2nd Gear Synchro

Dan - skipping 2nd is the most efficient solution. However, the newer gear oils, specifically one used by the Ferrari service shops, has a reverse heat-viscosity characterisitc such that it is less viscous when cold and more viscous when warm. I apologize but I do not know the brand names of the various products, but I am sure the brain trust on this Chat will rise to the occasion.

I have used the product now in my Dino and it does significantly help.

Jim S.

 

Flip it out of first and then feel it into second. Practice until you can match the revs, then she should be OK.

 

Redline 75W90NS

 

I wrote about my fixes in the May 8, 2005 Saga.
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70700&highlight=050814
Still OK after Engine and transmission all apart and back together. Regular Valvoline gear oil is fine after trying special oil for a week and not liking feel. My car is now at 190,000 miles.

A lot of the problem is probably wear in the universal joint and pin coupling in the shift linkage. Hard to get in there and lube things but worth pulling the access plates occasionally to look at throttle, shift and brake linkage. Opening the casting and gate compensates. Let us know what you find and what you do.

John

 

Agree completely with the above- it has always worked in my car.

 

One of the most alluring features of the Dino is that the driver must "learn" the feel of the car. The driver is an integral component in operating the Dino, this is an excellent example.

 

In general you should warm up the car for a few minutes or drive it with feeling for the first couple of miles. Same as some other Italian cars (Alfa)of the period. Must have gone to the same font for water

 

Is there another oil brand I can try if I can't find Redline75W90NS?

 

I'm running Swepco 201 in my Euro Dino on advice of a vintage racer and it performs very well.

 

Swepco is recommended by lots of Porsche guys. Hadn't thought about it in some time.

Just ordered some, ($37 a gallon) gonna pop it in the gearbox this service cycle, see if it keeps my newly rebuilt box running well.

FYI, even with new synchros and sleeves, my 2nd gear can be a little touchy when the car is cold. It works, but you need to show some care when slipping it into gear.

I may try John C's suggestion as well.

DM

 

You've pointed out one of the downfalls of synthetic, the limited slip modifiers in them can interfere with the synchros engaging. Hence the Redline choice of 75W90NS where the NS means it does not have the limited slip modifiers.

 

We use redline in some of our large presses at work as gear oil precisely because it doesn't have a ton of additives.

DM

 

SWEPCO!!!

In the car.

Mechanic noticed the improvement.

Drove it home.

Much improved. Highly recommended. Nothing else is going in my Dino, ever. And, the mechanic is ordering it, too.

DM

 

I tried several slick synthetic gear oils and had trouble grinding going into second with my Dino. I changed to Redline NS and now it shifts perfectly.

 

That's not an uncommon complaint. Synchros depend on a certain amount of friction to do their job. Take it away with too "slick" a lubricant and they stop working.