328 - Problem downshifting 5th to 4th | FerrariChat
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328 - Problem downshifting 5th to 4th

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Gatorrari, Jun 8, 2016.

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  1. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
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    Feb 27, 2004
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    Jim Pernikoff
    #1 Gatorrari, Jun 8, 2016
    A peculiar problem began happening with my '86 328 this weekend. Occasionally, when downshifting from 5th to 4th, the gear lever would go into the slot in the gate, but would not engage the gear, and I found myself in neutral. It did this without strange noises or other drama, but did feel a bit different.

    I would pull the lever back to neutral and push it back into the slot, and this time it would engage the gear normally. It did this about 4 more times the rest of the day, which I estimate was about 10-15% of all the downshifts. Each time it engaged 4th gear on the second try. And it only did this on downshifting, never on upshifting, which was no problem.

    I called my mechanic and he thinks it could be anything from something loose needing tightening up (a small job) to a transmission rebuild or replacement (a very big job), but he won't know until he can look at the car.

    Otherwise, the tranny and the clutch felt fine. Has anyone else experienced something like this? And does anyone knowledgeable have a guess as to what this is?
     
  2. Mantinger

    Mantinger Karting

    Jul 30, 2004
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    Netherlands, Drenthe
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    H
    #2 Mantinger, Jun 9, 2016
    I think something is loose inside, or shifted.
    If something is broken you can't shift back to 4th at all.
    Sometimes things shift during heavy loads by pulling very hard on the gear lever.
    Also play in the linkage is a possibility.
     
  3. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    Aug 28, 2005
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    Gordon
    #3 GordonC, Jun 9, 2016
    Very unlikely to require a gearbox rebuild; worst case scenario would be a requirement to check shift fork alignment and adjust, requiring dropping the transmission pan.

    Most likely, one or both of the shift shaft bushings are worn and getting sloppy, allowing play - there are two, one immediately after the shifter, and one connecting the shifter rod to the shift shaft entering the oil pan.

    On a Ferrari parts diagram such as available at Ricambi, look up 328 Table 29, Outside Gearbox Controls - on the diagram, there are two of location 28 Silentblok part number 106814 (superseded by part number 139555 BUSHING). Verrell at Unobtainium Supply sells a quality Delrin replacement for a fraction of the Ferrari part price.
     
  4. 335s

    335s Formula Junior

    Jan 17, 2007
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    T. Monma
    #4 335s, Jun 24, 2016
    basic selector shaft fork alignment problem...must be done with chassis loaded on all 4 wheels
    there is a tool for this...
    its a simple but tedious job
    forget the overhaul-ive never seen one needing an OH based on these problems in the 35 years these boxes been used
    shaft same since 1974, essentially
     
  5. Rosso328

    Rosso328 F1 Veteran
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    #5 Rosso328, Jun 24, 2016
    Had a similar issue with my 328 a few years ago. A straightforward alignment issue with the linkage. The boys at Ferrari Central Florida took care of it while I window shopped, espresso in hand. :)
     
  6. versamil

    versamil Formula 3
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    Brian Healy
    #6 versamil, Jun 26, 2016
    I had a similar problem with my 328GTB, where occasionally going from 4th to fifth it would go into neutral. Problem USUALLY occurred under acceleration. Finally forced to look at it when the shifter actually got stuck in a position where it wouldn't even move anymore.

    Simple problem where the shifter needed to be adjusted to get the shifter oriented. Did require
    dropping the pan. With someone in the car,able to move the lever while you're under the car, the problem will be self evident. My problem wasn't from wear, as the car only had 12,000 miles on it. Can't say the rubber bushings were bad either. Adjusted it and it's been fine for a year. Maybe was adjusted once before, and they didn't quite get it right. NOT a big deal.
     
  7. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
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    Jim Pernikoff
    #7 Gatorrari, Jul 18, 2016
    Well, the problem may be nothing to do with the gearbox itself; the problem seems to have been primarily caused by a rather worn gearshift lever compounded by loose shift gate screws.

    Tightening the screws has largely made the problem go away, but I hadn't realized how worn the shift lever itself was. At the level where it passes through the gate, there are gouges on each side that obviously allow the lever to be pushed much further to the right or left than intended. That's the result of 30 years (and nearly 100,000 miles) of gear shifting. (I was told that 348 and 355 levers tended to be flimsier and were known to snap off when worn like that!)

    So now I will look for a replacement lever, either new or used. I notice that the original 328 part number has been superseded by a number originally intended for the F40!
     
  8. rugby

    rugby Formula Junior

    Apr 10, 2015
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    #8 rugby, Jul 18, 2016
    My 360 Modena shares some parts with the Enzo. Anytime I see a part description in a catalog that says "fits the 360 and the Enzo" it makes me feel very special. :)
     
  9. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
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    Jim Pernikoff
    #9 Gatorrari, Jul 18, 2016
    Well, I know that a lot of the gauges and controls in the 328 were taken from the (288) GTO, and of course the GTO was derived from the 308 and the F40 from the GTO, so I guess there should be no surprise that they all might share some parts. But I have ridden in an F40, and I'm still amazed that it has a better air conditioner than the 328!
     
  10. FrankCo

    FrankCo Rookie

    Jul 19, 2016
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    #10 FrankCo, Jul 21, 2016
    Have you checked the gearbox?
     

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