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Can't get into neutral to start

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by arkferrari, May 7, 2016.

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  1. arkferrari

    arkferrari Karting
    BANNED

    Feb 9, 2004
    211
    Hot Springs, AR
    Full Name:
    B.F. Mitchell
    #1 arkferrari, May 7, 2016
    I had not started my 99 355F1 spyder in over one month; battery remained fully charged with trickle charger. When ignition key was turned to "ON", clutch pump ran forever (15 seconds). When both paddles were pulled....Nothing! Transmission remained in 1st gear as it has been since last parked. Tried proper key sequence several times .....same result. Checked clutch fluid reservoir; dry! Added trans fluid to "MIN" on stick. Pump ran very briefly (1-2 secs). Pulled both paddles; still no action. Transmission remains in 1st. Bled air out of solenoid; problem remains. Help/suggestions please?
     
  2. NoSpeedLimit

    NoSpeedLimit Karting

    Sep 6, 2013
    185
    #2 NoSpeedLimit, May 7, 2016
    If the F1 system has no leakage the only part which can accumulate the oil is the pressure accumulator. I would guess that the membrane ruptured and the oil gets into the other chamber. You will need a new one. Don't allow the pump to run, since in case it runs dry that could be very expensive repair.
     
  3. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    Nov 23, 2012
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    Dave Lelonek
    #3 Dave rocks, May 7, 2016
    I assume you did wait until the pump light stopped flashing? When you pull the handles to request N, what do you hear? Anything?

    Try selecting another gear (obviously with the motor off)
     
  4. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #4 ///Mike, May 7, 2016
    Not familiar with the F1 mechanism, but don't they use a standard clutch master/slave arrangement that is operated by the F1 hydraulic actuator instead of your left leg? If so, it sounds like you might have a bad clutch master and/or slave cylinder. Any fluid under the pumpkin?
     
  5. Skippr1999

    Skippr1999 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 22, 2009
    4,490
    #5 Skippr1999, May 7, 2016
    +1
    I had to learn this the hard way. While panicking.....
     
  6. scowman

    scowman F1 Rookie

    Mar 25, 2014
    2,550
    Scottsdale AZ
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    Stu Boogie
    #6 scowman, May 7, 2016
    So push the clutch in:).
     
  7. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
    BANNED Professional Ferrari Technician

    Apr 26, 2006
    3,664
    New England
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    David Feinberg
    #7 fastradio, May 8, 2016
    Time to find someone with an SD-2 and have the system diagnosed and properly bled. Internal or external loss of fluid is never a good thing.
     
  8. arkferrari

    arkferrari Karting
    BANNED

    Feb 9, 2004
    211
    Hot Springs, AR
    Full Name:
    B.F. Mitchell
    #8 arkferrari, May 8, 2016
    Placed new Dexron lll in reservoir to "MIN" line on stick. Let sit overnight. Check level next morning and reservoir was almost overflowing when I removed the cap! Suctioned out excess with bulb syringe to correct level. Tried key (with crossed fingers) and after 10 or so seconds of the normal adjusting sounds, pulled both paddles and NEUTRAL showed up! Turned ignition key to START and the engine started playing that beautiful song she is so well known for. Was able to upshift to all gears but did not attempt to drive out of garage. Checked several FerrariChat threads concerning compatible fluids with the factory Donax TX; was convinced that the fluid I added was O.K. Will take her out for a short test drive to see if any problems/lights arise. Will respond if any do. If no response is made, I thank all of you who helped.
     
  9. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    Nov 23, 2012
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    Dave Lelonek
    #9 Dave rocks, May 8, 2016
    I hate to be the guy delivering bad news but it seems pretty clear you have a leak in the system as the fluid did not evaporate. It's doubtful that you fixed anything. I'd start looking for leaks.
     
  10. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    36,890
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #10 Rifledriver, May 9, 2016
    Quite so.

    The single biggest reason F1 systems have received the reputation they have for causing trouble and reliability issues is because problems and indicators of problems are ignored if the car can still be driven.
     
  11. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
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    Feb 18, 2008
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    Grant
    #11 taz355, May 11, 2016
    +1 as usual
     

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