gearbox (1st to 2nd gear)

[Alpine]

I am finding that going from 1st to 2nd gear can be tricky, i have to be pretty slow with it and it feels as though the gears are difficult to mesh (if thats the right word to use).

its completely fine changing down from 3rd to 2nd.

does anyone have this problem. I once read (911 & porsche world mag) that 1st to 2nd can be sticky on the 944.

is it normal, or maybe the linkages need adjusting ?

please don't tell me theres something wrong with the gearbox and i've got a big bill looming

cheers

 

[mik_ok]

No idea if it's normal or not 'cos my experience is limited. What I can say is ours (77K miles) is difficult 1st to 2nd when it's cold. On frosty mornings I've started revving to 3K in 1st and shifting straight into 3rd.

When the box warms up it's fine.

 

[NeilW]

My similarly limited experience is the same. When cold the first couple of changes from 1st to 2nd are sluggish. I don't try to force it in quickly, rather I just apply moderate pressure and let it fall into 2nd when it's good and ready.

Cheers,

Neil

 

[Guest]

Same problem with mine(71K) I found that when changing 1st to 2nd (First thew changes from cold) that if i push the gearstick to the left and when changing into second it doesn't catch and goes in smoothly. ooh eer[]

 

[NorthernBloke]

Think this pretty much the case until you've driven a couple of miles and the gearbox has warmed up but it shouldn't be the case all of the time - I would check the linkage and give it a clean and then a coating of grease.

 

[sawood12]

Just to add to the weight of the consensus so far mine is the same (104k mls). When cold 1st to 2nd is not very nice. Very notchy and like stirring thick porridge. Once warm it's almost as smooth as the preverbial baby's bottom.

 

[Alpine]

just to confirm - mine is difficult all the time, not just when cold

cleaning and greasing the linkage is a good idea.

i was concerned that it could be a problem with the sincromesh (spelt wrong!) which would be expensive i bet - do you think this could be the likely problem ?

 

[Guest]

Has the car had a gear oil change lately? Best to take it to a specialist in Porsche gearboxes, see what they say.

 

[steve 944t]

Is it just reluctant to go into gear or does it grind? As per the other replies, when cold mine is a bit reluctant to go from first to second, but there is no grinding. If yours does grind I guess it could be synchro-related.
Many people have recommended using Swepco gear oil in the box. I havent got round to this yet, but do intend to try it. It is available from Bert at Berlyn Services - http://www.partsforporsche.co.uk/osc/

 

[Guest]

I suppose it could be the syncro - that is made out of bronze or some copper alloy and they do wear out. Replacing that is not the end of the world as far as cost.

But first I would change the gear oil as that will frequently fix hard/notchy shift problems. I would caution you on using Swepco as there have been many complaints on Rennlist and Pelican Parts that it is an inferior product. I forget exactly what the reason was ... maybe that it is not a full synthetic, someone that knew oil explained it once.

Redline is a good synthetic product. However, there are inherent problems with a transaxle like we have. You have the gearbox and differential using the same lube and they have different requirements in lubrication. Also, if you have LSD will make a difference. So you need to be careful on selection of the gear oil, whether it has friction modifiers, etc.

Bottom line though is that old dirty gear oil will cause problems in shifting.

 

[Fen]

I'd agree with everyone else, they can be baulky when cold but should be slick when warm.

Cleaning and lubing the linkage is a good idea, as is replacing the easy (and relatively cheap) parts of it under the stick and on the box itself.

The other thing that springs to mind is clutch - it has a looooong travel and really needs to be pushed all the way for clean changes, if you're not doing that then maybe that's the cause, if you are then maybe it's a bit worn. That would be a case of "Alpine, meet Big Bill, Big Bill, this is Alpine" though I'm afraid.

 

[Alpine]

ORIGINAL: steve 944t

Is it just reluctant to go into gear or does it grind? ........

difficult to describe, but the other gear changes feel very smooth and well oiled

but going 1st to 2nd, i can almost feel through the gear shift the linkages clicking into place and if rushed its as if they don't click right and they don't like it !

 

[nfearn]

I'm inclined to agree with the posters that have suggested changing the gearbox oil.

You could also try double declutching for the 1 to 2 change. This is the "traditional" way around worn or reluctant synchromesh. If you're not familiar with the method, it's:

Depress clutch
Shift from first to neutral
Raise clutch fully for half a second or so
Depress clutch
Change into second
Raise clutch and continue down the road....

 

[John Sims]

You could also try double declutching for the 1 to 2 change.

And while double declutching don't forget to blip the throttle. I don't know that it does anything, but it will make you sound like Steve McQueen in Bullit, so this has got to be a good thing []

 

[mik_ok]

ORIGINAL: John Sims


And while double declutching don't forget to blip the throttle. I don't know that it does anything, but it will make you sound like Steve McQueen in Bullit, so this has got to be a good thing []

It does (of course) do something ~ de-clutching with the engine idling will only allow smooth selection of 2nd if the car is travelling at a speed appropriate to idle in 2nd gear. In which case you'll probably stall. []

If the car is travelling at a speed appropriate to 2000rpm in 2nd, then that's the speed you want to blip the throttle to (or a smidge more).

Sound like Steve McQueen? Only if you are (personally) simultaneously making V8 noises. I thought only I did that..... [8|]

 

[John Sims]

Only if you are (personally) simultaneously making V8 noises. I thought only I did that.....

I thought everybody did. Does this mean we are the only two? []

 

[Guest]

Blip Blip vrooooom[]