Transmission goes to 3rd, not 1st on 308 | FerrariChat
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Transmission goes to 3rd, not 1st on 308

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by morganza, Feb 7, 2009.

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  1. morganza

    morganza Rookie

    Feb 7, 2009
    3
    Baton Rouge
    #1 morganza, Feb 7, 2009
    As a first post here, I have a 308GTB shifter question. My sister-in-law inherited a '79 308, which is in pretty good condition, but has a few obvious shortcomings that need attention. She knows absolutely nothing about cars and since I have a BMW that I took to the track ONCE for an HPDE event, she thinks I'm some sort of expert and has asked me to drive the car for her from time to time, until she can figure out what to do with it. I didn't confirm or deny her opinion of my abilities, but I did agree to drive the car. After a short while, it occurred to me that in about 1/3 of the starts, I was actually starting out in 3rd gear, even though the shifter was clearly in the 1st gear shift gate. After reading some other shift linkage related posts here, it seems that some minor adjustments will probably fix this problem. I'm wondering now if anyone has any suggestions as to how to avoid this condition until she can line up a mechanic to deal with it. The only thing I can think of is to start off in second gear, which would be less abusive on the clutch than third. I'd rather figure out some way to make sure it was going into first, though. We put the car away before I could fool with it anymore, but I'm thinking maybe downshifting from second into first would maybe force it to actually go into first instead of third.

    Any ideas or comments would be appreciated.
     
  2. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #2 Verell, Feb 7, 2009
    Unfortunately, there's no 'work-around' such as going from 2nd to 1st, the problem has got to be fixed.
    A significant symptom is that sometimes you get 1st & sometimes 3rd. My suspicion is that the rubber inside the shift bushing(aka silentbloc) is badly deterioriated, resulting in a lot of play in the linkage. It's even possible that replacing the shift bushing will eliminate the problem.
     
  3. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
    Livonia, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Fred Flynn
    #3 FF8929, Feb 7, 2009
    Do a search for "shifter adjustment". It will provide you with instructions on how to adjust the linkage. If that doesn't help, then Verell may well be right. What Verell left out of his post, is that he sells a very good kit to replace those bushings. I've used his kit and it works well.
     
  4. morganza

    morganza Rookie

    Feb 7, 2009
    3
    Baton Rouge
    #4 morganza, Feb 8, 2009
    Well, Verell must know what he's talking about here. That's all good info. I think I'll step up my search for someone to take care of all of this. I don't really have the time or place to deal with it myself, or I'd consider doing that. I'll search for the instructions and may reconsider, though.

    I'm also thinking that the owner, my sister-in-law, may want to consider selling it "as is" instead of fixing it up first, since she may be looking at some large repair bills for things that could be easily done by a "Ferrari enthusiast" owner for a lot less. The engine is running rough and there are some other issues also.

    Thanks to both of you for the info. You've been a big help.
     
  5. gilligan308

    gilligan308 Karting

    Dec 8, 2008
    141
    S.W.Florida
    Full Name:
    Brian
    #5 gilligan308, Feb 8, 2009
    The shifter adjustment is simple. Raise the car up on a lift or 4 jack stands and look at the center of the car just at the front of the engine .You will find a turn buckle adjuster and it probably is loose or twisted into 3rd gear position. Put the shifter in the neutral position in the gate. Go under the car and loosen the adjuster nut on the transmission end and twist the shift shaft so that the yoke is flat level. This should be neutral . This car uses a single shift shaft like a VW instead of multi shafts of other brands. Good luck it will only take a few minutes to complete.
     
  6. morganza

    morganza Rookie

    Feb 7, 2009
    3
    Baton Rouge
    #6 morganza, Feb 8, 2009
    Thanks, I'll definitely smoke it over next time I get to it. I just hope she didn't ditch the jack stands!
     
  7. Drew Altemara

    Drew Altemara Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2002
    1,537
    Tuscaloosa, AL
    Full Name:
    Drew Altemara
    #7 Drew Altemara, Feb 8, 2009
    A lot of times it is the shifter adjustment. I had this happen on a 308 and Boxer. However be very careful you do not lose your location in the transmission box. A little adjustment goes a long way. May want to put the car in 2nd and then bias the adjustment clockwise as you face the transmission. Then trial and error until it is spot on.
     
  8. mwr4440

    mwr4440 Five Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 8, 2007
    58,023
    Bavaria, The 'Other' Germany
    Full Name:
    Mark W.R.
    #8 mwr4440, Feb 9, 2009
    There is quite a bit more than what has been posted here about readjusting the shift linkage BUT it is not hard.

    Read all the shift shaft seal links and you will get the best read on the situation (assuming nothing is broken).

    Again, lots of things to look out for BUT certainly not hard as you try to effect this fix (my guess is a combination of two posts above). Even if you COMPLETELY screw it up as I did, it cost only about $150 and a few hours of your time to fix it. Ferrari will charge about 6 times that.

    Good Luck!!!!
     

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