Big Improvement on 348 Shifting

OK, the jokes on me. I was screwing around with trying to engineer a solid linkage replacement for the cable shifter in the 348. Several designs were OK, but not better than the cable, sooooo time to give it up and put the cables back in place. But before I did I wiggled the cables in and out of their sheaths and wasn't impressed with the action (think how old the original lubricant is in there), so I hosed in a bunch of Tri-Flow (has Teflon/P.T.F.E.) and installed the cables. Wow, big improvement in ease of shifting and feel. I had the cables in a vertical position when I squirted the lube so it could run all the way down. Of course to do that you have to remove the cables which is a slight PITA, but if you don't like your shift feel, you could always try just exposing the ends of the cables and just try to squirt the Tri -Flow in in a horizontal position. Suspect not as effective, but won't harm anything. If that doesn't do the trick over time, I would recommend biting the bullet, pulling the cable out and letting it run down the length. If anyone else tries this, report back, just in case I'm imagining things.

 

Your definitely not imagining things. I did this a while ago to remedy a shifter that would not return to the middle when relaxed. I couldn't believe how some cable lube could make such a huge difference.

 

When I first got my car it had been sitting a few years and the the shifter action was very stiff. I likewise removed the cables and freed them up with penetrant. This made a big difference. Still not anything like shifting a 355 though.

 

Man, how come I'm always the last one to the party? Oh well, seems obvious now that 20 year old grease in the cables would not be ideal. Sure is a big improvement for pennies.
If anyone else is reading this and hasn't tried it, I HIGHLY recommend doing it. You will be amazed ( I hope)!

 

355's have power assisted shifters. :|

 

Good point

 

Only if it's an F1.

 

I have just learned something valuable. Thanx Paul!

 

Wasn't talking about F1. Was slamming the gel heads.

 

Incredible! I may try the easy approach first. My car goes for the engine out two Friday's from now. I already have them looking at the brake calipers for a respray to Ferrari Yellow with black lettering. But I think I can try this as an easy intro. I think all the major fluids will be changed anyway as part of the service. Car is 20 years old with just over 3K on the odo. Otherwise I will do the fluids from now on. I'll check on the triflo now. Thanks!

 

My 355 is due for a power assisted gear change linkage out service , my expert shop has quoted me $ 9000.00. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Just for the tranny!? Soooo glad I got a 5 speed.

 

Uuuummm, just joking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

It's a great fix Paul and not surprised by the "marvelous" results. One lubricant one may try is Boeshield t-9 that I use on the plane and have been really happy with how long it stays on. It has a water resistant property. Since the cables run under the body the moisture is a concern. I will try it on my 348 and report back.

 

Haha, you got me.