SC Gearbox (and my first oil change)

[Guest]

My gearbox feels great, except for the changedown from second to first, which is only achieveable without a crunch when the car is virtually at a standstill. Some people have told me that this is a fairly common thing (well at least two Porsche owners), and I should just adapt my driving style to live with it. Obviously if you look at when the need for this change arises, it is an in town and in traffic situation. Here's a selection of a few things I've been told: Classic sports car gearbox situation, especially with an SC. Quite common for a change down to first from second to only be able to be done at near standstill. A 911 can easily pull away at very low speed in second without damaging anything. etc. etc.

I was just curious if anybody had thoughts on this? Or experience of similar.

Also, stung into action by my approaching first service bill I've decided that I have to start somewhere and have to learn to do an oilchange by myself at the very least. I was thinking I'd get a Haynes manual and go from there. What do I need? I'm guessing an oil filter and seal (where from?), about seven litres of oil (don't even know what kind?) and a tray to catch the oil and a spanner to undo the sump drain plug. Any help and advice gratefully received...

 

[AirCooledExcellence]

Hi Lexman,

I wouldn't bother with the haynes manual, it's c**p!, spend a bit more and get a Bentley manual. Wayne dempsey's 101 projects book is excellent as well.

Cheers,

Tim.

 

[Bazgillie]

Lexman
17mm allen key to fit the drain plug socket type is probably best with extension bar. Over a pit is easiest.
Lots of people say to use Swepco oil which Bert Berlyn sells. Does the gear change get any easier when the car is hot as I have found that my SC does. An oil change is the first step and cheapest thing to eliminate.
After that you are looking at gear linkage and clutch adjustment. Baz

 

[Guest]

I've got a Halfords just round the corner so what kind of oil could I get from them? Would they do a filter and seal? How much oil am I looking at putting in? I found Wayne Dempsey's book on Amazon, looks good...

 

[Guest]

Alex

Forget Halfords for the actual bits - either go to Porsche or Euro Car Parts/German and Swedish, an oil filter costs less than you think and the Porsche receipts look better in the service history. Put some decent oil in it, you might find Halfords are cheapest for that though G&S do some good deals.

Is the Halfords by the heliport your nearest one? Go to Latchmere mate, they are sensible and will probably have the filter on the shelf.

Cheers, JG

 

[engleflick]

Lexman,

With regard to your oil change are you talking about changing the engine oil or gearbox oil?

I have just changed my oil lines and changed oil and filters. I purchased my oil filter from eurocarparts (about £8.00 from memory), but you can try porscheshop or www.type911.co.uk all do mail order so just compare part & shipping prices.
The type of oil to use seems to differ depending on who you speak to. From what I have found out the SC should run on either fully synthetic 10W40 or Part synthetic 10W40. I used Castrol GTX Semi-Synthetic £17.99 from halfords (was on sale at my local branch - usually £22.99 for 4 litres) as my car sometimes smokes on slowdown - probably valve seals, a semi synthetic is slightly thicker - well it seems to help it not to smoke any way.
You will need 10.5 litres for a normal oil change, or 13 if you drain the whole system (ie replacing oil lines etc), remember even with a normal change you need a big tray/s to catch 10 litres!

If you are changing gearbox oil, I cannot help as I haven't done that yet, for your reference I usually have to be stationery to get into first in my car especially when it is cold, as the car warms up it seems to get easier. I shall watch this post to see if you manage to improve your gear change, post and let us know how you get on.

Cheers Dan.

 

[bones]

I've successfully used Castrol Magnatec in the engine and it's sister product in the gearbox, however whilst I intend to keep on using Mabnatec in the engine I'm going to try Swepco in the geasrbox as it is highly thought of.