HELP: 348 Shifting Issue

I know everyone here will think I'm being a worry-wart. But...that was the first sign of my gearbox problems. I seemed to CRUNCH every down shift from 5->4. I could go from 5->3 with no problem, and 4->5 with no problem.... but going down to 4th was darn near impossible. The crunching started about 300 miles before the real 'kaboom'. Once I realized 4th was darn-near impossible to use, I just skipped that gear entirely. I doubt that helped my situation at all.

Now that I have lived the gearbox nightmare myself, I'd recommend draining the transmission fluid, and taking a peek in the inspection covers.
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From across the sea, I can hear the words of wisdom ringing true....

Mike in Kuwait

 

Im with you mate.

Drain the oil and inspect the plug for any signs of metal. Then, remove the inspection plate underneath and have a look inside.

You may be VERY lucky and caught this early, if there actually is an issue.

 

I heard a crunch once when I shifted from 1st to second while taking a corner. Later that day there was a very small pool of fluid under the bell housing. But then the drip went away and the clutch shifted normally. There was minimal metal shavings when we changed the gearbox oil. You need to check if the problem for the 5 -> 4 shift is a regular occurance or something transient and go from there.

 

If you are lucky it is simply a case of old gear oil, and fresh change might help. Seriously, another drive will prove little.
Try Redline 75w-90 NS, it is more "synchro friendly" than many other gear oils, and may help. Inspection as Daniel recommends is prudent regardless.

 

My question is...If the 4th gear synchro is going...Are you damaging the gearbox when you drive it and not using 4th gear. Common sense would tell me no, but from what happen to Daniel, it sounds like he did the exact same thing....He stopped using 4th gear and his whole gearbox went to crap in 300 miles...I don't think I would drive the car at all until you drain the gear oil, take some pics, and let the experts here chime in with their opinions...Ferrari repairs can get very costly, better to error on the side of caution...

 

Sam, just wanted to let yall know that the gear oil we put in mine that day is working out very good... smoother shifts for sure and NO leaks, where i had a slight one before.... weird

 

That sounds like Gary - customer service plus. He is realistic about spending a customer's money. What's weird is that he has clients who spend thousands and thousands restoring vintage cars, but can he can shift his perspective for us "commoners".

 

Ive bought 2 F-cars from Gary
He's a class act and takes care of the customer at all lengths.
I doubt that I would buy from anybody else.................

 

My gearbox shifts great too! Redline makes greats stuff.

Still a little reluctant in getting into 2nd when cold for about 5 minutes but after that it is a peach. I also don't have any leaks apart from that solitary incident.

 

That's good to hear guys... Not sure my homeowners insurance would cover two Ferrari tranny rebuilds.. LOL....

 

Jeremy, did you ever get your car out of the shop?

 

Mine made a clunking sound going from 5 to 4. When the shop opened the box everything inside was trashed. Hopefully going again in about a week or 2 with a replacement box and a steaming cheque book.

 

Not yet. Thay had to order the parts, etc, etc.. I also am having my seats re-dyed while it is in there... Can't wait to see them all freshened up.


Just got an email. She should be ready on Friday...