my 1st Wedge. Gearbox issue
Discussion
ANY ADVICE WELCOME PLEASE
My wedge has arrived. 350i, (1985). With a 3.9 lump fitted.
I have a bit of trouble (sometimes) getting it in 2nd , and have been told its probably a worn synchro. So I telephone a transmission garage, who seemed to know a lot about sdi gearboxes, (assuming thats what mine has).
he said that the first thing to try rather than rebuilding the box at £425.00 approx, would be to change the oil for an automatic type. Apparently this type stays thicker for longer when its warmed up, so I think I may go for this job and see if it helpos.
Anyone had a similar problem ??
Other than this there are a couple of niggles but nout major, she certainly looks great, ad has plenty of get up and go.
Oh yes, what about the ventilation system, how crap is this. I have found that the dial type hot and cold switching, well it doesnt really, seems to be locked on warm, when you dial it round to cool it springs back to the same position again to ensure you roast when trying to demist the screen. Huh, big hammer job i thinks, unless someone gives me some quick fix solution its curtains.
Don. (generally speaking i love it, please ignore my warped sense of humour)
My wedge has arrived. 350i, (1985). With a 3.9 lump fitted.
I have a bit of trouble (sometimes) getting it in 2nd , and have been told its probably a worn synchro. So I telephone a transmission garage, who seemed to know a lot about sdi gearboxes, (assuming thats what mine has).
he said that the first thing to try rather than rebuilding the box at £425.00 approx, would be to change the oil for an automatic type. Apparently this type stays thicker for longer when its warmed up, so I think I may go for this job and see if it helpos.
Anyone had a similar problem ??
Other than this there are a couple of niggles but nout major, she certainly looks great, ad has plenty of get up and go.
Oh yes, what about the ventilation system, how crap is this. I have found that the dial type hot and cold switching, well it doesnt really, seems to be locked on warm, when you dial it round to cool it springs back to the same position again to ensure you roast when trying to demist the screen. Huh, big hammer job i thinks, unless someone gives me some quick fix solution its curtains.
Don. (generally speaking i love it, please ignore my warped sense of humour)
They all do that Sir !
My Wedge has difficulty going into 2nd when cold, using ATF is a bad idea (although I believe it was specified by Rover at one point, to reduce drag and enable the box to shift easier), as it's too thin to protect the box.
I think most people use a Castrol synthetic oil in the box.
I just shift 1st to 3rd until the box warms up (5 minutes at most)
My Wedge has difficulty going into 2nd when cold, using ATF is a bad idea (although I believe it was specified by Rover at one point, to reduce drag and enable the box to shift easier), as it's too thin to protect the box.
I think most people use a Castrol synthetic oil in the box.
I just shift 1st to 3rd until the box warms up (5 minutes at most)
Another easy check worth doing is gripping your gear stick and checking for vertical free play. Any noticeable movement and the remote linkage bushes probably need renewing. They are only about a tenner a set, but a bit fiddly to fit. I thought my gearbox was on the way out as syncro was starting to catch on several gears but changed these bushes and it was like having a new gearbox.
As said before, no ATF to be used. Temporarily perhaps, but not in the long run.
But renewing the oil or changing to castrol SMX would be my first thing to do.
And with gearbox oil it takes time to warm up and be able to change gear quickly and be able to use 2nd.....
I also had the issue of the gearlever that could move up and done (like over an inch!), and the replacement of the gearshift extension bushes solved some noises (was the gearshift assembly touching the propshaft!) and the box is still fine.
Rob
But renewing the oil or changing to castrol SMX would be my first thing to do.
And with gearbox oil it takes time to warm up and be able to change gear quickly and be able to use 2nd.....
I also had the issue of the gearlever that could move up and done (like over an inch!), and the replacement of the gearshift extension bushes solved some noises (was the gearshift assembly touching the propshaft!) and the box is still fine.
Rob
There is a lot of debate re. whether auto gear oil is OK for manual boxes with oil pumps. The Castrol site recomends TQD (Auto fluid) for all Wedges etc.
For your current problem def. worth trying changing oil and if not happy with auto fluid then try Castrol SMX-S which is 75w/85
David
For your current problem def. worth trying changing oil and if not happy with auto fluid then try Castrol SMX-S which is 75w/85
David
I vote for SMX-S too. Auto fluid not recommended really, although if it fixes the problem for a while and you were going to pay 425 to recon the box for the 2nd gear problem, if the box gets trashed you won't have lost out much.
Good idea to check the clutch hydraulics and the remote linkage bushes first.
Finally, 2nd hand boxes off ebay are much, much cheaper than 425. I usually pay about 100.
Good idea to check the clutch hydraulics and the remote linkage bushes first.
Finally, 2nd hand boxes off ebay are much, much cheaper than 425. I usually pay about 100.
TVah said:
ANY ADVICE WELCOME PLEASE
I have a bit of trouble (sometimes) getting it in 2nd , and have been told its probably a worn synchro.
My guess would be worn Synchro too and 2nd gear is the most common to go (been there before).I have a bit of trouble (sometimes) getting it in 2nd , and have been told its probably a worn synchro.
Try changing at different revs. If it changes better at lower revs, then my money would be on the synchro.
I thought the synchro was going on 2nd in mine, as it was difficult to get in and sounded like cogs not meshing. Turned out to be the rubber remote housing bushes were shot, and as the lever was pulled back it was causing the housing to make contact with the propshaft.
New poly bushes from Rimmer Bros cured it.
New poly bushes from Rimmer Bros cured it.
okay, call me a crackpot, I love this car, its soooo damn fast and soooper cool, but ive just been offered a late 60's vixen fully restored, and silly money. Im saying no more. So if me wedgie sells then great, if it dont, im still a happy bunny. (just dont) ANYONE please let the Mrs Know, I have to break these things gently, (know what I mean guys!)
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