Another second gear problem???

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

This time its on a 91 1.6 V-Special with 66,000 miles on its back. 

Second gear is very notchy to engage coming up the box from first and down the box from third.  Even with car fully warmed up it doesn’t go away, but is slightly better, in fact sometimes you can feel it catching the second gear when from third to second.  I just thought at first it was me tyring to get used to the car as I’ve only done 100 miles in the car since purchase last month (all local short journeys).  I’m going to be booking it in and getting the gearbox and diff oil replaced anyway, but thought I’d just ask on here first if this is a common problem with second gear (one of my other rear wheel drive cars can have this problem on second and third and is usualy a worn syncro). 

Cheers

Marcus.

3

G’day Marcus

Have a look here some good info to help make the gearchange a little less clunky. A new fill of MT 90 Redline oil will also help.

4

 Hi ya Geoff

Thanks for the link, thats something I will look into. 

Cheers

Marcus

5

Mine was very notchy into second when I bought it. I knew it needed a clutch, so I sorted that, changed the box oil and then removed the Quickshift that was fitted as it gave a very short-throw, but needed very high force to engage the gears (which I figured isn’t a great plan with 120,000 mile synchros!)


It now drives a lot better, but not perfect - it is still a bit notchy when it’s been standing overnight… I find that heel and toeing really helps to smooth the transition on downshifts when it’s cold, and just helps with a smooth engagement…

6

 

browno

Thanks for the info its much appreciated. 

I’ve been out in the car today for an hour, got it very warmed up and I must say the gear change does get better the more you drive it, so I guess a an oil change will help some what.

Cheers

Marcus

7

 As recommended by Geoff Walton

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp?productID=46&subCategoryID=17&categoryID=7

Sounds like good stuff, so I’m going to get some for my gearbox[:)]

8

MX5 parts used to do Redline, but I see they have changed to Mobil as the range that they sell. I use Mobil1 5W/50 in my engine, it’s great oil, good pressure even in the Australian heat. I see thet '5 parts do all the range, so I guess the gearbox oil would do as well. Oilman[do a search for the user name] also supplies some top of the range oils.

9

 

Hi Geoff

I’ve just had a quick look on the MX5Parts site, which one of Mobil gearbox oil’s would you recommend, the Fully Synthetic or Standard Mineral?  I’m not bother how much it costs as long as it helps me get a better gear change!

Cheers

Marcus

10

I always use fully synthetics everywhere.

Here’s a link to some stuff on oil