Discussion
I spent a long time , like many before me have (since too I dare say), researching my gearbox options and ended up traveling to the States to visit PH II to make my purchase in person. Nearly everything in the box is now new and/or uprated. I searched high and low for a reputable technician and was given a name by my engine builder. I never doubted the mans abilities and the one and only concern I had was that the new ratios chosen would be correct for my engine specification.
I covered a few hundred trouble free miles and was indeed pleased with the ratios right through. Whilst taking my friends wife for a spin I found that I could not engage 1st or 2nd gear. I carried on driving trying to ascertain the problem at best and gather data at worst. Miraculously, the problem seemed to rite itself to some degree, and once again I found myself with all gears at my disposal. A hundred or so miles more and I was having difficulties again? This time I pulled the box off (yes, 'I' actually did some work on my own car!) and today took it to Neil Bainbridge @ B.S.Motorsport to have the synchro rings swapped for steel ones and an inspection whilst he was at it. I spent the day at Neil's with the intention of stripping and fixing the box there and then and bringing it back home with me.
WRONG! Once stripped and cleaned the problem was found. The dog ring on fourth gear had pulled out of the gear (about 3mm) and had caused the thrust washer to weld itself onto the gear. We think that it was preventing 1st and 2nd from being selected whilst fused and once it had broken free was acting almost as normal. This would explain the sporadic nature of the fault.
Obviously I was not best pleased about things but Neil assures me that this is not an uncommon problem and with a bit of luck this fault was caught and rectified before it was too late.
Needless to say, Neil did not have a replacement for the damaged thrust washer and I was unable to bring my repaired box back on the day. On the one hand, a right downer after things were looking so good initially but on the other, nice to get down and dirty so to speak and finally start to do some practical learning on the the GTW.
I covered a few hundred trouble free miles and was indeed pleased with the ratios right through. Whilst taking my friends wife for a spin I found that I could not engage 1st or 2nd gear. I carried on driving trying to ascertain the problem at best and gather data at worst. Miraculously, the problem seemed to rite itself to some degree, and once again I found myself with all gears at my disposal. A hundred or so miles more and I was having difficulties again? This time I pulled the box off (yes, 'I' actually did some work on my own car!) and today took it to Neil Bainbridge @ B.S.Motorsport to have the synchro rings swapped for steel ones and an inspection whilst he was at it. I spent the day at Neil's with the intention of stripping and fixing the box there and then and bringing it back home with me.
WRONG! Once stripped and cleaned the problem was found. The dog ring on fourth gear had pulled out of the gear (about 3mm) and had caused the thrust washer to weld itself onto the gear. We think that it was preventing 1st and 2nd from being selected whilst fused and once it had broken free was acting almost as normal. This would explain the sporadic nature of the fault.
Obviously I was not best pleased about things but Neil assures me that this is not an uncommon problem and with a bit of luck this fault was caught and rectified before it was too late.
Needless to say, Neil did not have a replacement for the damaged thrust washer and I was unable to bring my repaired box back on the day. On the one hand, a right downer after things were looking so good initially but on the other, nice to get down and dirty so to speak and finally start to do some practical learning on the the GTW.
Hi Wayne
Sorry to here of your woes. Hope you get it sorted soon.
I am having my own woes at the moment. Just can't seem to get my procharged chevy running well. I took it down the local rolling road last week but they didn't get any further than me. The belt on the supercharger started to touch the water pump pulley and reduced itself from a twelve rib belt to a ten rib belt. But at least it doesn't hit the pulley any more. I am changing to an electric water pump to solve that problem. I've got the whole day tomorrow to stratch my head and play with the mapping. I'm sure I'll get there. All good fun!
Regards Dave
www.v8yes.co.uk
Sorry to here of your woes. Hope you get it sorted soon.
I am having my own woes at the moment. Just can't seem to get my procharged chevy running well. I took it down the local rolling road last week but they didn't get any further than me. The belt on the supercharger started to touch the water pump pulley and reduced itself from a twelve rib belt to a ten rib belt. But at least it doesn't hit the pulley any more. I am changing to an electric water pump to solve that problem. I've got the whole day tomorrow to stratch my head and play with the mapping. I'm sure I'll get there. All good fun!
Regards Dave
www.v8yes.co.uk
CanAm Dave said:
All good fun!
Hello there Dave,
It does not make me happy to hear of your problems but does go to show that at least I am not being victimised. It would seem that few owners of these cars escape problem free let alone when dealing with more modified variants.
On the water pump front, I have a Metzier remote pump fitted in the GTW and am well pleased and impressed with the results so far (I do hope that I have not given it the kiss of death buy saying that now!). If you are interested I will dig out the part no, let me know?
Pilot Pete said:
Sorry about your troubles but it's all part of the highs a lows and for me it all what makes building your own car worth it.
But then I can say that, my car works
But then I can say that, my car works
I have to agree Pete. In some strange perverted way I actually enjoy these problems/challenges. If it was easy it would be no fun at all!
Back out to the garage. Who ordered this snow? Not funny!
Regards Dave
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