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Merak SS Transmission issues

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by Merak SS Tom, Sep 18, 2011.

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  1. Merak SS Tom

    Merak SS Tom Rookie

    Sep 5, 2011
    4
    Lynchburg, Va
    Full Name:
    Tom Kent
    #1 Merak SS Tom, Sep 18, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2011
    I have a '78 Merak that sometimes sticks when going into reverse and locks out all of the other gears until you pop open the shift linkage cover and manually free up first gear. The guy I bought the car from said you just need to hold the gear shift back when you reverse (I have never experienced it pop out of gear. Is the a excessive endplay and/or a worn thrust washer?). Another issue comes up when you shift quickly during acceleration into 2nd and sometimes 3rd gear. The gears can grid unless you perform a "slow shift". During slow calculated shifts, both of these problems don't appear to surface. Are these common problems with the Merak or unique? And is there a solution to the problem? Clutch slave issue?
    I love this car, I am just a little green when it comes to troubleshooting this type of car.
    Thanks for any advice,
    A New Merak Owner
     
  2. gcmerak

    gcmerak Formula 3

    Mar 17, 2008
    1,663
    Engine Bay, Georgia
    Full Name:
    George C.
    #2 gcmerak, Sep 18, 2011
    Hi Tom,

    Congratulation on your purchase. The Citroen gearbox is stout, however there are several things to be aware of.

    Make sure you use 3 liters of a GL-4 rated gear oil. I use Redline MT 85.

    http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=140&pcid=7

    This should clear up any rough shifting, then again, if the PO abused it, you will have another issue. Make sure you use a copper crush washers or both of the drain bolts will leak leaving nice puddles of oil on the garage floor.

    When shifting into reverse, the shift lever needs to be pulled up prior to engaging the gear. Then release the upward pull and it should be fully seated in gear[safety feature].

    Ciao,
    George
     
  3. gcmerak

    gcmerak Formula 3

    Mar 17, 2008
    1,663
    Engine Bay, Georgia
    Full Name:
    George C.
    #3 gcmerak, Sep 20, 2011
    Hi Tom,

    Do you have your ears on?

    10-4 Come on! :D

    Ciao,
    George
     
  4. Merak SS Tom

    Merak SS Tom Rookie

    Sep 5, 2011
    4
    Lynchburg, Va
    Full Name:
    Tom Kent
    #4 Merak SS Tom, Sep 21, 2011
    Whoops. Sorry for the delay. Thanks George. I have been more careful with the up and over reverse gear shift in the last couple of weeks. It is quite a bit more of a radical reverse movement than any other manual I have driven. I have been able to avoid the lock up it the last 4 drives and I will monitor it. I had the transmission oil drained a month ago along with some other service by a guy that used to work on Maseratis and Ferarris. I will ask what he used.
    Thanks again,
    Tom
     

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