993 gearbox crunch

[Suffolk911]

I recently got a 993 C2 from an OPC - it appears to be in great shape, however when changing from 1st to 2nd when the car is cold it is easy to produce a crunching noise from the gearbox. When warm, its fine. I've mentioned this to the OCP and they claim it normal, claiming the gearbox is cold and needs to be warmed up. I would believe this, however the dealer has managed to completely lose my confidence through some unrelated issues (see my seperare post!) - has anyone got any experience as to whether this crunch is to be expected?

Suffolk 911

[steve-p]

Well, my 50,000 mile C4 isn't any different when cold to when hot, i.e. the gearchange isn't noticeably stiffer, and there's certainly no crunching engaging any gear. It was -7C this morning, so you could call that cold!

[veewhy]

and i bet he looked you straight in the eye, like the tosser at an OPC (Not far from a northern exit of the M25) who told me that "it's quite normal for 993 windscreens to creak", after they had removed it (previously pristine) to sort out a small water leak throught the rubber seal. To my mind the only thing that should crunch is his nuts when you decide to make your position a little clearer, which is more than can be said for the cobblers that he is telling you...

[Melv]

...synchro...........

Melv

[ultra violent]

Creaky screen is a well known problem with 993's. However, there is an equally wellknown fix...

[david hype]

The gearchange from 1st to 2nd in my 993, is slightly stiff on the first couple of changes from any type of rest, either cold or just a couple of days without use.

I find that if you warm both the engine and gearbox respectfully there are no long term problems.

My windscreen only creaks if the car has sat in the garage for a week or so. If I leave it outside there is no problem!

As for opinions, OPC or not, the 993 is such a well engineered car that suffers from very few flaws. The odd annoying imperfection such as the above are consistantly noticed by owners because the cars are so good.

I would call it character!

[911newbie]

My '95 993 also crunches a bit from 1st to 2nd when its cold. I was guessing it was a lubrication issue because it disappeared very quickly once its warmed up and never appeared on warm days.
I've got used to it...

I also have a synchromesh problem between 5 and 6 and that is unmistakably different.
Changing a synchro is an engine out job so a tad expensive on labour costs. So be certain.

[steve-p]

It's probably worth saying that it isn't uncommon for gear selection to need some sympathy when cold in cars with manual gearboxes which are designed to take a lot of horsepower. It isn't necessarily cause for concern unless it persists when warm.

[oddman]

I'd echo the above

In mine (70k)1st to 2nd can be awkward if rushed (but no crunch) when gearbox cold.

I love the 'mechanical' feel of the 'box. One of the joys of driving it IMO.

Tim

[james_j]

It might be a good idea to change the gearbox oil if it hasn't been changed recently. If the car is low mileage, it may have the original oil which will obviously be a few years old now. My 1997 993's change was improved by a change of oil.

[c3 gtk]

I had the same problem on mine. Some days I couldn't even get it into gear till it was warmed up
Took it to a specialist who just pulled the clutch lever right up past the centre point and hey presto it was fine
Hope it's the same thing for yours.

[neon_fox]

I have the same problem with my G50, but a little experimentation has shown me that the more vigorously I drive, the less the box complains...

Being warm does help considerably. Being 'gentle' with the box just seems to wind it up though.

I had a similar problem with an MX-5 many years ago, they have a notoriously baulky 1st->2nd shift, and this was almost completely cured by replacing the standard gearbox oil with Redline MTF75, something which I feel tempted to try again...

Fox
---
964C2

[veewhy]

ultra violent said:

Creaky screen is a well known problem with 993's. However, there is an equally wellknown fix...

I have since learned that this can affect 993s, but my point to the smarmy well oiled rekcuf at the OPC was it was perfect/pristine/faultless/, Mr Sheen could have landed his Spray-Can plane without a hair out place of that marvelous moustache of his. Perfect until Oily's bunch of so called, highly trained/highly 'ecking expensive technicins managed to bodge the thing completely, result. One temperate winscreen, it has since been to Porsche GB who agreed to sort it. Result..., things will never quite be the same.

[suffolk911]

Thanks everyone for all your replies - I'm going to get the dealer to check it out, as the car has got to go back to have some work done in any case (see my other post!).

Suffolk 911

[clapham993]

Hi Julian

Welcome to the 993 Carrera2 club! These are fantastic cars and you will never regret your choice. A low mileage car from an OPC will give you grin-a-minute fun like you could never believe.

Just sometimes one has to remind one's self these are now seven-year old specialist cars and that means a bit of TLC. My 66k mile C2 is sometimes stiff (and will very occasionally crunch) between 1st and 2nd. I find that letting the car warm up for 2 minutes before pulling off almost totally eradicates this.

If you are still worried, can I suggest that you try Autostrasse in Coggeshall who are great for 993s?

Keep in touch and enjoy one of the best automotive choices you have ever made!!

Very best regards & happy motoring

Peter