3200 GT Manual gear problem

R

RKCC

New Member
Messages
39
Evening All,

A long time lurker and first time poster, I'm now having a few issues with my Maserati 3200 GT(M).

This issue has been intermittent. The last time it happened was some months ago but I've just noticed it again today.

A friend had used my car and brought it back today, when I got in it to go and park it up I noticed that every time I selected reverse the gear would grind (sounded almost like a shot mixed with gear crunching) and the gear knob vibrates while it does this. Once it's in gear it's fine but just selecting it can be tricky.

The second issue is that first gear can be a bit difficult to select and while putting it into gear the car creeps forward a little (enough to notice it but by no means significantly). I should emphasise that this happens while selecting 1st gear with the clutch fully pressed. Once in gear it functions as it should.

Points to note:
(1) new clutch fitted some 7,000 miles ago
(2) it was incredibly hot when it did this and it had just covered 30 miles
(3) all other gears are completely fine
(4) gearbox oil may be quite old (does anybody know how I can replace it - instructions would be handy along with the oil grade)

Any suggestions welcomed - I've spent quite a bit of money on her this year and this bit just ruins the experience.
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,843
It's probably not much help, but it sounds like any number of Alfa gearboxes I've onwed (116 Giulietta, 75, Sud Sprint, 147, 146 and to a lesser extent 156 and GT)
The answer was 'They all do that sir' and so they did....
I suspect it's something to do with the angle of the selector mechanism with relation to the driver, although I could be completely wrong.

Anyway hope you're having a great Saturday :)

C
 
B

beau

Member
Messages
1,391
it sounds like the clutch isnt fully engaging, mine does this sometimes when its hot and been in traffic etc, pump the clutch pedal once or twice and then its fine.

i changed my gearbox oil, its rather simple really, 2 plugs, ones a drain and ones a fill plug, you re-fill until you cant fit no more in (drips out), i used bmw lifetime manual transmisson fluid in mine.. others use 80w gear oil while some use auto transmission fluid.
 
Last edited:
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,175
A big welcome to the forum RKCC.....I sure you will get the answers on here from someone.
 
ledlights

ledlights

Junior Member
Messages
189
It sounds like the actuator arm hasn't been adjusted correctly and the clutch is still dragging when fully depressed. There's a specific length that Maserati recommends in the service manual - I'll dig it out for you when I have a moment. This would be exacerbated by the hot weather because the clutch is a pull design.

Another thought is that the hydraulic cluch needs bleeding but I would have thought this would happen over a much wider temperature range.

Steve
 
Last edited:
alfatwo

alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
Sounds to me like an hydraulic problem,like Steve says maybe the system needs bleeding
Failing that it could be the master or slave cylinder leaking,check for any weeping of brake fluid.I'tl give you a clue

Dave
 
R

RKCC

New Member
Messages
39
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I'll have a better read of them shortly but to aid discussion I have now uploaded a video to YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaizdG_56M8


Catman, sounds interesting (is the Maserati gearbox shared with any Alfas?)
Beau, I think I'll change the oil anyway as it costs very little. Any preference for oil? I've used Shell Racing 75W90 on a few of my other cars but not sure how this would work in the Maserati.
Andy, it's such an annoying issue, I really want to get to the bottom of it (not that I have tried since)
Steve & Dave, that sounds interesting - I'll look into it.
 
K

Kkof

New Member
Messages
3
Well,i have the same problem with my 99 model, when hot no way to engage reverse or first, if so, i switch off the engine , engage rear and start engine again... Works fine ...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.