Doing I'm changing my gearbox oil and can't loosen the top filler bolt ( see pic). I did not drain the transmission yet (fortunately), and I was wondering if the transmission could be filled if I remove the vent and use that hole instead (see 2nd picture). Would that work? Image Unavailable, Please Login
I finally got it out. I have had the car for 2,5 years and this is the first time I changed the transmission oil. The previous owner/dealer clearly over-tightened it. After a lot of swearing, I finally got it loose with a breaker bar! Even an impact wrench wouldn't do the truck. All is well now.
I've noticed that on a lot of bolts, and spark plugs in these engines, sometimes you really bear on it, to hear the "Snap" of it coming loose. I am careful putting it back. No idea how they get to that..
That was exactly it. It broke loose with a snap. So did the oil level bolt on the back, also super tight. Even my impact gun wouldn't break it loose! I put both of them back carefully. I filled it with 4 quarts of redline 75/W90 NS and 1 quart of redline 75/w90, a mix I read much about in various threads. I look forward to trying it out (just had a new drive way pored, so this was a perfect weekend to service my 308).
Good job. The reason there are several threads on this issue is exactly because of situations like yours. I have found out the hard way that over tightening, stripping threads, or breaking bolts is a learning curve. Hopefully, at this point I tighten things less and check it later, rather than over tighten and regret it later. I used Red Line and noticed improved shifting. I also learned that a shift from first to second at a very low speed makes that shift much easier, especially when the transmission is cold. First gear and second gear are so close(ratio) and low that shifting to second sooner doesn't affect the ability of the motor to accelerate under normal driving conditions. The only reason to stay in first longer is for the sound or fun. Jerry DRG
Jerry, thanks. I noticed that it is even pretty easy to drive of in 2nd gear when you are on a flat or slight down hill road, with very little extra use of the clutch. 1st gear is really very short. I even wonder what 0-60 it would get if you launch in 2nd. I would never ever do it, because I don't abuse my car, nor is 0-60 acceleration (in my opinion) at all relevant for the 308 (to me it's all about the handling and feeling of this fantastic car). I'm just curious if it was ever tried and compared. Sorry for getting a little bit off topic here.
It seems to me that most 5 and 6 speed transmissions have a very short 1st gear. If the Mondial is rolling at all, I usually get into 2nd gear. I agree with you that handling is a better much asset in the 308/Mondial than trying to get from 0 to whatever. I drove my 85 QV on a track last fall and it was a lot of fun. I just drove at a pace I was comfortable with, but really enjoyed the driving. Best regards, Jerry DRG
Salt on the road can help create this problem. What I often do is to remove the fastener (or plug) and lightly clean the threads of corrosion with a hand wire brush. Then lightly coat the threads with "never seize" or other anti-seize compound. Re-install the fastener to proper torque. with "sharpie," mark a place for a hole for safety wire. remove fastener and drill safety-wire hole. Drill hole in something (casting fin, etc) for "base" of safety wire. Reinstall fastener again. Install safety wire. My experience is this will last effectively for 30 plus years.
The reason it was so over tightened is the fact someone lost the copper or aluminum sealing ring that should be under the head. A straight thread plug requires some type of sealing ring since you do not use an interference fit thread i.e. American pipe thread. I looked thru my Ferrari parts books and it always specifies a "Guarnizione" for such applications.
"Lost" isn't quite right, as these rings are supposed to be single-use. You can buy them for pennies at any NAPA. Copper rings can be reused by smoothing them on a piece of sandpaper on a flat surface and then annealing them again, and I'll do that if I've run out and don't feel like a trip to the local NAPA. The aluminum ones are well and thoroughly single-use, as aluminum is not easily annealed.
"Single use" is correct. But obviously in this particular instance someone never put a new one back on.
