Gentlemen I have just bought a 456 GT 1994 with only 22000 KM (14000 miles) on the taco. The first 10 km I drive when cold started, it is very difficult to get it in the second gear. Is it normal? What can be done to make the gearshift easier? I appreciate if could also inform me how much does your dealer charge you for Cam belt change. Mine wants to have 5000 Swiss Francs (I live in Switzerland) around 4000 USD. For a complete service with oil change and cam belt and ignition cables change he want 8,000 Swiss Francs. What is you opinion?
Yes I agree with you it is Chees money but we do not give money away that easy, you know it is Swiss menthality.
Second gear can be a little reticent when the car is cold - completly normal - but you don't need it away because of the torque is should loosen up once the gearbox warms up. I would also include changing the radiator hoses, unless you have some history that those were done recently. Congrats of the car, the 456 a great driver and grossly underestimated - hence the cheap purchase price. Servicing is cheaper than the like years V8s, so 8000 SF is reasonable for the V12.
2nd gear is always trouble on cold times: skip to 3rd. IF you search this site, you will see this is about true for all F-sticks since mid 70's. the price you quote is about normal from a dealer. but the 8K to include the rest is too high! should be more around 5k max IMO
Like the other guys suggest, 2nd gear is stubborn to engage when cold, however, if you do the "doppietta" it goes in fairly easy. That is, for non Italians, you disengage 1st, pause the shifter in neutral for a second or less, while revving up the engine a bit and releasing the clutch, then depress the clutch and engage 2nd while the revs are decreasing. It should go in without too much trouble.
HRS your service prices sound very high. UK main dealer cam belt service is around £2,500, this is for cambelts, major service including oil, plugs, filters, not the ignition leads though, are they faulty in some way? there is an extra charge of around £700 for valve clearances if they need doing An independant specialist will charge £800 for cambelts £1,900 for cambelts and major service £600 for vave clearances
Like the others have said, second gear is difficult to engage when the transmission is cold. Just shift from first to third until the transmission warms up. The car has so much torque that the engine will not complain from a first gear to a third gear change. Also, $5,000.00 is about right for a major service including belts.
Change the gear oil and also have a look at the hydrolic fluid in the clutch master, also I have heard of people using the GM Synthitc Syncromesh Gear box oil that is used in the Z06. but have a look at them.
