggled the linkage and pronounced we needed a new box. A week later (us camping on the forecourt!) and they announced that it was impossible to find either a used or new box, and that a repair would be too complex for them, so we came home by ferry and are waiting for the van to show up in UK in a fortnight's time.

The van is a 2482cc diesel, LHD, 5-speed manual with a column shift, first reg 1989. The chassis no is ZFA28000000565222.

Has anyone got any ideas about the best way forward now please? Might I find a box, are there specialists who may be able to strip and repair the existing one. Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

Thanks,

Trevor

 

[paddyponchero]

Hello,

Ten minutes off the ferry at Dunkirque my Ducato based Tabbert motor home stuck in fourth gear.

Our breakdown insurance cover had it trailered to a garage where the guy wiggled the linkage and pronounced we needed a new box. A week later (us camping on the forecourt!) and they announced that it was impossible to find either a used or new box, and that a repair would be too complex for them, so we came home by ferry and are waiting for the van to show up in UK in a fortnight's time.

The van is a 2482cc diesel, LHD, 5-speed manual with a column shift, first reg 1989. The chassis no is ZFA28000000565222.

Has anyone got any ideas about the best way forward now please? Might I find a box, are there specialists who may be able to strip and repair the existing one. Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

Thanks,

Trevor

You could try calling delfindesigns http://www.delfindesigns.co.uk/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=2 and cross your fingers. I wouldn't expect a cheap solution though.

Theres also the talbot owners club: http://www.talbotoc.com/ which covers the ducato too.

You could try emailing the owner of that forum direct explaining its an emergency and ask can he help. Tell him you'll make a donation to help keep the forum going.

 

[paddyponchero]

I should add that there are lots of gear linkage and clutch clearance issues with these old vans so waving the gear lever about isn't what you'd call a diagnosis.

If the gearbox is damaged you may get away with a synchromesh change. These should be available.

If you're looking for a scrap gearbox they changed to stonger bearings in August 1992 so it may be worth getting a later box.