gear box oil

I opted for Redline 75w 90 NS as per Bradan's and many others recommendations.

 

I also put Redline75w90NS in my 348. Huge improvement in shifting and can now go into 2nd. gear when cold. Also, check on EBay. I bought a case (12 qts.) for $100.00.

Brewman

 

Yes they are different, sadly I forget the specifics at the moment. A lot of 308 guys including myself when i had it ran a cocktail of the two. I changed mine when I first git the 348 and went with MTL as per shop owners here (fchat) recommendations.

 

I'm changing mine again tomorrow and going back in with the Royal Purple

Here's a whole thread to the various ones I tested when I replaced it a few years ago.

My particular car didn't like the Redline.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/369852-gonna-call-one-my-gear-oil-experiment-348-a.html

 

I've used Royal Purple in my last 2 changes and its been working well for me.

 

Peter, when I first got my 348 the shifting was awful - particularly when cold I had to skip 2nd gear but even after warming up I would always have my heart in my mouth when about to change gear as I was never sure whether it was going to go in.

Changing to the yellow superlight should make your gear shifting act like the gearbox is aleady warm

Also, if you still have random stickiness even when warm I'd strongly suggest lubing your shifter cables.

Also, slight improvements can be had by undoing the 2 bolts on the shifter gate and altering the position slightly and if there is a sponge underneath remove it and repkace with the rubber bellows.

One other thing that is often overlooked is to try replacing the brake/clutch fluid (they are shared) to remove any "play" down to bad fluid. Also, if you have any wetness on the little perforated grill on the bottom of the clutch housing you may have a dodgy slave bearing housing or triple seals.

see link below for a few pics

Clutch-Gearbox

 

Jeff,

Good additions! I adjusted my bolts too.

How'd you lube the shifter cables?

David

 

Wish I knew what was in my car when I bought it. What ever it was worked perfect. Had all the the fluids changed and used the Redline 70w 90NS. That worked pretty good but not perfect. Tried again with the shock proof and that was almost perfect. Had all my fluids changed again the beginning of this year and didn't specify what type of gearbox oil to use. I can tell you whatever is in there now is by far the worst and is coming out as soon as I can make time to get it done. Gear shifts sound like an old Willies Jeep from an episode of Mash.

 

Took a load of pics when I did mine:

348 DIY "Restoration" - Page 149

Also, pnicolsan has done a very good video in youtube too

 

When I switched to 75W90NS, I noticed a major improvement.

 

You wont find the superlight recomended by a website - you have to ignore that. I bought mine from opie oils (in the UK) - their product code is SKU: 00001258 and when you get t it should be yellow.

You need 5 bottles . Looks like its abouy £111 delivered (I paid £87 about a year ago so may be worth giving then a ring but dont let them persuade you to buy the "reccomended" one which I did and ended up changing it for the superlight)

RED LINE SuperLight ShockProof? Gear Oil 70w-75

 

When I read Redline recommendation her in Sweden (think all Europe) it says:

50/50 75W90 and 75W90 NS or 75W90 NS with 2.5% friction modifier.

 

Ive been using the Redline Superlight Shockproof in my 348 for the last 6 years, and I never have issues with 2nd gear... cold, warm, hot... same shift. I use 4 quarts and a bottle of the friction Modifier, which fills my gearbox to perfect full.

 

I changed mine last fall at the end of driving season (1st change under my ownership) to 75W90 Superlight Shockproof and didn't feel any difference, however I don't know what was in it before. It still basically requires double-clutching into 2nd when cold.

I didn't put the friction mod in though, and I haven't put many miles on since the change. I'll try the friction mod too and see if that helps.