Possible reconditioned gearbox required
- Thread starter Guest
- Start date
]I've been told that the gearbox on my 1982 SC Targa needs replacing. Being new to Porsche ownership I don't know where to start. Should I go down the reconditioned route or shell out on a brand new one? The engine has 110,000 km in it, but runs really well. What should I do?
Guest
New member
I was reversing down my driveway but the gearbox didn't feel 'right'. As I went to depress the clutch to move the gear shift from reverse to first, the gear shift seemed to get stuck in first gear and the car just wouldn't move after I released the clutch. It felt like I was moving off with the handbrake on. The car would only move a few feet. After this happened I just couldn't move the gearshift into neutral or any other gear - it was stuck fast. The car had to be dragged onto a flatbed and taken to a garage. In the meantime I went on Pelican Parts forum (this was before I had received my Porsche GB membership info!) where I was advised that it was a possible linkage problem in that the gear shifter may be stuck inbetween gears. Apparently its a fairly straight forward procedure to fix (I have the 915 gearbox which is not as strong as the G50). The mechanics have ruled this out and have advised the only way to go is a reconditioned gearbox AND clutch. I haven't a clue how to get hold of reconditioned gearboxes, and please note I live in Guernsey where parts are difficult to get hold of and there aren't many people willing to work on Porsche engines. Things are looking a little grim for my 911!
Guest
New member
Thanks for your post, and no the gearshift will not be moved when the engine is switched off. I did speak to a mechanic who has worked on Porsche engines for many years and he said even if the problem is relatively easy to rectify, the long term prognosis for the gearbox, according to him, is that I would only be delaying the inevitable, bearing in mind the mileage of the car. If I do need a new gearbox, could you or anyone give me a ballpark figure of how much it would cost? Also, although the engine has a full service history and was rebuilt about 40,000km ago, bearing in mind the cost of the gearbox, would it be wise to have the engine stripped down again? The rest of the car, structurally speaking, is in good shape.
This could end up being a full blown restoration job! Not something I had envisaged when purchasing my first Porsche, but there you go, I was warned...
This could end up being a full blown restoration job! Not something I had envisaged when purchasing my first Porsche, but there you go, I was warned...
bones
New member
Firstly there is no need to have the engine rebuilt SCs can go for 200,00 miles plus without rebuilding when serviced and driven correctly. Gearboxes are a different story, if the gearbox neeeds overhauling take it to a reputable Porsche gearbox rebuilder and have them strip and replace what is no longer serviceable, a rebuilt 'box will cost you £1500-£2000, a clutch is replaced as a matter of course in these situations. It is still worth making sure that the linkage hasn't broken or somehow become 'snagged'. At the base of the gear stick is a plastic cup which the lever moves in, if this has broken it's possible for the linkage to lock solid, clutching at straws maybe but check it out.
Not many mechanics do gearboxes. Get your box out and send it/take it to a gearbox specialist. It is a very simple box to work on. It is just that the parts are expensive. They would not need to be Porsche specialists.
For spare parts use Berlyn services, Bert is a good guy. http://www.berlyn-services.co.uk/
A few years ago you could send your box back to Germany and have it rebuilt at Porsche for approx £2500 via your OPC.
For spare parts use Berlyn services, Bert is a good guy. http://www.berlyn-services.co.uk/
A few years ago you could send your box back to Germany and have it rebuilt at Porsche for approx £2500 via your OPC.
This is a strange problem, gearboxes are as tough as old boots really and a simple gearchange at the end of your drive really would seem very unlikely to suddenly make the box need a rebuild.
If the gearbox worked fine before with no worn synchros then in my view its either the linkage or something fairly basic in the box has happened and could be put right fairly simpley.
915 gearbox rebuilds are anything from £1000-£2000 depending on the number of parts required.
It is a Porsche specialist job only in my view to either get the correct diagnosis of your current problem or to do the rebuild if required.
If the gearbox worked fine before with no worn synchros then in my view its either the linkage or something fairly basic in the box has happened and could be put right fairly simpley.
915 gearbox rebuilds are anything from £1000-£2000 depending on the number of parts required.
It is a Porsche specialist job only in my view to either get the correct diagnosis of your current problem or to do the rebuild if required.
jerry911sc
New member
Agree with Bruce. It does sound like the linkage (gear box). It could also be the linkage on the clutch which can break (there is a simple split pin in it) leaving the car stuck in gear.
It seems highly unlikely that the problem needs re-build of any kind. Be cautious, sceptical and padlock your wallet.
It seems highly unlikely that the problem needs re-build of any kind. Be cautious, sceptical and padlock your wallet.
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