No more 3rd gear crunch

For the last several years, when I would go from 2nd to 3rd I would occasionally have 3rd gear slightly grind or hard to get it into . I was running lightweight Redline shockproof gear oil. I switched to superlight weight Redline shockproof and the grind is gone and the gear shifts are very smooth hot or cold. Made a huge difference.

 

I'm running the Redline 75W90NS in my car and I also get that 3rd gear crunch on occasion. Is the super light weight something different?

 

Yes.

Red Line Synthetic Oil - ShockProof® Gear Oils

I use Smurf Blood (Lightweight ShockProof). Super light weight might be a consideration as temps drop.

 

Thanks. I think I'll try it next spring when I do my fluids.

 

Same thing here. I would think it is improved 1st to 2nd but the 3rd gear is still occasionally crunchy. Also downshifts, while no crunch are stiff, especially 3rd to 2nd. You can almost hear the synchro clutches slow down.

BTW, like the nick. Is it for the Tatra mountains (between Poland and Slovakia) or the car mfg?

 

Thank you for this. On the to-do list this fall.

 

Just remember that Redline specifically recommends against using any of the Shockproof oils in cars with transmission pumps or filters, which the 348 does have. From the Redline site: Avoid use with pumps, coolers, and filters as unique medium and affinity for metal can cause clogging

I know Shockproof is popular on this site, but it's not going into my transaxle. If Redline's recommended NS doesn't work there are tons of other suitable options. The best driving/shifting 348 I've ever experienced had Amsoil in its gearbox.

 

I have Motul 300 LS 75w90 in my 348 now. A lot smoother, especially going into 2nd. Still need to let the fluid warm up though.

 

I am soon going to replace my existing gearbox oil (whatever it is) with the same Motul.

I use Motul in my race car transmission (a dog-leg Getrarg 265) and it performs extremely well, cold or hot. Tried Redline once (the best one, can't remember the actual name) and it was out immediately, after a few kilometres of test drive. The shifts were all hard, notchy and crunchy.

 

Remember, this oil is not just for the transmission. Its also for the limited slip differential. If that is to work properly, I've been advised by a very experienced tech to not use anything other than the type that Ferrari recommends. He said its that way for a reason.

 

Hmmm........You need to realise that Ferrari get paid a lot of money by big corporations to recommend certain products, often at the expense of superior products from other companies.

It's no bad thing to follow Ferraris recommendations, but don't assume that because Ferrari recommend something, that automatically makes it the best there is for the job!

 

I said "type" oil, not the specific oil brand they recommend. Any of the quality oils that meet the specification Ferrari established for the 355's transaxle should be just fine. But varying from the specified type to a much different and likely thinner oil may not serve the limited slip function as Ferrari intended. The oil here has a dual purpose and they are not the same. What may work great for one is not necessarily correct for the other. That's all I'm saying and what my tech said.

 

If I quick down shift from 5 to 4th i get a loud crunch, fricken hate it. If i do it gradually, no crunch? Thoughts?

 

My apologies - I'm not looking for a fight on this, it was just that your post read to Me as though you were saying to only use the exact oils specified by Ferrari.

I would say though that Ferraris original oil recommendations for the 355 were made 15 ~ 20 years ago and since that time, oil technology has moved on, both for engine oils and transmission oils.

I would always recommend any owner seeks proper guidance when it comes to replacing oils, and agree that the safest bet is to stick with Ferraris recommended "type" of oil, just be aware that 15~20 years on, it may not be the ultimate oil to use any more.