Tough getting into 2nd gear

Balky synchronizer tripping over the blocker ring, most likely. If the trans fluid hasn't been changed in a while, now's the time it seems.

If that doesn't result in much improvement after a few miles of driving...then I'd look at other (more difficult/expensive) options.

 

I've heard a change of transmission fluid to Redline 75w90NS might make shifting easier.

 

- Fresh Redline 75-90NS or MTL per Rifledriver's rec.
- Properly adjusted and lubricated shift cables
- Properly greased shifter/trans selectors

 

Come to next Stoogapoluza and learn how to fix it. Can't wait get the car to Plugzit and he will fix it. Show up at chuckwalla Stooge trackday and get it fixed 11/13/16 and drive your car as Enzo intended. So many options!

 

This is what I did and I found a 100% improvement.

 

In life we have 3 guarantees;

1) Death
2) taxes
3) difficulty shifting into 2nd gear in a Ferrari

 

I agree with replacing the trans fluid with the Redline shockproof gear oil. Made a big improvement in my car. JGW

 

Note to the OP: while several owners here have reported smooth (or smoother) shifting by switching to Redline Shockproof oil, Redline specifically recommends against using it in applications where an oil pump is involved, and our gearboxes do have an oil pump.

Redline's online application guide does cover the 348 in case you want to see what fills they recommend for your car: www.redlineoil.com/application.aspx

 

This is a common issue. "smg2" did the best explanation (with photo) I'e ever seen that explains the whole thing, as well as what you need to do to fix for good.

View this thread for a ton of great info.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/533459-true-fake-about-3x8-series-legends-just-legends-4.html

 

All Credit (and photo) goes to SMG2.

For me, I've switched to redline and skip 2nd gear for 5-10 minutes since I need to warm up the car anyways...so never a huge issue for me.
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Paul, sorry to say but the 308/328 gearboxes are completely different animals than what's in your Mondial t and the 348.
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Randy, while I know that the last 30k invoice doesn't specify what type of oil was used Bill prefers the Redline. Did you ask him exactly which type he used? Wouldn't want to use the same again if that's the problem.

 

Hi Randy, yes, we breezed through the 'cane without issues, thanks.

Here's Pap's thread on the 348 gearbox oil change, good stuff!

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q/101885-pap348-gearbox-oil-change.html

Still, I'd check with Bill. There are lots of "variables" regarding oils for Ferraris. What works for one may not be the same as for another (hence the debates). So if you use the exact same that's already in there then you may just replicate the issue.

 

Thanks Wade for the info - awesome diagrams.

I just assumed the same 1st-2nd hesitation was caused by the same oil compression into the machined recess in the side casting, I am by no means an expert - so I'm sure somebody else can chime in here.
The relief hole fix for the 1st-2nd gear hesitation may not apply to the 348/Mondial t.

I attached the original article in Prancing Horse if anybody wants to read it.

Cheers
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I dont know if these holes in 348 shiftrod bores are to prevent oil lock, but it does seem so.
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Be careful there. Redline has dropped the recommendation of using the Shockproof gear oils in the 348 & 355 due to "flow issues". The 355 in particular with the oil heat exchanger. I quit using it last season as it seemed to be awful notchy and worse cold.

From Redline's site:

The 75/90NS is the ticket and what they recommend and is better in my 355. Perhaps an improvement in the 348 as well.

 

You will need about 4 and a half bottles of the Redline (they are 946ml bottles)

 

Great point, and a reason to determine what's in the car already.

Another example, the exact same car, shifted perfectly in Florida for a few hundred miles after its 30k service and, a few hundred miles later while in CA, second gear is now "difficult". Same car by VIN.

 

When I first got my 348 I couldn't use 2nd when cold but even when warm it could be problematic which really spoiled the driving experience to the point where i would try and miss out 2nd if I could.

After reading around the forums etc I came across the redline superlight superlight shockproof (I tried the NS before with no joy) and it really improved the shifting so there was no difference between when it was cold and warmed up.

This is what I did:

Transmission/Gearbox Oil Change using Redline Superlight Shockproof Oil

Anyway still not good as I liked so again after reading around I decided to clean and relubricate the shift cables which vastly improved the feel and pretty much got rid of the 2nd problem shifting. see below:

348 DIY "Restoration" - Page 149

Finally, and by "chance" my slave cylinder housing "Burst" so had to be replaced along with a full change of brake/clutch fluid.

Clutch Slave Cylinder Release/Throwout Bearing Replacement incl. Triple Seals

Now the car shifts perfectly from cold just like an ordinary car - even if it hasn't been driven for weeks