328 Shifting Difficulties | FerrariChat
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328 Shifting Difficulties

Discussion in '308/328' started by italia16, Aug 9, 2005.

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  1. italia16

    italia16 Formula Junior
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    Jan 28, 2004
    345
    #1 italia16, Aug 9, 2005
    I have a 86 328 with 24K miles on it that I have had for 3 years and drive once every 1 to 2 weeks. When I got it, the clutch was close to needing replacement and I put 6000 miles on it since. I don't notice any slippage but lately I have had to use more force than before to move the gear shift handle into gear, even after the car is fully warmed up. It seems to be worse when I exit the highway after driving for a while in 5th and then start shifting again. It also occurs in all gears, not just 2nd.

    Does this indicate I need to replace the clutch or gear fluid needs to added or changed. Is there a way to check the level of the fluid?
     
  2. Huskerbill

    Huskerbill F1 Rookie

    Sep 6, 2004
    4,126
    Oconomowoc, WI
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #2 Huskerbill, Aug 9, 2005
    I have heard from a friend who OWNS a 328 as I do that, when he changed fluid to Redline, it caused even his previous 2nd gear shifting issues to go away even when cold.

    I will see if I can get him to post about it.
     
  3. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,353
    UK
    #3 Iain, Aug 10, 2005

    I would think its more likely to be a problem with the gear linkage. Something may either need lubrication or be slightly out of alignment. Have a search of the archives - I'm sure I remember there being a thread on this.

    I.
     
  4. Ferrari_tech

    Ferrari_tech Formula 3

    Jul 28, 2003
    1,527
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    Malcolm W
    #4 Ferrari_tech, Aug 10, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Most owner's seem to use Redline 75W90NS and improvements in gearchanges are noticed. If you change the oil, the gearbox holds approximately 4 litres and is drained by removing plug #65 and refilled via plug #51 as shown in the picture - I would also replace the copper crush washers #52.

    Assuming that you do have oil in the gearbox and that the clutch / gearlinkage adjustments are correct it sounds like from your description that the clutch is just plain worn out, does the clutch ""bite" at the top of the pedal travel - this would indicate a worn clutch?
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  5. italia16

    italia16 Formula Junior
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    Jan 28, 2004
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    #5 italia16, Aug 10, 2005
    Thanks for the advice. Yes, the clutch engages at the very end of the pedal travel so I think it needs replacement soon. It does not seem to slip but since Florida is so flat here, it may not be as noticeable as on a hill. Anyway, it sounds like it is time to replace the clutch and change the gear fluid.

    By being precise, I was able to get 6000 more miles than I thought. On my Japanese cars, I have been able to get over 120,000 miles out of a clutch and I would think I should be able to get more than 24,000 miles from a Ferrari clutch if I drive it smoothly. The prior owners who put on the first 18,000 miles must not know how to use a clutch right or maybe I should not expect to get 50-75,000 miles from a new clutch. How many miles do you think it should last?
     
  6. sjvalin

    sjvalin Formula Junior

    Aug 31, 2004
    724
    Nevada County, CA
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    Steve Valin
    #6 sjvalin, Aug 10, 2005
    Clutches are a weak point in just about ALL Ferraris. Not sure why they were designed like that. You have to be sure to give the engine barely enough revs to get the car going and no more. Keep the slipping to a minimum. Once the clutch is engaged, then you can mash the go medal. The clutches don't hold up well to drag race starts.

    -steve

     

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